About EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. EMDR therapy is an empirically validated treatment used by clinicians who adhere to a well-established methodology and can be used to address a wide range of challenges.

EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions. EMDR therapy, rather than focusing on changing the emotions, thoughts, or behaviors resulting from the distressing issue, allows the brain to resume its natural healing process.

EMDR therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. For many clients, EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies and EMDR therapy can help children, youth, and adults of all ages.

In the late 1980s, Francine Shapiro discovered a connection between eye movement and persistent upsetting memories. With this personal insight, she began what became a lifelong study and development of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. There are eight phases to EMDR therapy: initial history discovery and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, closure, and then re-evaluation.

Helen completed the basic training which involved over 140 hours of learning and supervised practice in February 2022. She plans to participate in advanced level training and eventually pursue certification as an EMDR therapist.

Links

Brain Therapy and PTSD with Jim Knipe PhD: 2015 IDA Brain IDEAS Symposium - Click here for more information

EMDR Canada - Click here for more information

EMDR Therapy with Robert Tinker PhD - 2016 Brain IDEAS Symposium - Click here for more information

EMDRIA - Click here for more information

Iain McGilchrist 'The Divided Brain' Interview by Iain McNay - Click here for more information

Intergenerational Trauma Animation - Click here for more information

Introduction to EMDR - Click here for more information

Introduction to EMDR Therapy - Click here for more information

How EMDR works? Animation - Click here for more information

Overview of EMDR by Francine Shapiro - Part 1

Overview of EMDR by Francine Shapiro - Part 2

Overview of EMDR by Francine Shapiro - Part 3

What is EMDR? - Click here for more information

Why does EMDR Work? - Click here for more information

Trauma and the Nervous System: A Polyvagal Perspective - Click here for more information

What is the Polyvagal Theory? - Click here for more information

Information Formatted for Printing

About EMDR - Click here to view

FAQ - Click here to view

Definition of EMDR - Click here to view

Explanation of EMDR - Click here to view

Testimonials From Current & Previous Clients

"A Life's Journey Counselling has been my 'Road to Recovery'. Helen has given me the tools in which to grow and when I stumble, she picks me up and encourages me to laugh and try again! I can't imagine going through life without her support." C.S.

"Helen's mentorship and support is deeply respectful and non-directive. She listens carefully and gently offers insightful questions and ideas to consider, creating a very comfortable and inviting space to creatively express and explore oneself." K.B.

"I highly recommend Helen as a counsellor and Art therapist. I have been seeing Helen regularly since November of 2019. She was always available if I needed help between sessions. I had never tried art therapy, it has helped in every aspect of my life. I was having trouble sleeping and experienced panic attacks at night. I am able to sleep now and rarely have a panic attack. I have been able to get back to enjoying my own art making and creativity. I feel am much more assertive at work and home, and am able to establish healthy boundaries. I am much more relaxed in general. I am able to allow myself time to heal and be more creative. I was experiencing creative blocks prior to seeing Helen, these blocks are also going away. She is such a great person, very easy to talk to, best counsellor I have had period." T.B.