Trauma & PTSD
Intrusive memories, avoidance, heightened alertness, and emotional distress following traumatic experiences.
EMDR & TRAUMA THERAPY
The past happened.
It doesn't have to define you.
Sometimes, even when an experience is over, its emotional impact continues to show up in the present. You may understand what happened intellectually, yet still feel its effects in your body, emotions, or relationships.
EMDR therapy offers a structured, evidence-based approach to helping people process distressing memories and reduce their ongoing impact.
Meet Our EMDR Therapists →
EMDR psychotherapy · Markham & Virtual
UNDERSTANDING TRAUMA
When the experience ends, but its impact remains.
Trauma is not defined only by what happened. Its impact also depends on how an experience was processed, the support available at the time, and how it continues to affect your life.
You may notice heightened anxiety, intrusive memories, emotional numbness, shame, difficulty trusting others, or a sense of being constantly on alert.
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is one therapeutic approach that may help.
“I know I'm safe now, but I don't feel safe.”
“I understand what happened, but it still affects me.”
“I want to move forward, but something keeps pulling me back.”
WHAT EMDR MAY HELP WITH
Healing isn't limited to one kind of experience.
EMDR is best established as a treatment for PTSD. Clinicians may also consider EMDR for other concerns involving distressing memories or experiences, following an individual assessment.
Childhood Experiences
Painful early experiences, unmet emotional needs, and persistent beliefs about yourself or others.
Anxiety & Fear
Distress connected to particular memories, events, or situations that continue to trigger fear.
Relationship Trauma
Betrayal, emotional harm, difficult attachment experiences, and relational triggers.
Loss & Difficult Transitions
Distressing experiences surrounding loss, major changes, and events that remain emotionally overwhelming.
Negative Self-Beliefs
Beliefs such as “I'm not safe,” “I'm powerless,” or “I'm not good enough” that may be linked to earlier experiences.
HOW EMDR WORKS
Helping the brain process what feels stuck.
EMDR uses a structured eight-phase treatment approach. During certain phases, your therapist may guide you through bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements or alternating taps, while you attend to aspects of a memory.
The aim is to help reduce the distress associated with a memory and support more adaptive ways of understanding the experience.
EMDR does not erase memories. It also does not require you to describe every detail of a traumatic experience aloud.
SAFETY & READINESS
You don't have to rush into processing.
EMDR is more than memory reprocessing. Assessment, preparation, stabilization, and ongoing evaluation are important parts of treatment.
Your therapist will consider your current coping resources, emotional regulation, safety, and readiness before beginning trauma processing.
For some clients, additional preparation or another therapeutic approach may be more appropriate before EMDR processing.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A thoughtful, collaborative process.
Treatment is individualized. The following overview summarizes major parts of the EMDR process.
Understanding Your Story
We explore your concerns, relevant history, goals, and whether EMDR is an appropriate fit.
Building Readiness
We develop resources and strategies to support emotional regulation, grounding, and safety.
Processing & Integration
When appropriate, we work with selected memories using the EMDR protocol and review changes over time.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE CARE
Meet Your EMDR Therapists.
EMDR therapy at Théla is offered by Charlie, Lina, and Bonny. You can begin by booking a consultation directly with the clinician who best fits your needs.
Charlie
Psychotherapist · EMDR
Charlie offers EMDR therapy with an individualized approach that considers clients' goals, strengths, coping resources, and readiness for trauma processing.
Consult With Charlie →
Lina Wang
Psychotherapist · EMDR
Lina offers EMDR therapy with a warm, collaborative approach to trauma, emotional experiences, and attachment concerns. Sessions are available in English and Chinese, virtually across Ontario.
Consult With Lina →
Bonny
Psychotherapist · EMDR
Bonny brings a trauma-informed, collaborative approach to EMDR therapy, attending to emotional safety, individual readiness, and the broader context of each client's experiences.
Consult With Bonny →
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Before beginning EMDR.
Do I need to have PTSD to receive EMDR?
No. EMDR is best established for PTSD, but a therapist may consider it for other concerns related to distressing experiences. A consultation and assessment help determine whether it is suitable.
Will I have to talk about every detail of my trauma?
Not necessarily. EMDR does not require a detailed verbal retelling of every experience. Your therapist will explain what is involved and work collaboratively with you.
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?
No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake and aware during sessions, and the therapist guides you through a structured protocol.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your history, goals, current circumstances, and treatment needs. Your therapist can discuss a proposed approach after assessment.
Can EMDR be done virtually?
EMDR can be delivered virtually for some clients when clinically appropriate. Your therapist will assess suitability, privacy, safety, and the technology needed.
What if I become overwhelmed during EMDR?
EMDR can bring up difficult emotions. Preparation and stabilization are important, and your therapist will work with you to monitor distress, use grounding strategies, and adjust the pace or pause processing as needed.
Can I choose between Bonny, Charlie, and Lina?
Yes. All three clinicians provide EMDR therapy. You can book a consultation with Bonny, Charlie, or Lina to discuss your concerns and determine whether the fit feels right.
A PLACE TO BEGIN
Your story deserves care, not pressure.
You do not need to know whether EMDR is right for you before reaching out. A complimentary consultation can help you explore your concerns and ask questions about the process.
