Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing
One of the most evidence-based trauma therapies available — EMDR works at the level of the nervous system to help your brain do what it couldn't do on its own: process, integrate, and move on.
"EMDR therapy is strongly recommended for the treatment of PTSD in adults."
— World Health Organization Clinical Guidelines (2013). EMDR is also endorsed by the American Psychological Association, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Health Canada.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that helps people process distressing memories and experiences so they no longer have the same emotional charge. Originally developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987 for trauma, it is now one of the most widely researched psychotherapies in the world.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — usually guided eye movements, tapping, or tones alternating between the left and right sides — to activate the brain's natural information-processing system. This allows difficult memories to be moved from "stuck" trauma memory into normal long-term memory, where they can be stored without triggering a stress response.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe your experience in detail or complete homework between sessions. It works directly with how the brain and body store distressing information — making it effective even when someone struggles to verbalize what they've been through.
EMDR recognizes that the body holds our psychological experiences. It works by processing both the cognitive content of a memory and the physical sensations associated with it — helping to release what's stored not just in the mind, but in the nervous system.
History & Treatment Planning
Your therapist gathers a full picture of your history, identifies target memories, and maps a treatment plan tailored to you.
Preparation & Stabilisation
You learn grounding and resourcing techniques to ensure you can stay regulated during and between sessions.
Assessment
Your therapist identifies the specific image, belief, emotion, and body sensation associated with the target memory.
Desensitisation
Using bilateral stimulation, you process the memory. The emotional charge naturally reduces — often without needing to talk through every detail.
Installation & Body Scan
A positive belief replaces the negative one. Your therapist checks for any remaining tension held in the body.
Closure & Re-evaluation
Each session ends with stabilisation. Subsequent sessions review progress and shift to new targets as healing progresses.
What Can EMDR Help With?
Originally studied for PTSD, EMDR has since been shown effective for a wide range of mental health concerns. Here's what our Edmonton and St. Albert psychologists commonly treat with EMDR:
Trauma & PTSD
Physical, sexual, emotional abuse, accidents, and complex trauma
Anxiety
Generalised anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, and social anxiety
Depression
Including treatment-resistant depression rooted in unprocessed experience
Grief & Loss
Bereavement, complicated grief, and traumatic or sudden loss
Betrayal Trauma
Infidelity, relational deception, gaslighting, and broken trust
Relationship Conflicts
Attachment wounds, communication patterns, and recurring conflicts
Stress & Burnout
Occupational stress, burnout, and chronic overwhelm
Self-Esteem
Negative core beliefs, shame, and difficulty feeling worthy
First Responders & Veterans
Occupational trauma, critical incidents, and duty-related PTSD
Postpartum & Perinatal
Birth trauma, postpartum anxiety and depression, pregnancy loss
Sport & Performance
Performance blocks, competition anxiety, and mental barriers
ADHD & More
Mood disorders, life transitions, ecogrief, motivation, and identity
What to Expect from EMDR at Summit
EMDR looks different depending on the person, the concern, and the therapist. Here's what's generally true of how we approach it at Summit.
A Free Phone Call First
Before committing to a full session, you can book a free phone consultation with any of our EMDR-trained therapists to make sure it's the right fit.
Preparation Before Processing
We never jump straight into trauma processing. Stabilisation comes first — so you always have the tools to feel safe inside and outside of sessions.
Your Pace, Always
EMDR is collaborative. You set the speed. Nothing is accessed without your readiness, and sessions always end with a return to stability.
In-Person or Virtual
EMDR can be delivered effectively online. We offer secure virtual sessions for all Alberta residents alongside our Edmonton and St. Albert offices.
Why EMDR Works
EMDR works differently than most therapies — and for many people, it works faster. Where years of talk therapy may not resolve a traumatic memory, EMDR often produces significant change in a matter of sessions.
This isn't because it's a shortcut. It's because it targets the root of the problem: the way the memory is stored in the brain and nervous system. Rather than building coping strategies around a wound, EMDR helps the wound itself heal.
Research consistently shows EMDR produces lasting results — not just symptom reduction that disappears when therapy ends, but genuine reprocessing that changes how the memory is held in the body and mind.
At Summit, our EMDR-trained therapists bring clinical rigour and genuine care to every session. We hold the standard of evidence-based practice while recognizing that every person's experience is unique.
Summit's EMDR-Trained Therapists
Our team includes nine EMDR-trained psychologists and counsellors across our Edmonton and St. Albert locations. Click on a name to learn more about their approach, or book a free phone consultation to find the right fit.
Jody Cook
Diamond Dunfield
Samantha Baira
Daniella Besirovic
Lyndsay
Josh Fritz
Tara
Sarah
Laura
EMDR Therapy in Edmonton — FAQ
Do I have to talk through every detail of my trauma?
No — and this is one of the most meaningful differences between EMDR and traditional talk therapy. EMDR processes memories without requiring you to narrate them in detail. Many clients find this a significant relief.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Single-incident trauma often resolves in 6–12 sessions. Complex or childhood trauma typically takes longer. Your therapist will give you a realistic sense of the timeline after your initial sessions.
Does EMDR work online?
Yes. EMDR has been validated for online delivery. Our therapists use secure platforms and adapted bilateral stimulation techniques to make virtual EMDR effective for all Alberta residents.
Is EMDR only for PTSD?
No. While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, it is now used effectively for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship trauma, performance concerns, and much more. See our full list above.
What does bilateral stimulation actually feel like?
Most clients describe it as surprisingly gentle. Your therapist may guide your eye movements, use light taps, or provide audio tones. Many people find the bilateral stimulation grounding rather than distressing.
Can I try a session before committing?
Absolutely. All of our therapists offer a free phone consultation before you book a full session — so you can ask questions, get a feel for the approach, and make sure it's the right fit for you.
Ready to Work with an EMDR Specialist?
Your first phone consultation is free — just a conversation about what you're navigating and whether EMDR might be the right approach for you. No commitment required.
We acknowledge that our practice is located in Treaty 6 territory, on the traditional lands of the Cree, Saulteaux, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, and Nakota Sioux Peoples. We recognize that healing and reconciliation is a responsibility shared by all.