EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that can help you process traumatic experiences that continue to affect your emotions, body, and sense of safety. It works by supporting your brain’s natural ability to reprocess distressing memories so they lose their emotional intensity and feel more firmly in the past. Over time, this can reduce symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive memories, and emotional overwhelm, allowing you to feel more grounded and resilient.
We start with stabilization. When you're ready, we'll reprocess memories in small, manageable pieces (titration), staying within your window of tolerance.
Session options: 50-minute sessions, or 80-minute extended sessions when a longer window feels helpful for EMDR work.
EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach. We don't start with your hardest memory. The early sessions are about getting to know you and building the resources you'll lean on during processing.
It depends on what we're working with. A single recent event may resolve in a handful of processing sessions, while complex or childhood trauma usually needs more preparation and a longer course of therapy. We'll review progress together regularly, and you're always in charge of the pace.
Longer sessions: 80-minute sessions give more room to prepare, process and close a session calmly, which many people find helpful for EMDR.
Cost: Individual sessions are $160 for 50 minutes or $260 for 80 minutes. Many extended health plans cover Registered Clinical Counsellors, and you'll receive a receipt after every session. Fees & insurance.
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a related, eye-movement-based approach that uses guided imagery to help change how distressing memories and images are held, often in fewer sessions and without needing to describe every detail out loud. I'm trained in ART and may suggest it alongside or instead of EMDR when it fits your goals.
I work with clients throughout Greater Victoria (Victoria, Saanich, Oak Bay, Esquimalt, Langford, Colwood, and View Royal). Sessions are available in-person at my downtown office or online throughout British Columbia.
Registered Clinical Counsellor #25746 with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. EMDR certified, Gottman Method certified (Levels 1 & 2), Complex PTSD certification, and over two decades in healthcare, including senior leadership. More about Keva
Receipts are provided for extended health plans that cover Registered Clinical Counsellors. Rates, payment & hours
