How EMDR Therapy Works
If you’ve been searching for trauma therapy in Surrey or Langley, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term EMDR.
Short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR is one of the most evidence-backed approaches for healing trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. But despite its reputation, many people still feel unsure about what EMDR actually involves—or if it’s right for them.
In this guide, a trauma therapist at TIDAL explains what EMDR is, how it works in the brain, what a session looks like, and common myths we hear from new clients.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured, eight-phase therapy that helps people process traumatic or stuck memories in a way that relieves emotional distress and nervous system activation.
Instead of focusing primarily on talking about the trauma, EMDR guides you to reprocess it in the body and brain—using techniques like bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) while focusing on specific memories or emotional states.
It’s used around the world to treat PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, phobias, and even experiences like medical trauma or performance anxiety.
How EMDR Helps the Brain Process Trauma
Trauma isn’t just a memory—it’s a nervous system experience that can get “frozen” in the brain and body.
When something overwhelming happens and the brain can’t fully process it, the memory gets stored in a fragmented, unprocessed state. EMDR therapy activates the brain’s natural processing system—similar to what happens during REM sleep—and helps transform that memory into something less emotionally charged.
Through EMDR, the brain updates the memory with new insights, body sensations, and beliefs. The event doesn’t disappear, but it no longer feels threatening or present-day.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
Resourcing & Stabilization - First, we build safety. This includes grounding exercises, creating internal resources, and ensuring your nervous system can handle the work gently.
Target Selection - You and your therapist identify key memories, emotions, or patterns that feel unresolved or emotionally charged.
Reprocessing - During the reprocessing phase, you focus on a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones). Your mind is allowed to wander and process what comes up—with the therapist checking in to keep things safe and contained.
Integration - As distress decreases, your brain naturally integrates new insights, body sensations, and beliefs. The memory loses its emotional charge, and you often feel more regulated, grounded, and empowered.
Each session is paced to your needs—no rushing, no pressure to relive trauma in detail.
Common Myths and Concerns About EMDR
“Do I have to talk about everything that happened?” Not at all. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to verbalize the trauma in detail. You can share only what you’re comfortable with.
“Will I feel worse before I feel better?” EMDR can bring up emotions, but your therapist will guide you through each phase with care, ensuring you’re grounded before and after each session.
“It sounds weird—does this really work?” EMDR has been endorsed by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and Veterans Affairs. Decades of research support its effectiveness for trauma and anxiety.
Ready to Try EMDR Therapy in Surrey or Langley?
Whether you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, or distress you can’t quite name—EMDR may be the gentle, effective support you’ve been looking for.
TIDAL Trauma Centre offers EMDR therapy in Surrey, Cloverdale, and virtually across British Columbia. All our therapists are trained in trauma-informed care and work at your pace.
Reach out today for a free 15-minute consult to see if EMDR is right for you.
📍 In-person sessions available in Cloverdale, Surrey
💻 Virtual therapy offered across British Columbia
👥 Therapists trained in EMDR, IFS, Somatic Experiencing, and more
FAQs About EMDR Therapy in Surrey and Langley
Q: How long does EMDR therapy usually take? A: The number of EMDR sessions depends on what you're working on. Some clients experience significant relief in just a few sessions focused on a single issue, while others doing deeper trauma work may attend for several months. Your therapist will work with you to create a personalized, flexible treatment plan that’s trauma-informed and paced for safety.
Q: Do I have to remember every detail of the trauma for EMDR to work? A: No. One of the unique aspects of EMDR is that it allows healing without needing to recount every detail. Even vague memories or emotional impressions can be processed effectively. The focus is on how your brain and body hold the memory now—not how much you remember or can explain.
Q: Can EMDR help with things that don’t seem like “big trauma”? A: Absolutely. EMDR isn’t just for major traumatic events like accidents or abuse. It’s incredibly effective for “little-t” traumas like bullying, emotionally unavailable parenting, breakups, or medical procedures. If an experience is stuck and continues to affect your present life, it’s worth exploring through EMDR.
Q: What’s the difference between EMDR and regular talk therapy? A: While talk therapy explores thoughts and emotions through conversation, EMDR works more directly with the body and nervous system. It targets how trauma is stored and felt, rather than just analyzing it. Many clients who feel stuck in talk therapy find EMDR helps them move through blocks in a more embodied and lasting way.
Q: Is EMDR safe for everyone? A: EMDR is safe and adaptable for most people, including those with complex trauma. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all method. That’s why therapists trained in trauma care will always start with stabilization, get to know your needs, and proceed only when it feels safe and supportive for you.
Q: What if I get overwhelmed or dissociate during EMDR? A: A trauma-informed EMDR therapist is trained to recognize overwhelm and will build in regulation tools before starting any reprocessing. You’ll never be forced to keep going if it’s too much. In fact, one of the core principles of EMDR is titration—working in small, manageable doses with your consent and feedback at every step.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or mental health advice. It is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.