EMDR Therapy
Process painful memories and restore a sense of safety, without needing to relive every detail or find the “perfect” words.
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What is EMDR?
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It helps the brain reprocess distressing experiences that were never fully worked through, so they lose their emotional charge. EMDR is used with children, teens, and adults.
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How does it work?
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When something overwhelming happens, the memory can get stored in a raw, unprocessed way. Years later, a sound, a smell, or a stressful moment can pull you right back into it. During EMDR, your therapist guides you to briefly focus on a memory while using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating tones. This supports the brain’s natural processing, helping the memory settle into the past where it belongs.
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Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of what happened. That can make it a good fit for children and teens, and for anyone who finds it hard to put painful experiences into words.​
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What to expect.
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EMDR is not something that happens in your first session. Your therapist will begin by getting to know you, understanding your history, and building the coping and grounding skills you need to feel safe and in control. Processing work begins only when you are ready, at a pace that works for you. Sessions are calm and collaborative, and you can pause at any point. Your therapist will also check in on how you are feeling between sessions and adjust the plan as needed.
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For children and teens, EMDR is adapted to their age and often combined with expressive play, somatic tools, and caregiver involvement.
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Rate: $150/session
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Children and teens often struggle to explain what they have been through, and many do not want to. Sessions are adapted to the child’s age and may include expressive play, drawing, and body-based tools, with caregivers involved as part of the process.
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EMDR can help with:
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Trauma, including single events and ongoing or repeated experiences
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Anxiety, worry, and overthinking
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Big emotions that feel hard to manage
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Fears, nightmares, or reactions that seem to come out of nowhere
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Difficult life experiences and transitions
Many children and teens find EMDR helpful because it meets them where they are, without pressure to find the right words, and helps them rebuild a sense of safety.​
EMDR for Youth
EMDR for Youth
Meet Your
EMDR Therapist
Hi, I'm Alex!
Hi, I’m Alex! I’m a Canadian Certified Counsellor and EMDR trained therapist, and I’ve spent over 17 years supporting children, teens, and families through trauma. I love EMDR because it can help people heal from painful experiences without having to relive every detail or find the “perfect” words, which makes it especially gentle for kids and teens.
In EMDR sessions, I take things slowly. We start by building safety and coping tools, and we only move into processing when you or your child feels ready.