Find an EMDR Therapist in Vancouver

Yes! Many therapists offer EMDR through secure video sessions, and research shows that online EMDR can be just as effective as in-person therapy. For some people, meeting from home makes therapy feel more comfortable and accessible. Others may prefer the extra support of being in the same room as their therapist. What matters most is choosing the option that feels safest and most supportive for you, something you can talk through with your therapist during a free consultation.

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EMDR therapy in Vancouver typically ranges between $150-250 per hour, though the exact rate depends on the therapist’s credentials and experience. Some therapists offer sliding scale pricing, which adjusts fees based on income or financial situation, making therapy more accessible if cost is a concern.

British Columbia's Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover private therapy. However, many extended health and student plans do. Coverage depends on your therapist’s designation (Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Social Worker/MSW, or Registered Psychologist), not the type of therapy (like EMDR or CBT). Here's a guide to check your insurance coverage.

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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps your brain re-process distressing memories. Using bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements, taps, or tones), EMDR supports your nervous system to file experiences in a less triggering way, so the memory remains, but the intense reaction softens. Common goals of EMDR therapy include reducing flashbacks and body jolts, reframing negative beliefs (“It was my fault”), and feeling safer in day-to-day life. 

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EMDR follows a structured eight-phase process designed to keep you safe and supported. You’ll begin with history-taking and preparation, where your therapist helps you choose which memories to focus on and build calming skills. During processing, you’ll use bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while noticing thoughts, feelings, and body sensations connected to the memory.

As the distress lessens, positive beliefs are reinforced and your body’s response is checked for lingering tension. Each session ends with grounding, and at your next appointment you and your therapist review progress before continuing. Over time, these steps help memories feel less raw and more manageable. 

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Yes, EMDR is considered highly effective, especially for PTSD and trauma-related conditions. It’s backed by extensive research and recommended by the World Health Organization and American Psychological Association as a first-line treatment for trauma. Many people report significant relief in just a few sessions, particularly when the distress is tied to specific past events. EMDR is also showing promising results for anxiety, depression, phobias, and grief. 

Its effectiveness depends on working with a well-trained, trauma-informed therapist and building a foundation of trust and safety. EMDR may not be the right fit for everyone, and that’s totally okay! Everyone’s needs are unique, and you can use a free consultation to explore whether EMDR is right for you or if another approach might be more helpful. 

EMDR is most commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also help with a wide range of challenges, including childhood abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and complex trauma. Beyond trauma, EMDR is often used for anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and depression, especially when these are linked to past negative experiences. Some therapists also use EMDR for grief, addictions, and self-esteem, though research in these areas is still developing.

You might consider EMDR if:

• You’ve experienced trauma, even if it doesn’t feel “big enough” to count
• Certain memories still feel raw or intrusive, even years later
• Traditional talk therapies haven’t worked as well for you
• It’s hard to share your emotions or past in detail
• You’re open to a body-based, non-traditional approach

If some of these resonate with you, EMDR could be worth exploring. A free consultation can help you decide whether it feels like the right fit or if another approach might serve you better.

EMDR can work quite quickly for some people, with noticeable improvement often seen within 3 to 6 sessions for specific traumatic memories. However, the speed depends on factors like the complexity of the trauma, how long it’s been affecting you, and individual differences.

For single-incident traumas, progress may be faster, while complex or multiple traumas might take longer, sometimes requiring 10 to 20 sessions or more. The right therapist will tailor the process to your needs and prioritize safety and stability over speed. 

No, EMDR doesn’t require you to relive your trauma the way some other therapies might. You’ll briefly revisit the memory in a controlled way so your brain can reprocess it, but the focus is more on how it shows up in your body and emotions today, not on going through every detail. Many people find EMDR isn’t retraumatizing and often leave sessions feeling lighter, even if the work is challenging at times. The right therapist will prepare you with grounding techniques and move at a pace that feels safe, so the process stays manageable and supportive throughout.

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