How EMDR Therapy in Calgary Can Help You Heal from Trauma
If you’ve ever found yourself reacting strongly to a situation without understanding why, you’re not alone. Many people experience intense emotional reactions that seem to come out of nowhere. For example, you might feel anxious, angry, or fearful, but not be able to connect these feelings to anything happening in the present moment. Often, these reactions are linked to unresolved trauma from the past. This is where EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help.
At Eckert Psychology & Education Centre in Calgary, Alberta, we specialize in EMDR therapy for children, teens, and adults, helping you address past traumas and emotional distress in a safe and supportive environment. EMDR is an effective, research-backed treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns. But how does it work, and why is it so effective?
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is based on the idea that traumatic or distressing experiences are stored in the brain differently than normal memories. When you go through a traumatic event, your brain doesn’t always have the capacity to process it fully. Instead, the memory—along with the emotions, physical sensations, and thoughts that came with it—gets “stuck” in your mind, affecting how you react to situations today.
For example, let’s say you were in a bike accident involving a red car. Even though the accident happened years ago, you might feel anxious or panicked whenever you see a red car today, even though you know logically it’s not a danger. This is because your brain has linked the image of a red car with danger, and it reacts automatically whenever you encounter a similar situation. While not all reactions are as clear and logical as the red car example, people often find themselves feeling mistrust, fear of abandonment, or a sense of helplessness, without understanding why. These reactions can seem irrational, but when you look at a person’s trauma history—whether it’s related to adoption, abuse, bullying, betrayal, or other traumatic experiences—these responses start to make sense.
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR therapy helps you process these stuck memories so that they no longer trigger overwhelming emotions or reactions. Instead of talking extensively about the trauma, EMDR therapy focuses on non-verbal processing. Your therapist will guide you through the memory while using something called bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping on either side of your body. This stimulation helps your brain reprocess the traumatic memory, allowing it to become less emotionally charged.The goal of EMDR therapy is not to erase the memory, but to help you detach the emotional pain or physical sensations from it. After a few sessions, many clients find they can think about the traumatic event as if it’s just another memory—no longer distressing or overwhelming.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is particularly effective for those dealing with trauma, PTSD, or other emotionally charged experiences, but it’s also helpful for anyone struggling with overwhelming emotions or reactions that don’t seem to have a clear cause.
At Eckert Centre in Calgary, we have trained specialists who provide EMDR therapy for:
Children and Teens: Helping young people process difficult or traumatic experiences that may be affecting their emotional well-being or behavior.
Adults: Supporting individuals in addressing past traumas or distressing memories that are impacting their current life.
EMDR has been shown to be effective for a variety of issues, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Phobias
- Panic attacks
- Grief and loss
- Trauma from accidents, abuse, or medical procedures
Why Choose Eckert Centre for EMDR Therapy in Calgary?
At Eckert Psychology & Education Centre, our team of EMDR specialists is dedicated to helping you heal from past trauma and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Here’s why clients across Calgary and Alberta trust us for their mental health needs:
Experienced EMDR Specialists: We have therapists who specialize in EMDR therapy for children, teens, and adults, ensuring that each age group receives tailored care.
Compassionate and Safe Environment: Healing from trauma can be difficult, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our therapists provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can work through distressing memories at your own pace.
Flexible Online and In-Person Sessions: We offer EMDR therapy both at our Calgary clinic and through secure online sessions anywhere in Alberta, making it easy to fit therapy into your life.
Use Your Insurance Benefits: We offer direct billing to many insurance providers, so you can focus on healing without worrying about complicated payment processes.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If past trauma or distressing memories are affecting your life today, EMDR therapy can help you find relief. At Eckert Psychology & Education Centre in Calgary, our experienced therapists are here to guide you through the healing process so you can regain control over your emotions and live with greater peace.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn how EMDR therapy can support your journey toward emotional freedom.
How to Contact Us
- Online Booking: Easily schedule your appointment through our https://eckertpsychology.janeapp.com/
- Submit a Form: Fill out our contact form at www.eckertcentre.com and our team will get back to you promptly.
- Call Us: Speak directly with one of our team members by calling 403-230-2959.
- Email Us: Send us an email at info@eckert-psychology.com and we’ll respond shortly.
About Kimberly Eckert
Kimberly Eckert, M.Sc., is a Registered Psychologist and the Founder and Executive Director of Eckert Psychology & Education Centre. With over two decades of experience, Kimberly has built a practice dedicated to supporting individuals, couples, children, and families in overcoming life’s challenges. While Kimberly now focuses on mentoring her highly skilled team of psychologists and counsellors, it is her team of compassionate professionals who are ready to support clients with their expertise in EMDR therapy and other evidence-based approaches.
At Eckert Centre, you can trust that you will receive the highest quality care from a team committed to helping you heal and thrive.
