What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy for trauma and distressing memories. While you briefly focus on a memory, your practitioner guides you through sets of eye movements, taps or tones, and checks in with you after each set. The goal is for the memory to feel less upsetting, so you can recall it without the same emotional charge. It follows eight phases, starting with your history and preparation, before any memory work begins.

Do I need a referral for EMDR in Abbotsford or Chilliwack?

No. You can book directly with an EMDR-trained practitioner at The Healing Oak Abbotsford, (604) 850-9097, or The Healing Oak Chilliwack, (604) 846-2999, or online. Some extended health plans have their own paperwork rules, so check your plan if you'll be claiming.

Who offers EMDR at The Healing Oak?

In Abbotsford, Susan Doiron, MEd, CCC, and Jae Yoo, CCC-CCS. In Chilliwack, Jen Larush, Psychologist. Each practitioner's profile shows whether they're accepting new patients and how they bill.

Is EMDR right for everyone?

Not always, and not always right away. Your practitioner starts by taking a full history and talking with you about whether EMDR fits what you're dealing with. If you're going through a crisis or don't yet feel safe day to day, they may spend more time on coping and stabilization skills first, or suggest a different approach. If you're in crisis right now, call or text 9-8-8 at any hour.

Are there side effects or downsides to EMDR?

EMDR can bring up strong feelings during a session, and some processing can continue afterward. Some people notice new memories, vivid dreams or feeling more emotional for a few days. Your practitioner ends each session with calming techniques, explains what to expect between sessions, and you can stop at any point. Tell your practitioner how you've been between sessions so they can adjust the pace.

How long is an EMDR session, and how many will I need?

Session durations vary, and so does the number of sessions. It depends on your history, what you want to work on, and how much preparation you need first. Your practitioner will talk this through with you after your first sessions.

Is EMDR covered by MSP or my extended health plan?

MSP generally does not cover counselling with a private practitioner in BC. Many extended health plans do, usually under counselling, clinical counselling, social work or psychology, depending on the practitioner's credential, so check which credentials your plan accepts. Direct billing depends on the practitioner; each profile lists the insurers they bill directly. Fees vary by practitioner, so ask when you book.

How is EMDR different from talk therapy?

In regular talk therapy, much of the work happens by talking through what happened and how it affects you. In EMDR, you don't have to describe the memory in detail. After preparation, you briefly hold the memory in mind during sets of eye movements, taps or tones, and notice what comes up. Many practitioners combine EMDR with other approaches, such as CBT or DBT.

EMDR therapy in Abbotsford and Chilliwack

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured form of therapy that helps people process traumatic or distressing memories so they carry less emotional charge. While you briefly hold a memory in mind, your practitioner guides you through sets of eye movements, taps or tones. You don't have to describe the memory in detail, and you can stop at any time. EMDR-trained practitioners see clients at The Healing Oak in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, and you can book directly. No referral is needed.

EMDR practitioners at The Healing Oak

Abbotsford

Susan Doiron, MEd, CCC is a counsellor and Certified EMDR Therapist with over 20 years of experience. She developed the Fairy Tale Method, which uses storytelling alongside EMDR.
Jae Yoo, CCC-CCS is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Certified Clinical Supervisor who uses EMDR, where it fits, to help clients process trauma, with a focus on adult and childhood trauma.

Chilliwack

Jen Larush, Psychologist is trained in EMDR alongside CBT, DBT and other approaches.

Each profile shows whether the practitioner is accepting new patients and which insurers they direct bill. Direct billing depends on the practitioner.

About Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

What Can EMDR Help With? EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but research has demonstrated its effectiveness across a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the key areas where EMDR has been shown to be beneficial: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) EMDR is recognized as a first-line treatment for PTSD, helping individuals process traumatic memories and reduce flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. Childhood Trauma Addresses the lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences, attachment disruptions, and early trauma that shape adult emotional and relational patterns. Anxiety and Panic Disorders Helps identify and reprocess the underlying experiences that drive anxiety responses, reducing the intensity of panic attacks and chronic worry. Phobias and Fears Effectively addresses specific phobias by processing the original experiences that created the fear response. Depression Related to Trauma When depression is rooted in unresolved traumatic experiences, EMDR can help address the experiences underneath it. Grief and Complicated Loss Supports processing of traumatic or complicated grief, helping individuals move through the mourning process and find renewed meaning. Performance Anxiety Addresses the root causes of performance anxiety in sports, public speaking, or professional settings by reprocessing negative past experiences. Disturbing Memories Helps process any disturbing memories that continue to cause emotional distress, whether from accidents, medical procedures, or interpersonal events. Low Self-Esteem Reprocesses the early experiences and negative beliefs that contribute to poor self-image, helping install more adaptive and positive self-beliefs. Addiction and Substance Use Addresses the traumatic experiences that often underlie addictive behaviours, supporting recovery by processing the root causes of substance use. The Origins and History of EMDR EMDR was developed in 1987 by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro, who made a chance observation while walking in a park. She noticed that certain eye movements appeared to reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts. This observation led to years of research and the development of a comprehensive therapeutic approach. Since its inception, EMDR has become one of the most extensively researched psychotherapy treatments for trauma. It is now recommended as an effective treatment for PTSD by numerous international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. The Adaptive Information Processing Model EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which proposes that the brain has a natural capacity to process experiences and integrate them into adaptive memory networks. When a traumatic event occurs, this processing system can become overwhelmed, causing the memory to be stored in its original, disturbing form. EMDR therapy facilitates the resumption of this natural processing, allowing the brain to integrate traumatic memories with more adaptive information. This is why clients often report that after successful EMDR treatment, they can recall the event without the emotional charge that previously accompanied it. The Eight Phases of EMDR EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase protocol that ensures comprehensive and safe treatment. Each phase plays an important role in the overall therapeutic process. Phase 1: History Taking Your therapist gathers a thorough history, identifies target memories for processing, and develops a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Phase 2: Preparation You learn coping and self-regulation techniques to manage emotional distress during and between sessions, ensuring you feel safe and resourced. Phase 3: Assessment The target memory is identified along with associated negative beliefs, desired positive beliefs, current emotions, and physical sensations. Phase 4: Desensitization Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones), you process the target memory while your therapist guides you through sets of stimulation. Phase 5: Installation The desired positive belief is strengthened and linked with the target memory, replacing the negative self-belief with a more adaptive one. Phase 6: Body Scan You scan your body for any remaining tension or discomfort related to the target memory, processing any residual physical sensations. Phase 7: Closure Each session ends with stabilization techniques to ensure you leave feeling calm and grounded, with guidance for managing experiences between sessions. Phase 8: Re-evaluation At the start of each new session, your therapist assesses progress, checks that previously processed material remains resolved, and identifies next targets. Understanding EMDR EMDR therapy works by helping the brain's natural healing process resume. Just as the body heals a wound when an obstruction is removed, the mind can heal from psychological trauma when the block to processing is addressed. 1. How Bilateral Stimulation Works During EMDR, bilateral stimulation (usually guided eye movements, but sometimes taps or tones) is used while you briefly focus on a memory. This dual attention process helps the brain integrate traumatic memories with existing adaptive information, reducing their emotional intensity and changing associated beliefs. 2. Key Principles • Memory processing: EMDR is thought to help the brain update distressing memories with new, more helpful information. • Client-centred processing: EMDR does not require you to describe the trauma in detail. Your own processing guides the work, which many people find easier than retelling what happened. • Your pace: How long EMDR takes depends on your history and goals. Your practitioner will talk this through with you after your first sessions. 3. What Makes EMDR Different EMDR does not rely on extended exposure or detailed descriptions of the traumatic event, nor does it require homework between sessions. Instead, it works with the brain's own processing mechanisms which can suit people who find it hard to talk about their experiences. The Structure of EMDR Therapy Session durations vary. EMDR follows a structured approach. Here is what you can expect from a course of EMDR treatment: Initial Assessment Your therapist conducts a comprehensive assessment to understand your history, identify target memories, and determine whether EMDR is appropriate for your needs. Resource Building Before processing begins, you develop coping resources and relaxation techniques to ensure you can manage any emotions that arise during and between sessions. Processing Sessions During processing, you focus on the target memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. Your therapist guides the process, checking in regularly to monitor your progress. Review and wrap-up Your practitioner reviews your progress with you regularly, and you decide together when you've reached your goals.

Benefits

Relief from distressing memories and PTSD symptoms for many people
Reduced emotional distress associated with past experiences
Resolution of negative self-beliefs rooted in trauma
Decreased frequency and intensity of flashbacks and nightmares
Improved emotional regulation and stress management
Enhanced self-esteem and positive self-perception
No requirement to talk in detail about traumatic experiences
Calming and coping skills you can keep using after treatment
Evidence-based treatment endorsed by major health organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is EMDR therapy?: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy for trauma and distressing memories. While you briefly focus on a memory, your practitioner guides you through sets of eye movements, taps or tones, and checks in with you after each set. The goal is for the memory to feel less upsetting, so you can recall it without the same emotional charge. It follows eight phases, starting with your history and preparation, before any memory work begins.
Do I need a referral for EMDR in Abbotsford or Chilliwack?: No. You can book directly with an EMDR-trained practitioner at The Healing Oak Abbotsford, (604) 850-9097, or The Healing Oak Chilliwack, (604) 846-2999, or online. Some extended health plans have their own paperwork rules, so check your plan if you'll be claiming.
Who offers EMDR at The Healing Oak?: In Abbotsford, Susan Doiron, MEd, CCC, and Jae Yoo, CCC-CCS. In Chilliwack, Jen Larush, Psychologist. Each practitioner's profile shows whether they're accepting new patients and how they bill.
Is EMDR right for everyone?: Not always, and not always right away. Your practitioner starts by taking a full history and talking with you about whether EMDR fits what you're dealing with. If you're going through a crisis or don't yet feel safe day to day, they may spend more time on coping and stabilization skills first, or suggest a different approach. If you're in crisis right now, call or text 9-8-8 at any hour.
Are there side effects or downsides to EMDR?: EMDR can bring up strong feelings during a session, and some processing can continue afterward. Some people notice new memories, vivid dreams or feeling more emotional for a few days. Your practitioner ends each session with calming techniques, explains what to expect between sessions, and you can stop at any point. Tell your practitioner how you've been between sessions so they can adjust the pace.
How long is an EMDR session, and how many will I need?: Session durations vary, and so does the number of sessions. It depends on your history, what you want to work on, and how much preparation you need first. Your practitioner will talk this through with you after your first sessions.
Is EMDR covered by MSP or my extended health plan?: MSP generally does not cover counselling with a private practitioner in BC. Many extended health plans do, usually under counselling, clinical counselling, social work or psychology, depending on the practitioner's credential, so check which credentials your plan accepts. Direct billing depends on the practitioner; each profile lists the insurers they bill directly. Fees vary by practitioner, so ask when you book.
How is EMDR different from talk therapy?: In regular talk therapy, much of the work happens by talking through what happened and how it affects you. In EMDR, you don't have to describe the memory in detail. After preparation, you briefly hold the memory in mind during sets of eye movements, taps or tones, and notice what comes up. Many practitioners combine EMDR with other approaches, such as CBT or DBT.

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Related Services

Where to book Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

The Healing Oak Abbotsford, #111, 2632 Pauline Street, Abbotsford, BC V2S 0C9. (604) 850-9097. Book at this clinic
The Healing Oak Chilliwack, #101 - 7408 Vedder Road, Chilliwack, BC V2R 4E6. (604) 846-2999. Book at this clinic

Offered at The Healing Oak - Multidisciplinary Health & Wellness Clinic in Abbotsford & Chilliwack, BC. No referral required. Direct billing depends on the practitioner.