EMDR Therapy in Vancouver

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy for trauma and distressing memories. Using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping, while briefly focusing on a memory, EMDR helps the brain reprocess experiences so they feel less charged and intrusive. The World Health Organization recommends EMDR as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Antonio Guzman, RCC, has been an EMDR Certified Therapist (EMDR-CT) since 2012, and integrates EMDR with somatic and parts-based approaches when helpful.

EMDR may help with

• Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and single-incident trauma, such as an accident or assault
• Complex or childhood trauma
• Anxiety, panic and phobias
• Grief and traumatic loss
• Workplace and first-responder trauma
• Painful memories that still shape how you see yourself

How EMDR works, step by step

EMDR follows a clear structure, so you always know where you are in the process:

1. History and planning. Antonio learns about your background and what you want to work on, and together you choose where to start.
2. Preparation. You build calming and grounding skills first, so you have ways to settle yourself before any memory work begins.
3. Assessment. You identify a target memory, the image that goes with it, the negative belief it left you with, and where you feel it in your body.
4. Reprocessing. While you hold the memory lightly in mind, Antonio guides short sets of eye movements or tapping. Between sets you simply notice what comes up.
5. Strengthening a new belief. As the memory loses its charge, a more helpful belief about yourself is reinforced.
6. Body scan and closure. You check for any remaining tension and end each session feeling settled, even if the work is not finished.
7. Review. Each new session begins by checking what has shifted since the last one.

What a session feels like

You stay awake, aware and in control throughout, and you can pause or stop at any time. EMDR is not hypnosis. Many people notice a memory starting to feel more distant or less upsetting as sessions go on. It's normal to feel tired afterward, or to notice new thoughts or dreams in the following days, so it helps to plan something gentle after your appointment.

Paced to you

Reprocessing happens only when you're ready. If you are not there yet, the early sessions focus on stability and safety, and somatic therapy can help your nervous system feel steadier first. EMDR can also be done online, and Antonio will talk with you about whether in-person or online sessions suit you best.

Related support

Trauma and PTSD support · Somatic therapy · Clinical hypnosis and parts therapy · Counselling at The Qi Station

If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 9-8-8 (Suicide Crisis Helpline) or go to your nearest emergency department.