Serving Children, Youth & Adults In-Person in Guelph & Virtually Throughout Ontario
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing
What is the EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is an evidence informed approach that supports individuals in processing difficult or overwhelming experiences that may continue to impact daily life. When something distressing happens, the brain may not fully process the experience, leaving it feeling “stuck” and continuing to influence thoughts, emotions, and reactions.
This can show up in many ways, including feeling on edge, replaying experiences, feeling disconnected, or noticing patterns that are difficult to shift. Sometimes the impact of these experiences may also appear physically, such as tension, fatigue, or a sense of overwhelm. Sometimes the impact of these experiences can impact the relationships we have with others.
EMDR therapy supports the brain and nervous system in processing these experiences in a safe and supportive way. As experiences are processed, many individuals notice a reduction in distress, increased clarity, and a greater sense of calm.
At Solis Wellbeing, EMDR therapy is offered to teens and adults in a thoughtful, collaborative, and paced way, ensuring that each individual feels supported throughout the process.
What to Expect with EMDR
EMDR therapy follows a thoughtful and structured process designed to ensure you throughly supported and prepared every step of the way. We begin by getting to know your experiences, understanding what brings you to therapy, and identifying your goals. From there, we focus on building skills and strategies to help you feel grounded and supported before moving into processing difficult experiences.
When you feel ready, EMDR helps you gently process experiences at a pace that feels manageable. Throughout this process, we regularly check in, reflect on progress, and ensure you feel supported as changes begin to take place. The final stages focus on strengthening new insights, building resilience, and helping you carry these changes into your daily life.
This structured and paced approach allows EMDR to be both effective and supportive, helping individuals move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and a stronger sense of wellbeing.
8 Phases of EMDR:
Phase 1: Getting to Know Your Story
Before we dive deep, we start with the big picture. We’ll talk about your history and what brings you here today. Together, we identify targets, those specific memories, current stressors, or even worries about the future that feel heavy. Our goal here is to create a thoughtful roadmap tailored specifically to you.
Phase 2: Building Your Toolkit
Your safety and comfort are my top priorities. Before we process any difficult memories, I make sure you have a solid "emotional toolkit." I’ll teach you stress-reduction techniques and calming imagery practical skills you can use both in our sessions and in your daily life to stay grounded and balanced.
Phases 3–6: The Heart of the Work
This is where the transformation happens. We choose a specific target and look at four things: a vivid image of the memory, a negative belief you have about yourself (like "I’m not safe"), the emotions you feel, and where you feel them in your body.
We then pair these with Bilateral Stimulation, which might be guided eye movements, gentle taps, or tappers. You aren't "re-living" the trauma; you are observing it from a safe distance. I’ll ask you to "just notice" whatever comes up, thoughts, feelings, or sensations, as your brain begins to "file" that memory away in a healthier place. We continue until the old memory no longer feels distressing and your new, positive belief (like "I am capable") feels true deep down.
Phase 7: Finding Closure
Every session ends with a "soft landing." We ensure you feel calm and present before you leave. I might suggest keeping a simple log during the week to notice any new insights or feelings that pop up, reminding you of the self-calming tools we practiced in Phase 2.
Phase 8: Checking In & Moving Forward
Our next session always starts by looking back at the progress you’ve made. We check in on the targets we’ve worked on and see how you’re feeling in your day-to-day life. This phase ensures that the healing is "sticking" and helps us decide where to focus our energy next as you move toward a more resilient, hopeful future.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR:
How long does EMDR take to work?
Because every healing journey is unique, there is no "one-size-fits-all" number of sessions. At Solis Wellbeing, we move through the 8 phases of EMDR therapy at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you or your child.
The duration of therapy is influenced by several factors, including:
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The nature of the trauma: Single-event traumas (such as an accident) may be processed in as few as 3–6 sessions, while complex or long-term trauma often requires more time for foundational stabilization.
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Current emotional wellbeing: We prioritize building a "toolbox" of coping skills before deep processing begins to ensure you feel supported throughout.
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Individual goals: Whether you are seeking relief from a specific phobia or navigating deep-rooted developmental patterns.
What the Research Says: According to the EMDR Institute and the American Psychological Association (APA), EMDR is recognized as a high-speed improvement therapy. Studies have shown that a high percentage of single-trauma victims no longer meet the criteria for PTSD after only a few sessions.
Healing requires patience and perseverance, but you don't have to do it alone. We will work closely with you to monitor progress, adjusting our approach to meet your evolving needs. Our goal isn't just temporary relief, t's achieving lasting improvements in your overall wellbeing.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
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No. Unlike many other trauma therapies, EMDR does not require you to describe the distressing event in detail or complete homework between sessions. The focus is on the memory and the physical sensations associated with it, rather than a verbal narrative. This makes it a preferred choice for those who find talking about their past too overwhelming.
What are the side effects of EMDR?
EMDR is a non-invasive, non-drug procedure, but it is intense work for the brain. It is common to experience vivid dreams, heightened emotions, or fatigue for 24–48 hours after a session as the brain continues to "re-file" the processed information. This is considered a normal part of the natural healing process.
Is EMDR effective for things other than PTSD?
Yes. While originally developed for PTSD, EMDR is now widely recognized as an effective treatment for "everyday" distressing memories that lead to low self-esteem, social anxiety, depression, and feelings of powerlessness. It is used to treat a wide range of symptoms, including phobias, grief, and performance anxiety.
Can EMDR be done virtually (online)?
Yes. Emerging research and clinical practice have confirmed that EMDR therapy delivered via secure video platforms is just as effective as in-person treatment. Therapists use specialized digital tools to provide the necessary bilateral stimulation (visual or auditory) on the client's screen.