Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy

If you're navigating the effects of trauma or struggling with symptoms of PTSD, you’re not alone. There are effective, evidence-based therapies that can help. One of the most widely recognized approaches for trauma healing is EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This powerful technique has been shown to reduce the emotional distress associated with traumatic memories and help individuals move toward lasting healing.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion tied to that memory.

Bilateral stimulation, refers to any kind of stimulation that moves back and forth across the body — activating the left and right sides of the brain in an alternating pattern.

In EMDR, bilateral stimulation helps the brain process traumatic or distressing memories that have gotten "stuck" in an unprocessed state. Normally, memories are supposed to be integrated into our broader memory network, but trauma can cause memories to stay "frozen" with their original emotions, sensations, and beliefs attached.

Bilateral stimulation is thought to help the brain do several things:

• Reduce emotional intensity of the memory

• Allow new, more adaptive information to connect to the memory

• Facilitate natural healing, similar to how REM sleep (where your eyes move side to side) helps process daily events

What does this look like in a therapy session? Good question! Check out the table below for some commonly used interventions by therapists practicing EMDR.

Type	Example
Eye Movements	Client follows the therapist’s fingers, a light bar, or a moving object horizontally with their eyes, left to right.
Tactile (Touch)	Client holds vibrating tappers in each hand, alternating vibrations between left and right.
Auditory (Sound)	Client listens to tones alternating between the left and right ears through headphones.
Self-tapping (Butterfly Hug)	Client crosses their arms over their chest and alternately taps their shoulders — left, right, left, right.

Trauma Therapy That Comes to You, Virtually.

Accessing trauma therapy has never been more convenient, especially with the growing demand for virtual EMDR therapy. Whether you're in Toronto, Ottawa, London, or elsewhere in Ontario, you can connect with our virtual EMDR therapist, Maryam Einshouka from the comfort and privacy of your home. Virtual EMDR therapy has proven to be just as effective as in-person sessions, offering flexibility while maintaining the same standard of care. It’s an ideal option for those who may have mobility challenges, tight schedules, or who simply feel more comfortable doing therapy in a familiar environment.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy is highly effective for a wide range of individuals, particularly those dealing with:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Grief and loss

• Childhood trauma or abuse

• Distressing memories and flashbacks

• Low self-esteem rooted in past experiences

If you're a resident of Ontario and seeking trauma therapy, EMDR might be a gentle yet powerful way to help you move forward.

Getting Started with EMDR Therapy

Working with a qualified virtual EMDR therapist in Ontario can be a transformative experience. At our clinic, therapist Maryam Einshouka specializes in helping clients heal from trauma through EMDR therapy. Maryam creates a compassionate, safe space where clients can gently process painful memories. EMDR supports you in working through painful memories at a pace that feels safe and manageable, helping to lessen the emotional intensity. Using EMDR’s structured, evidence-based approach, she guides clients through bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements or tapping to help the brain reprocess traumatic experiences and reduce emotional distress. Maryam tailors each session to the client’s needs, ensuring they feel supported as they move toward new perspectives, emotional relief, and lasting resilience. Her warm and client-centered style empowers individuals to reclaim their sense of safety, strength, and self-trust.

If you're curious about EMDR therapy or wondering whether it's the right fit for your healing journey, reach out to us today. We'd be happy to connect you with a therapist who can support your unique needs.

Ready to start your healing journey?

Book a free consultation with our EMDR therapist Maryam who offers virtual EMDR therapist

in Ontario and take the first step toward feeling better.

Book here: https://blissfulbalancecounsellinggroup.janeapp.com/