EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy
in Mount Pearl
& St. John's
Evidence-based trauma therapy to help you process distressing experiences and move forward with greater calm and confidence.
What is EMDR?
A Different Way of Processing Difficult Experiences
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychotherapy designed to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences that may continue to affect how they think, feel, and respond in the present.
Sometimes we can logically know that something is over while still reacting as though part of us hasn't gotten that message. A memory, situation, sound, feeling, or even physical sensation can bring up distress that feels much bigger than what's happening in the present.
EMDR works with the memories, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations connected to these experiences. During parts of EMDR treatment, bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping—is used while you briefly attend to aspects of the experience being processed.
You do not need to tell your therapist every detail of a difficult experience for EMDR to be effective.
How Does EMDR Work?
Supporting the Brain's Natural Healing Process
EMDR is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This model proposes that experiences from the past can sometimes remain connected to thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs in ways that continue to influence how we respond in the present.
For example, someone might logically know, "I'm safe now," while their body continues to react to certain situations as though danger is still present.
EMDR aims to support the brain's natural information-processing system so that distressing experiences can become more fully integrated. The goal isn't to erase what happened or make you forget it. Instead, the memory may become less emotionally intense and feel more firmly rooted in the past.
EMDR isn't about forgetting
what happened.
It's about helping what happened have less power over your present.
The 8 Phases of EMDR
What Happens During EMDR?
EMDR follows an eight-phased treatment model. Not all eight phases happen in one session, and some people spend more time in the earlier phases before processing the memory.
1
History & Treatment Planning
Understanding what's bringing you to therapy, your history, goals, resources and what experiences may be important to address.
5
Installation
Strengthening a more adaptive belief that you would like to associate with the experience.
2
Preparation
Building rapport, learning about EMDR and developing strategies to help you feel grounded and supported.
6
Body Scan
Noticing whether any distress or physical sensations connected with the experience remain.
3
Assessment
Identifying the experience we're working with and the thoughts, emotions, beliefs and body sensations connected to it.
7
Closure
Helping you return your attention to the present and feel grounded before the session ends.
4
Desensitization
Using bilateral stimulation while allowing your brain to process the targeted experience.
8
Reevaluation
Checking what has changed and determining where we go next.
What Can EMDR Help With?
Common Reasons People Explore EMDR
EMDR is particularly well established as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related distress. It may be considered when difficult experiences from the past continue to influence your emotions, beliefs, physical responses, relationships, or sense of safety in the present.
Depending on your needs and treatment plan, EMDR may also be incorporated when working with distressing memories, triggers, anxiety connected to past experiences, negative beliefs about yourself, or other experiences that continue to feel emotionally unresolved.
Trauma & PTSD
Processing traumatic and distressing life experiences.
Distressing Memories
Memories that continue to feel emotionally unresolved.
Triggers & Emotional Reactions
Intense emotional responses, physical reactions or feeling stuck.
EMDR at True Life Therapy
EMDR Is Tailored To You
EMDR isn't something we rush into. Before beginning memory reprocessing, we'll spend time understanding what you're experiencing, establishing a therapeutic relationship, developing resources, and determining whether EMDR is appropriate for you.
Treatment is collaborative and paced according to your individual needs. Some clients may use EMDR as a central part of therapy, while for others I may integrate EMDR alongside approaches such as IFS, CBT, mindfulness, or compassion-focused work.
You remain an active participant throughout the process. We can slow down, pause, or adjust our approach based on what you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
EMDR FAQ
Trusted Resources
Want To Learn More About EMDR?
For additional information about EMDR therapy, research, training standards, and professional resources, you can visit:
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
International professional association and educational resource for EMDR therapy.
Canadian professional organization providing information and resources about EMDR therapy.