EMDR Therapy in Ottawa: Navigating Trauma Recovery
Updated: October 9, 2024In the heart of Ottawa, a beacon of hope shines brightly for people looking to heal from trauma. If you or someone you know is dealing with the aftermath of trauma and looking for a treatment that works, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy could be what you've been searching for.
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we have a variety of trauma therapists to choose from. Learn more about our trauma therapists and treatment. Book a free consultation to learn how we can help. Many of our therapists live near or in Ottawa.
What is EMDR?
EMDR therapy has gained recognition worldwide for its remarkable effectiveness in treating a variety of mental health conditions. EMDR can help with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and more. EMDR offers a comprehensive approach to processing traumatic memories and fostering resilience.
Major Components of EMDR Therapy
Bilateral Stimulation
Bilateral stimulation is one of the unique parts of EMDR. This involves moving your eyes back and forth, or sometimes tapping on each side of your body, while you think about a distressing memory. This back-and-forth movement helps "unlock" the stuck memories and allows your brain to process them in a healthier way. It's like giving your mind the space it needs to take a fresh look at old experiences.
Cognitive Restructuring
Cognitive restructuring helps you take a step back and see your thoughts in a new light. Often, our minds latch onto beliefs that might not be true, especially when we’ve been through something tough. This part of EMDR encourages you to challenge and reshape those negative thoughts. For example, if a part of you believes “I’m powerless,” EMDR works to help you shift that into something more balanced, like “I have some control over my life.”
Memory Reprocessing
Memory reprocessing is where EMDR helps you revisit and reframe painful memories. You’re not just remembering what happened; you’re also actively working to change how it affects you now. It’s about finding a way to look at the memory without feeling overwhelmed by it. Over time, the goal is to feel like the memory is just something that happened—not something that still holds power over you.
Desensitization and Reprocessing Phases
The desensitization phase is where you work on lowering the emotional charge connected to your memories. With the support of your therapist, you revisit the memory using bilateral stimulation. This gradually helps take the intensity out of it. Then, in the reprocessing phase, you work on solidifying new, positive beliefs about yourself. You’re essentially rewiring how you think and feel about what happened, which can make a huge difference in how you see yourself and the world.
Each part of EMDR therapy builds on the other, creating a comprehensive process that helps you move past what’s been holding you back. It’s all about giving you the tools to reshape your relationship with your memories, so you can feel more in control and at peace.
Why Choose EMDR as a Therapy?
In Ottawa, people with trauma turn to EMDR therapy for hope and healing. The city's diverse population and trauma history make it an ideal place for this therapy. Also, Ottawa's focus on mental health awareness and accessibility ensures people can access EMDR therapy.
Effective: Research shows that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can symptoms of PTSD.
Rapid Relief: Many people experience faster improvements compared to traditional talk therapy.
Focused Approach: EMDR targets specific traumatic memories, helping to process and heal them.
Less Talking: Unlike some therapies, you don't need to talk about the details of your trauma in EMDR. This means that it can be less stressful.
Holistic Healing: EMDR helps integrate emotional and cognitive healing. This means that you will feel better at an emotional level and your thoughts will be more balanced.
Empowering Process: EMDR gives you tools to handle distressing memories and build resilience.
Long-Lasting Results: Studies suggest that people maintain the benefits of EMDR over time. This means that EMDR provides lasting relief from symptoms of PTSD.
Learn about the 5 benefits of EMDR.
Sources Supporting the Effectiveness of EMDR for PTSD
1. World Health Organization (WHO):
The WHO endorses EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD.
2. American Psychological Association (APA):
The APA recognizes EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Their clinical practice guidelines recommend it as a therapy.
3. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE):
NICE recommends EMDR for PTSD treatment in their comprehensive guidelines, underscoring its efficacy.
4. Journal of Traumatic Stress:
Many studies in this journal show the effectiveness of EMDR in reducing PTSD symptoms. For instance, a meta-analysis by Lee and Cuijpers (2013) highlights its positive impact.
5. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology:
Research by Bisson et al. (2007) reviewed various PTSD therapies and identified EMDR as one of the most effective treatments available.
6. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD):
The VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD management includes EMDR as a recommended treatment, validating its success within military and veteran populations.
These sources provide evidence supporting EMDR's efficacy in treating PTSD. This means that the therapy is a credible and reliable therapy option endorsed by research.
Finding EMDR Therapy in Ottawa
To begin EMDR therapy in Ottawa, look for a skilled therapist specializing in this method. Ottawa has many mental health therapists trained in EMDR therapy. Therapists can tailor EMDR to your needs.
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we offer a range of therapists from different disciplines. This includes social workers, psychotherapists, and clinical psychologists. They specialize in trauma therapy.
Book a free consultation to learn how EMDR can help. Learn about our therapy fees and trauma therapists.
Effectiveness of EMDR
Studies have shown that EMDR therapy has a success rate of up to 80-90% in significantly reducing symptoms of PTSD and trauma-related distress (Shapiro, 2018).
Resources in Ottawa
Here are some resources to help you connect with EMDR therapy services in Ottawa:
Therapy Directories: Check online directories for EMDR therapists in Ottawa. You can use Psychology Today to search. Also, read our blog post on finding the best online therapist in Ontario.
Referrals from Healthcare Providers: Ask your doctor or mental health counsellor for EMDR therapist recommendations in Ottawa.
Community Mental Health Centers: Contact local clinics or hospitals for EMDR therapy options.
Online Platforms: Explore online therapy services for virtual EMDR sessions.
Meet the Clinical Directors of Virtual CBT Psychotherapy! They will meet with you for your free consultation. You will be matched with a therapist in Ontario.
Connect with an EMDR Therapist in Ottawa
EMDR therapy in Ottawa offers healing, growth, and transformation. Whether you're managing PTSD or past traumas, it can lead to a brighter future. Take the first step today.
Learn more about our EMDR therapy and our EMDR therapist (Catherine) in Ottawa. Book a free consultation with our Clinical Directors to find the right therapist for you. One of our Clinical Directors and Co-Founders, Melissa Lindstrom, RSW, MSW, is also from Ottawa.
Learn more about our trauma therapists serving Ottawa and Kanata.
