Stephanie Melanson - Therapist

EMDR

HEALING THE PAST SO YOU CAN ENJOY THE PRESENT

EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process memories or experiences that feel stuck, overwhelming, or hard to move past.

Many people come to EMDR because they’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or triggers that seem to appear out of nowhere. EMDR works by engaging both sides of the brain, often through gentle eye movements, tapping, or hand buzzers, so your mind can finally sort through those experiences in a calmer, more balanced way. EMDR helps you feel more grounded, more in control, and more like yourself again.

EMDR is a good fit if you:

  • Have experienced trauma, whether recent or long ago
  • Feel on edge, easily triggered, or “stuck” in old patterns
  • Struggle with anxiety, panic, or phobias
  • Are a first responder, survivor of abuse, or someone carrying chronic stress
  • Want relief from memories, sensations, or emotions that still feel too strong

Many clients appreciate that you don’t have to share every detail of your trauma, and that you don’t need a trauma diagnosis to benefit from EMDR.

Benefits you can expect:

  • Relief from old triggers
  • Less emotional intensity around difficult memories
  • Improved sleep and overall calm
  • Feeling more grounded and in control
  • Better emotional resilience
  • The ability to think about past experiences without feeling overwhelmed

 

What a Typical EMDR Session Looks Like

History Taking – Your therapist learns about your goals and experiences.

Preparation – You’re taught grounding tools so you feel safe and ready.

Reprocessing – You focus on a memory while using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, light bar, or buzzers).

Installation – New, more helpful beliefs and sensations are strengthened.

Closure – You leave the session grounded and stable.

Reevaluation – At the next session, your therapist checks in on how things have settled.

 

What EMDR Feels Like

While everyone’s experience is a little different, many clients describe feeling calmer or lighter after a session, with some noticing temporary tiredness or emotional sensitivity for a day or two. Others experience a growing sense of clarity or relief as the process continues. Throughout every step, your therapist is there to guide the pace, ensure your safety, and help you stay grounded and comfortable.

 

Backed by Research

EMDR has over 30 years of clinical use and strong research support. It’s recommended by leading mental health organizations worldwide for treating trauma and related symptoms.

 

Why Choose Kingsway Counselling for EMDR?

At Kingsway Counselling, we put your safety and comfort at the heart of everything we do. Stephanie Melanson, our EMDR-trained clinician, offers trauma-informed care and guides each session at a pace that feels right for you. Whether in our welcoming therapy rooms or through virtual sessions, we provide a supportive space where you can feel understood, safe, and confident every step of the way.

EMDR COUNSELLING SESSIONS