Virtual Across Ontario and In Person in Timmins

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based approach designed to help individuals heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. EMDR focuses on processing painful memories, reducing emotional intensity, and fostering a sense of control and balance.

If you’ve experienced trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress that feels unresolved, eye movement therapy may provide the support you need. At Creating Connection, we offer EMDR therapy both in person in Timmins and virtually across Ontario, ensuring accessible, effective care tailored to your unique journey.

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Close-up of a client during an EMDR therapy session, seated and expressing emotions, while a therapist takes notes.

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Therapist taking notes during an abuse recovery therapy session with a client seated on a couch, fostering a supportive environment.

Who Can Benefit from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?

EMDR is particularly effective for those recovering from trauma or struggling with intense emotions linked to difficult memories. It can support you in addressing:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Process distressing memories and regain a sense of safety.
  • Anxiety and Panic Disorders: Reduce symptoms and develop coping mechanisms.
  • Grief and Loss: Navigate the emotional challenges of bereavement.
  • Phobias and Fears: Address specific fears that interfere with your daily life.
  • Performance Anxiety: Improve confidence and reduce stress in high-pressure situations.

Eye movement reprocessing therapy is suitable for teens, adults, and those managing diverse challenges. Whether you’re dealing with long-term trauma or recent distress, EMDR can help bring clarity and relief.

What to Expect in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Sessions

We understand starting therapy can feel intimidating. EMDR therapy is structured to provide a safe and supportive environment for healing. During sessions, you can expect:

  1. Identifying Core Challenges: Your therapist will help uncover the traumatic memories or stressors that are causing distress.
  2. Developing Resources: Learn grounding techniques to manage overwhelming emotions and create a sense of stability.
  3. Processing Trauma: Using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, you’ll reprocess distressing memories to reduce their emotional impact.
  4. Fostering Positive Change: Replace negative thought patterns with empowering beliefs and a sense of resolution.

Therapy using eye movement provides an effective, compassionate framework for healing, focusing on the connection between past experiences and present challenges. Each session moves at your pace, ensuring comfort and progress.

Therapist taking notes during an abuse recovery therapy session with a client seated on a couch, fostering a supportive environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Book a free consultation via our online booking tool or send us a message. Offering evening and weekend appointments, online across Ontario and in-person in Timmins.

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The Caregivers Role in Child Therapy

Authored by Kelly Lamothe, MSW, RSW

Generally, children are not in therapy because they’ve requested it, rather, their caregiver, medical professional, or school has recommended they attend. Here are essential insights for caregivers to bear in mind during their child’s therapeutic journey.

Navigating the Start of Therapy
Before the first appointment, it can be helpful to prepare the child by explaining to them what they are about to do and what to expect. Offering ample reassurance, framing therapy as a positive and exciting experience, and creating positive associations can significantly enhance the child’s willingness to engage. Positive associations go a long way for helping the child enjoy and be willing to attend therapy. Pair a therapy session with a fun activity afterwards, such as allowing them a special treat or activity.

Creating a Positive Therapeutic Environment
Therapy doesn’t have to come with the same dread as going to get a cavity filled at the dentists. Therapists are committed to making the experience engaging and fun through activities like games, positive reinforcement, and creative expressions like playing with toys or art. Importantly, therapists respect a child’s comfort level and never force them to prolong a session beyond their readiness. The goal is to build positive associations that encourage the child’s enthusiasm to return. Forcing the child to stay longer than they want will not be conducive to learning new skills or building and maintaining trust.

Building Trust Over Time
Establishing trust with the therapist is a gradual process for the child. Similar to adults who may be hesitant to share inner thoughts with a stranger, it is unrealistic to expect immediate trust from a child. The initial few sessions, and sometimes longer, focus on nurturing trust, developing the therapeutic relationship, and gaining a deeper understanding of the child.

Diverse Approaches to Child Therapy
Child therapy doesn’t always appear like the traditional portrayals in the media. Unlike the image of someone on a couch in deep conversation, this is not an accurate representation of child therapy. Most children will not engage in traditional talk therapy to have deep conversations about what is troubling them as adults would. As such, the child therapist is trained to obtain relevant information and provide the child with essential skills through other modalities, such as play.

Home as an Extension of Therapy
While therapists spend limited time with the child during sessions, the caregiver plays a crucial role in reinforcing therapy at home. Just as a child needs reminders for everyday tasks, such as brushing their teeth, caregivers are responsible for prompting and supporting the child in practicing the skills learned during therapy. Like learning any new skill, practice makes progress.

Mutual Engagement in the Therapeutic Process
Caregivers are integral to the therapeutic process. The therapist may offer recommendations based on observed interactions, encouraging caregivers to manage situations and behaviors more effectively. Learning to navigate their own emotions and behaviors equips caregivers to better support their child, sometimes necessitating their own individual therapy.

Collaboration for the Child’s Success
Therapists are allies with the child’s best interests at heart. Open communication is crucial; caregivers should share thoughts and concerns, enabling therapists to tailor the therapy to the child’s unique needs and goals. If a particular approach isn’t yielding results, caregivers are encouraged to communicate with the therapist for alternative strategies. Together, caregivers and therapists form a collaborative team dedicated to the child’s success and well-being.