What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy for trauma. It works by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories through bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones, while the client holds the memory and its associated feelings and body sensations in awareness.
EMDR is recognized by the World Health Organization, Health Canada, and the American Psychological Association as an effective treatment for PTSD. It is now widely used for childhood trauma, complex PTSD, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, grief, performance anxiety, and more.
What to know about EMDR therapy in Montreal
In-person and online EMDR in Montreal
EMDR can be delivered both in person and online. Online EMDR uses adapted bilateral stimulation, such as screen-based eye-movement tools, audio tones, or self-tapping. Research supports online EMDR as effective. If in-person is important to you, confirm the therapist's location and availability in the free consultation.
EMDR therapy in English and French
Several First Session therapists offer EMDR therapy in French as well as English. If French is your preferred language for this kind of work, filter for bilingual or francophone therapists in the listings above.
Certains thérapeutes offrent la thérapie EMDR en français pour les résidents de Montréal.
Quebec credentials for EMDR therapists
EMDR is an approach that any licensed therapist may train in. Common designations for EMDR therapists serving Montreal:
- Psychologue (OPQ) - licensed psychologist regulated by the Ordre des psychologues du Quebec
- Psychotherapeute - holds a psychotherapy permit from the OPQ
- Travailleur social / travailleuse sociale (OTSTCFQ) - registered social worker in Quebec
- Out-of-province designations (RP, RSW, RCC) - available online; insured to work with Quebec clients
Insurance coverage depends on the therapist's designation. All First Session therapists provide receipts for reimbursement.
EMDR training levels
Ask the therapist what level of EMDR training they hold. Key distinctions:
- EMDR Basic Training - foundation-level training recognized by EMDR Canada or EMDRIA
- EMDR Certified Therapist - has met full certification requirements including supervised cases
- EMDR Consultant - provides consultation and supervision to other EMDR therapists
How to choose an EMDR therapist in Montreal
1What EMDR training have they completed?
Ask specifically about their training body (EMDR Canada, EMDRIA), whether they are EMDR certified, and how many EMDR clients they have worked with.
2Do they have experience with your specific concern?
EMDR is used for many presentations. Confirm the therapist has used EMDR for what you are bringing, whether that is single-incident trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, or something else.
3How do they handle preparation?
A good EMDR therapist spends time on stabilization and resource-building before trauma processing begins. Ask how they approach this phase, particularly if you have a complex trauma history.
4Which language will you work in?
Confirm the therapist is comfortable conducting EMDR in your preferred language. EMDR involves specific verbal protocols and guided processing, so language comfort matters.
5Use the free consultation
Ask: What EMDR training have you completed? Have you worked with people dealing with [your concern]? How do you structure the preparation phase? Can we work in [French/English]?
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