Thrive Counselling Winnipeg: What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) is a new, evidence-based form of therapy.

EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) defines EMDR therapy as "an integrative psychotherapy approach intended to treat psychological disorders, to alleviate human suffering, and to assist individuals to fulfill their potential for development...For the client, EMDR therapy aims to achieve comprehensive treatment safely, effectively, and efficiently."

EMDR therapy can help you thrive.

EMDR Therapy at Thrive Counselling Winnipeg Can Help You

What people say about EMDR therapy:
"This is incredible! How is it doing that?" "I feel so much better now." "I don't think I've ever felt so calm!" "I feel like I just kicked all of my baggage to the curb." "I feel lighter somehow...like I'm about to start a whole new life."

EMDR therapy is offered by Ailia Mikolash, a therapist with advanced EMDRIA-approved training. Ailia's fee is $120/session. MDR therapy at Thrive may be covered by your insurance plan (click here

For more information about EMDR therapy, see:
EMDR International Association, EMDR Canada, or read on below.

If you would like to make an appointment for EMDR therapy, please contact Ailia directly by emailing ailia@thrivewinnipeg.com.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

Do you start EMDR therapy with people during the first appointment?

We can if you like, although we will not start working through issues with EMDR therapy during the first session. The first part of EMDR therapy is about you and your therapist getting to know each other, and about helping you feel calmer and stronger. We often start helping people who are interested in EMDR therapy begin the process right away by doing the initial EMDR exercises with them. These can be compared to relaxation exercises, and people usually find them quite calming.

How many sessions will it take until we can start working on issues with EMDR therapy?

We will start working on issues when you are ready. Some people come in ready to begin EMDR therapy as soon as possible. If you are someone like this, you and your Thrive Counselling therapist might decide together to start working through problems with EMDR therapy as soon as the second or third session. Other people need more time to build up their internal and external resources before dealing with difficult issues. There are many ways that we can help equip you for dealing with anything that might be tough for you to work on.

How long will EMDR therapy take?

This depends on many factors, including your history and your goals for therapy. We will take at least one or two sessions to prepare for EMDR therapy, and possibly more. The amount of preparation each person needs is different. After preparation, we will start working through issues with EMDR therapy. Again, how long this process takes is different for everyone. Your Thrive Counselling therapist will likely able to give you a better idea of how long EMDR therapy might take for you after you start working together.

What is an EMDR therapy session like?

When you come in for your first EMDR processing session, we will start by picking a target issue to work on. This could be almost anything that is distressing or difficult for you. Your Thrive Counselling therapist will ask you to hold the issue in your mind and notice the memories, thoughts, and feelings that go along with it. You and your therapist will then use sets of eye movements, tapping, or sounds to work through the problem. You will be in control of the process the entire time. We will continue with this until the issue no longer bothers you. Many people are surprised at how much better they feel after this, even about things they thought they might never feel better about.

Is EMDR therapy covered by my insurance plan?

It depends on your specific insurance plan. Email us for help on how to check if your insurance covers EMDR therapy at Thrive. Either way, we can assure you that EMDR therapy is worth the cost. Therapy services at Thrive Counselling are also tax deductible as a medical expense.

Will EMDR therapy erase my bad memories?

EMDR therapy does not erase bad memories. It can, however, help you to resolve them. What this means is that EMDR therapy can make your bad memories less vivid and less distressing. You will be able to integrate them, meaning that you will be able to say, "Even though this tough thing happened to me, I am really OK now."

Will EMDR therapy take away my good memories of a loved one?

This can be a very real concern for someone who has lost someone they love, or for someone who has had a mixed relationship with an important person in their life. EMDR therapy will not take away any of your good memories, and it will not take away the love you have for anyone. Nor will it take away your grief, although it will likely ease the grieving process for you. EMDR therapy provides resolution, integration, and healing, meaning that you will be able to move forward in a positive way. You can be comforted knowing that you will keep everything you need to keep.

I feel bad about something I did. Can EMDR therapy help me?

We all make mistakes. Sometimes we even feel guilty or bad about things that were not really our fault, or that we could not have prevented. EMDR therapy can help you become clear on what you were responsible for and what you were not. If you have made a mistake, you can always make things right.

Does EMDR therapy have any side effects?

None have been noted, although as with all kinds of counselling, EMDR therapy does have the potential to bring up strong emotions and memories. That is why it is important to take the time to prepare before working through issues with EMDR.

Is EMDR therapy the same as hypnosis? Will my therapist hypnotize me?

Not at all. EMDR therapy is not hypnosis. In EMDR therapy you do the healing, and you are always in control of what's happening.

Does EMDR therapy actually work?

Yes! The experiences of millions of people from all over the world, in addition to many scientific studies, support the fact that EMDR therapy can help people heal and live happier lives.

How effective and efficient is EMDR therapy compared to other forms of therapy?

Compared to other kinds of therapy, EMDR therapy has been rated as more effective and efficient by mental health professionals. Scientific studies support the effectiveness of EMDR.

When will I start to notice a difference after EMDR therapy?

Many people notice a difference in how they feel immediately, often during the EMDR therapy session itself. Some people take a few days or a week to fully integrate the changes that have occurred during the session. A positive shift, or at least some forward progress, will likely be noticeable soon after a target issue is processed.

Who can provide EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy should only be provided by a professional who has completed an EMDRIA approved Basic Training. This is quite important, as it ensures that the person providing your care has been properly trained and is following the EMDR therapy protocol. Your Thrive Counselling therapist has completed EMDR Basic Training, as well as much Advanced EMDR Training.

What kinds of issues can EMDR therapy help with?

Many kinds. EMDR therapy has been used to help people with everything from healing complex trauma to achieving business goals and personal success. If you are wondering if EMDR therapy might be able to help you, contact us and ask!