EMDR Therapy
in London, Ontario
EMDR Therapy at Talking Works
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a highly effective, evidence-based approach designed to help people process and heal from distressing or traumatic experiences. At Talking Works, our trained clinicians provide EMDR as part of a personalized approach to support emotional healing and mental well-being.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy helps individuals process experiences that may be causing ongoing emotional distress, anxiety, or trauma-related symptoms. Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, EMDR focuses on how distressing memories are stored in the brain and body, helping to reduce their emotional intensity.
EMDR is commonly used for:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Phobias or fears
- Grief and loss
- Stress from difficult life events
By addressing the root of emotional pain, EMDR can help clients feel relief, clarity, and a renewed sense of control over their thoughts and feelings.
How Does EMDR Work?
During EMDR therapy, your clinician will guide you through a structured process that involves:
- Identifying distressing memories or experiences
- Engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, taps, or sounds)
- Processing these memories in a safe, supportive environment
- Integrating new perspectives and understanding
EMDR works by helping your brain reprocess traumatic or upsetting experiences so they no longer trigger intense emotional or physical reactions. It is often combined with other therapeutic approaches to ensure a holistic, personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
A typical EMDR session at Talking Works lasts 60-90 minutes. Sessions usually begin with:
Check-in and preparation
Your clinician will review how you’re feeling, establish safety, and discuss goals for the session
Targeting a memory or issue
You and your clinician identify a distressing memory or situation to process.
Bilateral stimulation
Using eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues, your brain is guided to reprocess the memory in a safe, supported way.
Processing and reflection
You notice shifts in how the memory or emotion feels, gaining insight and emotional relief.
Closure
The session ends with grounding techniques to ensure you feel safe and stabilized.
EMDR Therapy Online
EMDR therapy can be safely and effectively conducted online through secure video sessions. At Talking Works, our clinicians guide you through the same structured EMDR process virtually. Many clients find virtual EMDR sessions convenient, private, and just as effective as in-person therapy, allowing you to access professional trauma support from anywhere in London Ontario and surrounding areas.
How Effective Is EMDR?
Research shows that EMDR is highly effective in reducing trauma-related symptoms and helping people regain emotional balance. Many clients experience meaningful improvements in a relatively short period, though results can vary based on individual experiences and needs.
At Talking Works, we use a combined, evidence-based approach, tailoring EMDR with other supportive therapies such as EFIT to help you process memories, regulate emotions, and build resilience.
If you are interested in learning more about EMDR therapy and whether it may be right for you, our trained clinicians are available to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process
Get the professional support you need
Talking Works uses Jane for our online therapy video services. You can feel confident that your information is secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
About EMDR Therapy
What Does EMDR stand for and what is its main use in therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Historically it has been used for PTSD and trauma focused work. However, over the years it has been seen to be helpful in many areas such as anxiety, depression and OCD- particularly if there is a trauma background.
How does EMDR work?
- Phase 1 & 2 are preparation. During this stage you and your therapist will spend time getting to know one another, spend time identifying triggers and reactions, as well as exploring where these may be stemming from.
- Phases 3 & 4 is the reprocessing stage where you will use bi-lateral stimulation to re-visit memories while maintaining dual attention (awareness of
the here and now and not being overwhelmed by the event we are reprocessing). - Phases 5 – 7 is where you integrate positive, neutral and adaptive information.
- Phase 8 is what where your therapist will check the work that has been complete thus far. You will re-visit the original target memory or experience and see if there is any residual disturbance coming up. If this is clear, you will continue into what is called the “future template”. This is where you practice with your therapist how you would like to respond in situations that were previously triggering and overwhelming.
How long does EMDR take?
The length of EMDR therapy varies from person to person, depending on the concerns being addressed, the severity of symptoms, and individual treatment goals. Some people experience meaningful improvement after just a few EMDR sessions, while others may benefit from several months of treatment. For a single traumatic event, EMDR therapy may take fewer sessions, while more complex or long-standing trauma may require a longer treatment timeline. Your EMDR therapist will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan and regularly assess your progress. The goal is not to rush treatment, but to ensure you feel safe, supported, and ready to move through each stage of EMDR therapy at a comfortable pace.
Does it cost more than traditional therapy?
No. EMDR is billed at the same rate as talk therapy, so a standard 50-minute session is $155. Because EMDR works best with steady momentum, clients are asked to commit to regular appointments once treatment begins, ideally weekly and no less often than every two weeks.
Can I do EMDR if I’ve had a traumatic brain injury including concussion?
Your therapist will always err on the side of caution and request a letter from your doctor that clears you for treatment that involves bi-later stimulation and high levels of emotional arousal. For concussions, all symptoms must be gone before starting or continuing EMDR.
Does EMDR Have Any Side Effects?
EMDR therapy is generally considered safe, but some people may experience temporary emotional or physical effects, such as increased anxiety, vivid dreams, fatigue, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed after a session. These effects typically lessen as treatment progresses. Your therapist can help you manage any discomfort and adjust the pace of EMDR therapy if needed.