EMDR Therapy 

Many extended health plans cover counselling or psychology, but coverage depends on your specific plan. Since EMDR is submitted under counselling or psychology rather than as its own billing category, your coverage will depend on which path you choose. We recommend checking with your provider before booking. If you have questions, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to help. 

No, you don't need a referral to book EMDR. Your first appointment focuses on understanding your history and goals, and whether EMDR is the right fit for you. EMDR-specific work then begins in a later appointment. 

EMDR is currently offered at our Victoria-area locations in Cordova Bay and James Bay, and at our Vancouver location on Commercial Drive. 

Yes, EMDR can be offered virtually, depending on the clinician. If virtual EMDR is something you're interested in, just let us know when booking. Research so far suggests it can be similarly effective to in-person sessions for many people, but your clinician can help you decide which format is the better fit for your situation and comfort level. 

Both offer EMDR, and the right fit depends on what you need. A counsellor may be a good starting point if you want talk-based support without needing a formal diagnosis. A psychologist may be a better fit if you need a diagnosis, for example for a workplace accommodation, disability claim, or referral to another provider. Coverage under extended health plans varies by provider, so please check your plan’s coverage prior to booking. If you're unsure who to book, please contact us and we can help you decide. 

This depends on your goals, history, and how you respond to treatment. Some people notice shifts after a handful of sessions, while others benefit from longer-term care, especially with more complex or long-standing experiences. There's no fixed number that applies to everyone. Your clinician will check in with you regularly and adjust your plan as care progresses, so you always have a sense of how things are going. 

Your clinician will talk with you about your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This helps them understand whether EMDR is a good fit and how to pace your care. EMDR-specific work doesn't begin in this first session. Once your clinician has a clear picture of your history and goals, you'll move into EMDR together in a later appointment. You'll also have a chance to ask questions and get a sense of what working together will be like. 

EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach. Early sessions focus on understanding your history, identifying your goals, building resources, and making sure you feel prepared for reprocessing. When you're ready, your clinician will guide you through the reprocessing process using bilateral stimulation, which may involve eye movements, tapping, or sounds, depending on your preference. 

EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of a difficult experience. Your clinician will gather enough information to understand your concerns and develop an appropriate treatment plan. During reprocessing, you may work with an image, thought, feeling, or body sensation connected to an experience without needing to tell the entire story in detail. Your clinician will help you decide what information is important to share, and will work at a pace that feels manageable.