What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Francine Shapiro, who developed the therapy, founded the EMDR Institute. It says the client follows the therapist's moving hand with their eyes while holding parts of a memory in mind.
The 2023 VA/DoD guideline recommends EMDR for PTSD, alongside Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure. It describes them as individual, manualized, trauma-focused psychotherapies.
The EMDR Institute describes eight phases. Phase one is history-taking and phase two is preparation, when you learn ways to manage distress. Memory processing starts in phase three.
That structure makes the therapist's style matter. A First Session intro video lets you hear how someone would explain those early phases before you book.
What to know about EMDR therapy in Langley
Online and in-person
EMDRIA says EMDR should be offered by trained, licensed mental health clinicians and does not support do-it-yourself virtual therapy.
A therapist working with a Langley client must be registered in British Columbia. First Session lists out-of-province therapists who are insured to provide online care in the province.
Credentials in British Columbia
BCACC calls the RCC designation the de facto standard for clinical counsellors in BC. Registered social workers fall under the Social Workers Act, and psychologists have their own college.
From November 29, 2027, the BC government says "psychotherapist" becomes a protected title, licensed by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. "Counsellor" and "counselling therapist" remain unprotected.
Cost and insurance
BCACC's 2026 fee guide recommends $140 to $175 per 50 minutes for individual therapy, depending on experience, and $175 to $225 for specialized services. One Langley office lists $170 for 50 minutes, and a Langley RSW and RCC lists $165.
According to First Session's EMDR guide, private plans usually do not list EMDR as a covered treatment. Coverage depends on the therapist's designation.
Local support in Langley
Fraser Health's Langley Mental Health and Substance Use Centre is at 305-20300 Fraser Highway, open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It accepts self-referral from adults 19 and older at 604-514-7940.
Langley Community Services Society offers family counselling for families with children aged 14 and under.
How to choose an EMDR therapist in Langley
1Ask about preparation
The EMDR Institute says phase two makes sure you have several ways to manage emotional distress during and between sessions. Ask the therapist what those tools look like and how long they spend on them before processing begins.
2Ask about EMDRIA status
EMDRIA Certified Therapists have completed approved basic training and 20 hours of consultation. They also attest to at least 50 EMDR sessions with at least 25 clients. Ask whether the therapist is certified, in training, or trained only.
3Compare designations
Check whether your plan names RCCs, registered social workers or psychologists. Then use the designation shown on each First Session profile to match it.
4Book the free consultation
Use the 15 minutes to ask how you would choose a first target together. The EMDR Institute says client and therapist select targets in phase one. Then ask about fees, session length and online options.
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