EMDR Therapy In Calgary: What It Is, How It Works, And Whether It’s Right For You
If you are curious about EMDR and wondering whether it could support your healing, you are not alone. Many people come to therapy carrying difficult memories, persistent anxiety, or the feeling that they are stuck repeating old patterns. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain reprocess distressing experiences so they feel less charged, and you can move forward with more ease. At Inspire Wellness Therapy in Calgary, we integrate EMDR with CBT, DBT, and somatic approaches in a trauma informed plan designed around your needs and pace.
“EMDR therapy doesn’t erase the past—it rewires how the brain stores it, so the memory no longer controls your present.”
Inspire Wellness Therapy
What is EMDR and How Does it Work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It helps your brain process memories that were stored during times of stress or threat. These memories can feel frozen in the nervous system, showing up as intrusive thoughts, body tension, nightmares, or big emotional reactions. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as side to side eye movements, tapping, or gentle tones in alternating ears, while you hold elements of the memory in mind. This process supports the brain’s natural ability to digest the experience, link it with more adaptive information, and reduce the emotional distress connected to it.
You do not have to retell every detail of your story. Your therapist helps you stay grounded and within your window of tolerance. Sessions include resourcing and coping skills so you can feel safe and steady as you do the work.
What is an EMDR Therapist?
An EMDR therapist is a licensed mental health professional trained in the EMDR protocol who guides you through preparation, reprocessing, and integration. At Inspire Wellness Therapy, EMDR is delivered by clinicians who are EMDR trained or certified and who also draw on CBT, DBT, somatic practices, and attachment informed care. Your therapist will assess readiness, teach stabilisation skills, and tailor each phase to fit your goals and your nervous system.
If you are searching for support now, you can explore our local team of emdr therapists to learn more about our approach and book a complimentary consult.
The 8 phases of EMDR, Step by Step
EMDR follows a clear roadmap. The pace is personalised, and you only move forward when you feel ready.
1. History taking and treatment planning. You share your goals, current symptoms, and relevant history. Together we identify targets, such as specific memories, body sensations, or triggers.
2. Preparation. You learn what to expect in EMDR, practice coping skills, and build internal resources. This might include grounding, breathwork, safe place imagery, and containment strategies.
3. Assessment. We choose a memory or target and identify the image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations that go with it, along with a positive belief you want to install.
4. Desensitization. Bilateral stimulation begins. You focus briefly on the memory while your therapist guides sets of eye movements, taps, or tones. The goal is for distress to decrease and new insights to emerge.
5. Installation. You strengthen the positive belief you chose earlier so it feels true in your body and mind.
6. Body scan. You check for residual tension or activation. If anything feels stuck, we apply more sets to support completion.
7. Closure. Each session ends with grounding and a return to calm. You leave with coping tools, and any unfinished material is safely contained.
8. Re-evaluation. At the next session, we review progress, check distress levels, and plan the next steps in your treatment.
What Happens During an EMDR Session?
A typical session begins with a brief check in and grounding. Your therapist confirms consent and readiness, then guides you through short sets of bilateral stimulation while you notice what comes up in thoughts, images, emotions, and body sensations. You share only what feels comfortable. The therapist monitors your nervous system, offers regulation strategies, and helps you follow your brain’s natural processing. Sessions end with closure, orienting to the present, and aftercare suggestions.
How EMDR Integrates with CBT, DBT, and Somatic therapy
EMDR is powerful, yet it is often most effective within a holistic plan. Many clients benefit from:
CBT to challenge unhelpful thoughts that maintain anxiety or shame.
DBT skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness, which make reprocessing steadier.
Somatic approaches that build body awareness, support grounding, and expand your window of tolerance.
This integrated approach ensures you have tools for daily life while deeper processing unfolds. If you are already in CBT or DBT, EMDR can be woven into your existing plan. You can also explore CBT Calgary or DBT Calgary resources to see how these therapies complement EMDR.
A Holistic Approach to Therapy
In Person or Online Therapy
Calgary, Alberta
What Kind of Trauma is EMDR Good For?
EMDR can support a range of concerns, including:
PTSD and single incident trauma, such as car accidents, medical events, or assaults.
Complex trauma related to childhood adversity, neglect, or ongoing relational harm.
Anxiety, panic, phobias, and performance blocks linked to past experiences.
Grief, shame, and body based distress related to difficult memories.
Birth trauma, medical trauma, and moral injury.
Your therapist will help map how current symptoms connect with past experiences and identify the best starting points.
Who Should Not do EMDR Therapy, or Who May Need a Slower Pace?
EMDR is not a fit for everyone at every moment. You may need stabilization first if you are experiencing:
Active substance dependence without supports in place.
Current domestic violence or ongoing safety threats.
Severe dissociation or unmanaged psychosis.
Acute crises where immediate stabilization is the priority.
Medical or neurological conditions where eye movements are not recommended, in which case tactile or auditory bilateral stimulation may be considered with medical guidance.
If you fall into these categories, we will focus on safety, coping, and support systems first. EMDR can begin later when the foundation is stronger. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine readiness and adapt the protocol as needed.
Common Myths and Gentle Truths
Myth: You must relive everything. Truth: You do not need to describe the trauma in detail. Processing can occur with minimal verbal content.
Myth: EMDR is hypnosis. Truth: You remain awake, aware, and in control the entire time.
Myth: EMDR works only for PTSD. Truth: It helps with many concerns where past experiences drive present distress.
How to Prepare for Your First EMDR Session
Small steps can make your experience more comfortable:
Sleep and hydration. Aim for steady rest and water intake before and after sessions.
Coping skills. Practice a grounding breath, such as in for 4 counts, hold for 4, out for 4. Keep a short list of calming strategies on your phone.
Supportive plan. Arrange a light schedule after your session, a gentle walk, a warm drink, or quiet time.
Aftercare: Grounding, Light Plans, and Journaling Prompts
Give yourself space to integrate. Consider:
A brief grounding practice, feet on the floor, name five things you see, four you feel, three you hear, two you smell, one you taste.
A light post session plan, simple meal, nature break, or soothing music.
Journaling prompts, What felt different in my body after session. What strengths showed up today. If I could speak to my future self for reassurance, what would I say.
If you notice increased dreams or emotions, this can be part of your brain processing. Use your skills, and bring anything that lingers to your next session.
What We Offer
Inspire Wellness Therapy provides EMDR within a holistic, person centered framework. We offer in person sessions at our North Calgary office, #206 7, 301 14 St NW, and our South Calgary office at the TLC Centre near Chinook Mall, plus secure telehealth across Alberta. We welcome individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents, and offer culturally affirming care for 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous clients, including NIHB partially covered counselling for eligible clients.
If you are exploring therapy in Calgary and want an approach that honors mind, body, and spirit, our team is here to help.
Therapy Types
EMDR and trauma therapy integrated with CBT, DBT, and somatic practices.
CBT for anxiety, depression, and unhelpful thinking patterns.
DBT informed skills for emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
Somatic therapy to build body based resilience and grounding.
We also provide online counselling and therapy across Alberta if you prefer virtual care.
Our Specializations
Trauma, PTSD, and complex trauma.
Anxiety, burnout, depression, and grief.
ADHD and neurodivergence assessments and supports.
Children, adolescents, couples, and families.
You can book a complimentary consultation and we will match you with the right clinician for your goals and preferences.
Ready to Explore EMDR?
If you are wondering whether EMDR is right for you, a brief consult can offer clarity. We will discuss fit, pacing, and how EMDR might integrate with other supports. Sessions are available at our North and South Calgary locations, or via Alberta telehealth. To get started, visit our page for EMDR counselling therapy, or contact our team to book your complimentary consultation.
Our holistic approach to therapy emphasizes understanding and nurturing these fundamental aspects of ourselves. We create a safe space for exploration and healing through individual, relationship, and family therapy.
Our Calgary Locations
We proudly serve our community with two therapy locations in Calgary, ensuring accessible mental health support for individuals and families.
📍 [5920 Macleod Trail SW #460, Calgary, AB T2H 2G4] – Serving Therapy in South East and Therapy in South West Calgary.
📍 [#206-7, 301 14 St NW Calgary, AB T2N 1Z7] – Serving Therapy in North East, Therapy in North West Calgary, and Therapy near Downtown Calgary
Both locations offer a warm, welcoming environment designed to make you feel safe and supported during your therapy journey.
How to Get Started with Inspire Wellness Therapy
Taking the first step toward therapy can be life-changing. Here’s how you can get started today:
1. Visit Our Website: Explore our therapists’ profiles and learn more about our services at [Your Website URL].
2. Book an Appointment: Easily schedule your session through the Jane app or by calling our office.
3. Attend Your First Session: Begin your journey to healing with the support of our compassionate team.
Pursuing an autism assessment is an important step toward clarity, self-understanding, and accessing the right supports. At Inspire Wellness Therapy, we’re proud to offer autism assessments in Calgary that are thoughtful, professional, and tailored to each individual. Whether you’re seeking a diagnosis for yourself or a loved one, our experienced team is here to guide you with care and expertise.
If you’re ready to begin the process or simply want more information, we invite you to reach out. Getting tested for autism doesn’t have to be overwhelming—we’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.
Conclusion
Finding the right therapist in Calgary can be a life-changing step toward improved mental health and overall well-being. At Inspire Wellness Therapy, we are committed to providing compassionate, individualized care that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re looking for support with anxiety, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, our diverse team of experienced therapists is here to guide you.
Ready to take the first step? Inspire Wellness Therapy offers a free 15-minute consultation to help you start your journey. Contact us today to learn how therapy can support your goals and overall mental well-being.
Frequently Asked Question’s (FAQ’S)
1. What exactly is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming. It uses bilateral stimulation—like eye movements, tapping, or sounds—to support healing.
2. Who is EMDR therapy helpful for?
EMDR is effective for people experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, phobias, grief, childhood wounds, and other emotional difficulties. You don’t need a “big trauma” to benefit—EMDR helps with small, chronic stressors too.
3. What happens in an EMDR session?
Sessions involve exploring past experiences, identifying current triggers, and using bilateral stimulation while you process those memories. You stay fully awake and in control during the entire session.
4. How quickly does EMDR work?
Everyone’s pace is different. Some people notice a shift in a few sessions, while others need longer—especially if there are multiple layers of trauma or long-standing patterns.
5. Is EMDR emotionally intense?
It can bring up strong emotions at times, but your therapist will always move at a pace that feels safe for you. EMDR is designed to help you process—not relive—your experiences.
