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A Brief History​

 

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was discovered by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. One day, while struggling with emotional distress, she went for a walk and sat on a bench, observing people passing by. As her eyes followed each person in a rhythmic, side-to-side motion, she noticed something unexpected.

 

Although we don’t know exactly what she was thinking in that moment, Dr. Shapiro later reflected that the distressing thoughts she had been grappling with felt noticeably less intense. Curious, she decided to test the experience intentionally: she brought up a troubling memory, moved her eyes in the same way—and again, the emotional charge diminished.This was the beginning of what would become EMDR therapy.

Who Is EMDR For?

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This evidence-based therapy is particularly helpful for individuals experiencing:

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Trauma (PTSD or CPTSD): Whether from a single traumatic event or long-term, repeated experiences.

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Chronic Distress: Including anxiety, sleep issues, financial stress, or work-related burnout.

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Feeling Stuck: When past events keep you from moving forward in life.

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Addiction: Addressing the emotional roots that drive unhealthy coping strategies.

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Grief: Processing loss without becoming overwhelmed by it.

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Phobias: Reframing the traumatic memories that fuel specific fears.

Why Does It Work?

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EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—most commonly eye movements—to engage both hemispheres of the brain. This helps the brain reprocess painful or emotionally charged memories with greater clarity and emotional regulation.

Imagine this: You logically know your ex wasn't good for you, but your emotional brain still misses them. EMDR helps bridge that gap—helping your emotional understanding catch up to your logical insights.

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It’s similar to learning to play the guitar. You may know where to place your fingers for a chord, but it takes time and practice for your muscles to follow suit. EMDR supports your emotional processing in much the same way.

These eye movements also resemble REM sleep—the stage in which our brains naturally process emotions and consolidate memories—making EMDR a kind of waking reorganization of what’s emotionally unresolved.

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How to Begin

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At Healing Waves Counselling, we offer EMDR therapy with skilled and compassionate practitioners. Wherever you're located in BC, you can book a virtual session with:

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  • Lien Dilewijns, RCC – A certified EMDR therapist who supports individuals and couples through trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions.

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  • Manpreet Kour – A trauma-informed clinician who uses TST and EMDR to help clients navigate ADHD, cultural pressures, anxiety, and relational issues.

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  • Dr. Garima Garg – A certified life coach and PhD in Clinical Psychology, working with clients on BPD, gender identity, ADHD, and grief using an integrative therapeutic approach.

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Explore our team and book your first (or next) session with one of Vancouver’s leading EMDR therapists today.
You don’t have to stay stuck. We’re here to help you heal.

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