EMDR Therapy in Alberta

EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process painful memories that still feel stuck. It's at the centre of our work with adults across Alberta, including Edmonton and Calgary, and all our sessions happen by secure video.

This page explains what EMDR is, how it works, what the research says and how to tell whether it might suit you. If questions come up as you read, a free 15-minute consultation is a good place to ask them.

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Spirit Island on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta, with the Rockies reflected in calm water

What EMDR is

EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It's a therapy for memories that still feel upsetting, even when you know the event is over.

In EMDR, you briefly bring a memory to mind while following bilateral stimulation. "Bilateral" means both sides, so this can be side-to-side eye movements, alternating taps, or tones that switch between your left and right ears.

You don't have to retell every detail aloud. EMDR follows a structured 8-phase protocol, and we adapt it to your situation, your pace and your goals.

How EMDR works

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing model. In this model, some disturbing memories get stuck, still holding the images, emotions and body sensations of the original event. EMDR helps the brain process these memories so they're stored more like ordinary memories.

Research on working memory adds another piece. Working memory is the part of the mind that holds whatever you're focused on right now, and it has limited room. Holding a memory in mind while doing eye movements taxes working memory, which makes the memory less vivid and less charged.

Researchers are still studying exactly how it works. We'll always explain what we're doing and why.

For a plain-language look at the ideas behind EMDR, watch Kyle's short video.

What EMDR can help with

How strong the evidence is depends on what you want help with. Here's an honest summary.

  • PTSD. Several international treatment guidelines recommend EMDR for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Anxiety, panic and depression. Research on EMDR for anxiety, panic and depression is promising but still limited.
  • Other effects of trauma. This includes trauma from many experiences over time (often called complex trauma), childhood adversity, grief, and workplace, medical or motor vehicle trauma. Here, EMDR can be one part of a wider plan, alongside other approaches.

You don't need a diagnosis to start. We'll look at what you're dealing with and be open about what the research does and doesn't show for your situation. Learn more about trauma and PTSD therapy.

What the research and guidelines say

EMDR is recommended for PTSD by the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DoD), NICE in the UK and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS). The American Psychological Association conditionally recommends it.

Here's a little more detail on each:

  • World Health Organization (2013). Its guideline on conditions related to stress recommends EMDR for PTSD.
  • VA/DoD (2023). It gives a strong recommendation to three trauma-focused therapies: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), EMDR and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
  • NICE (UK). It recommends offering EMDR to adults with PTSD more than three months after a non-combat trauma.
  • ISTSS (2019). It gives EMDR a strong recommendation for PTSD.
  • American Psychological Association. Its recommendation is conditional, which is a less definite level of support than a strong recommendation.

Beyond PTSD, research on EMDR for anxiety, panic and depression is promising but still limited. The sources below include a 2020 review across mental health problems and a 2020 meta-analysis on anxiety and panic. A meta-analysis pools the results of many studies.

Guidelines describe what tends to help groups of people. They can't tell us exactly how you'll respond, which is why we plan and review progress together.

The 8 phases of EMDR

EMDR follows eight phases. Some take several sessions, and some happen within a single session.

  1. History and Treatment Planning. We learn about your history, what's troubling you now and your goals, and decide together what to work on.
  2. Preparation. We explain how EMDR works and practise calming and grounding skills, so you feel steady before any memory work begins.
  3. Assessment. We choose one memory and identify the image, the negative belief about yourself, and the emotions and body sensations that go with it.
  4. Desensitization. Holding the memory in mind, you notice what comes up during short sets of eye movements, tapping or tones, to help lower distress.
  5. Installation. We strengthen a more helpful belief about yourself, such as "I'm safe now," and link it with the memory.
  6. Body Scan. You notice any leftover tension or discomfort in your body, and we process it if needed.
  7. Closure. We end each session by helping you feel settled and grounded, even if a memory isn't finished.
  8. Reevaluation. At the start of the next session, we check what has changed and decide what to work on next.

What a session feels like

Sessions are 50 minutes, by secure video. Early sessions focus on getting to know you and building skills, so they may feel much like other kinds of therapy.

During processing, you bring up part of a memory and follow the bilateral stimulation for a short set. Then we pause, and you briefly say what you noticed: a thought, image, feeling or body sensation. We continue from there, set by set.

Things can shift as you go: feelings may rise for a while and then ease, or a related memory may come up. EMDR aims to help you keep one foot in the present while you notice the past. You can pause or stop at any time.

We leave time at the end of each session to help you feel settled. For a step-by-step walk-through, see what to expect in EMDR therapy.

How many sessions you might need

Everyone's path is different. Preparation comes first and its length varies.

NICE suggests EMDR for PTSD typically takes 8 to 12 sessions, and more if needed, for example after multiple traumas.

Sessions here run 50 minutes. We review progress with you along the way, and you're part of every decision about what comes next.

Online EMDR

Studies that compare online and in-person EMDR have mostly found similar results. In a 2025 study of 279 U.S. veterans, EMDR by video and in person led to the same rates of finishing treatment and of meaningful improvement in PTSD and depression, although the in-person group improved a little more on average. A UK National Health Service trauma service found online EMDR was as safe and as likely to be completed as in-person EMDR.

One small 2024 trial found in-person EMDR worked better for fear related to COVID-19, and larger randomized trials comparing the two are under way. Overall, the research supports online EMDR as an effective option, and we'll tell you honestly if we think in-person care would suit you better.

Over video, bilateral stimulation can be:

  • eye movements, following a moving dot or fingers on screen
  • tapping, such as the butterfly hug
  • alternating tones through headphones

Kyle has delivered EMDR by video for over 6 years.

Sessions are for people who are physically in Alberta at the time of the session. Learn more about online EMDR in Alberta

Side effects and care between sessions

Processing can continue between sessions. Memories may surface, you may feel tired or emotional, and some people notice more dreams or images for a short time.

Cleveland Clinic describes EMDR as having "very low risks." The negative effects people commonly report are negative thoughts or feelings between sessions.

EMDRIA suggests keeping a journal and using calming techniques between sessions. We'll practise calming and grounding skills with you before processing begins, so you have them ready. It also helps to leave some buffer time after each session, rather than rushing into something busy.

If you're struggling between sessions, let us know. We reply to messages within 48 hours, Tuesday to Friday. If you need help sooner, the crisis supports at the bottom of this page are there any time.

Is EMDR right for me?

EMDR is not right for everyone in every moment. Sometimes it's wiser to wait, or to adapt how we use it. We make that decision together, after an assessment.

Situations where we may wait or adapt include:

  • An active crisis. If you're in crisis or not safe right now, we focus on safety and stability first.
  • Substance use. If alcohol or drugs are a main way of coping, we may build other coping skills first.
  • Dissociation. If you often feel numb, detached or "not really there," we slow down and spend more time on preparation.
  • Pregnancy. We talk through timing and pacing with you, and decide together whether to process now or later.

None of these automatically rules EMDR out. They mean we take extra care about how and when we use it. If EMDR isn't the right fit right now, we can use other approaches, or help you find an appropriate referral.

Kyle talks through common questions about EMDR with BPD (borderline personality disorder), psychosis and pregnancy in this video.

EMDR vs talk therapy and CBT

In talk therapy, much of the work happens through conversation. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on noticing and changing unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, often with practice between sessions.

EMDR works a little differently. There's less talking during processing, and you don't need to describe every detail aloud. Instead, you notice what comes up during bilateral stimulation.

No single therapy suits everyone. The VA/DoD guideline strongly recommends CPT, EMDR or Prolonged Exposure for PTSD. A 2026 randomized trial also found video EMDR and video CBT worked about equally well.

Alongside EMDR, we also use CBT, DBT skills for managing strong emotions, and other approaches. We'll help you choose what fits you.

Choosing a qualified EMDR therapist

EMDR should be provided by a regulated mental health professional with EMDR training. Here's what to look for:

  • Registration. Check that they're registered with their regulatory body, such as the College of Alberta Psychologists.
  • EMDRIA-approved basic training. EMDRIA, the EMDR International Association, approves basic training that combines teaching, supervised practice and consultation.
  • Consultation. This means an experienced EMDR clinician reviews the therapist's work with them and helps them apply EMDR safely.
  • EMDRIA certification. This is a further credential for therapists who have gained more EMDR experience and consultation after basic training.

It's also fair to ask how they prepare clients before processing, and what happens if a session feels overwhelming.

At KP Psychological, Kyle Poon, M.Ed., R.Psych, is a Registered Psychologist with the College of Alberta Psychologists (#5240). He has used EMDR for over 10 years and has been an EMDRIA Approved Trainer and Consultant since 2022.

Kyle also trains other clinicians in EMDR through EMDR Consulting. Read Kyle's profile or see our EMDR training for clinicians.

Marissa Whalley, MC, R.Psych, is an EMDR Therapist. Meet our psychologists

Common questions

Kyle covers three common myths about EMDR in this short video.

Is EMDR a kind of hypnosis?

No. You're awake and aware the whole time, and you choose what we focus on. If you want to stop, we stop.

Do I need a PTSD diagnosis to try EMDR?

No. You don't need a diagnosis to start. We'll look at what you've been carrying and what you want to feel different, then decide together whether EMDR fits.

Will EMDR erase my memories?

No. EMDR doesn't erase memories. The aim is for a painful memory to feel less vivid and less charged, and to be stored more like an ordinary memory.

I tried EMDR before and it didn't help. Can I try again?

You're welcome to. EMDR is not right for everyone in every moment. We'll work with you to understand why your previous experience with EMDR did not work, and offer appropriate modifications.

Is EMDR covered by my benefits?

EMDR here is provided by Registered Psychologists, and many extended health plans cover their services. Alberta Health Care doesn't cover psychologists. Check your plan's annual maximum and whether it needs a doctor's referral.

We also accept coverage through programs such as Veterans Affairs Canada, the RCMP, NIHB and WCB-Alberta. See fees and insurance for details, or read more answers in our client FAQ.

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Written by Kyle Poon, M.Ed., R.Psych, EMDRIA Approved Trainer and Consultant · Reviewed September 2026

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