EMDR Therapy in Calgary | NU Psychology
During EMDR therapy, the brain’s natural healing processes are actually at work — similar to how it organizes information during sleep. The eye movements used in EMDR mimic REM sleep patterns, helping your brain reprocess painful memories and store them in a calmer, more adaptive way.
Healing Trauma, Reducing Distress, and Restoring Balance with NU Psychology
Life’s challenges can leave deep emotional imprints that shape how we think, feel, and respond to the world. Whether you’re coping with trauma, anxiety, grief, or painful memories, finding relief can feel overwhelming. At NU Psychology in Calgary, we understand that healing is possible—and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is one of the most effective ways to support that process.
Our Calgary psychologists specialize in EMDR therapy for adults, helping individuals process difficult experiences, reduce emotional distress, and build resilience. EMDR doesn’t erase the past—it helps you change how those memories live within you, so you can move forward with clarity, strength, and peace.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals heal from distressing or traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or tones—to help the brain reprocess memories that have become “stuck.”
When a traumatic or painful event occurs, the brain sometimes stores the memory in a way that keeps it emotionally charged. EMDR helps reprocess those memories, allowing the brain to integrate them more adaptively. Over time, the memory remains—but the intense emotional reaction fades.
Originally developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has since been shown to help with many concerns, including:
Anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorders
Phobias and fears
Grief and complicated loss
Relationship and attachment challenges
Workplace stress and burnout
Chronic pain and illness-related distress
How EMDR Therapy Works
EMDR therapy is based on the understanding that unprocessed memories can continue to influence our emotions, thoughts, and behaviours long after the event. The therapy follows a structured, phased process, ensuring that you feel supported, safe, and empowered throughout.
1. History Taking and Assessment: Your psychologist will take time to understand your experiences, symptoms, and goals. Together, you’ll identify which memories or situations are contributing to distress and plan your treatment path.
2. Preparation: Before beginning EMDR processing, you’ll learn grounding and self-regulation skills. These strategies help you manage emotions during and between sessions, building trust and safety in the process.
3. Desensitization and Reprocessing: This is the heart of EMDR. Your therapist will guide you through bilateral stimulation (such as following their hand movements with your eyes or using gentle tapping). This process helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional intensity.
4. Installation and Closure: Once distressing emotions are reduced, positive beliefs and self-perceptions are strengthened—such as shifting from “I’m not safe” to “I can handle this now.” Each session concludes with grounding exercises to ensure you leave feeling calm and supported.
Over time, clients report that distressing memories become less vivid and emotionally charged, while a sense of relief, clarity, and confidence grows stronger.
EMDR Therapy at NU Psychology Calgary
At NU Psychology, we recognize that healing looks different for everyone. Our EMDR therapists offer a compassionate, client-centered experience that prioritizes your comfort, pace, and goals.
A Safe and Supportive Environment: We provide a calm, welcoming space where you can process emotions without judgment. EMDR can bring up powerful memories, and our therapists are trained to ensure each step feels manageable and grounded.
Strength-Based, Holistic Care: We see you as more than your trauma. Our approach focuses on your inner strengths, resilience, and ability to heal. EMDR is integrated with mindfulness, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and relaxation strategies to support your overall well-being.
Tailored Treatment Plans: Every person’s story is unique. We work collaboratively with you to design an individualized plan that reflects your history, strengths, and goals. Whether you’re addressing trauma, anxiety, or self-esteem, EMDR can be adapted to fit your specific needs.
Flexible Calgary-Based Support: Located conveniently in Calgary, NU Psychology offers both in-person and online EMDR sessions, ensuring accessibility and comfort no matter your schedule.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is highly effective for adults who have experienced trauma or emotionally distressing events.
It can also be helpful if you:
Feel “stuck” in the past or triggered by certain memories
Experience anxiety, panic, or recurring intrusive thoughts
Struggle with self-esteem or persistent negative self-beliefs
Have difficulty trusting or connecting in relationships
Feel emotionally overwhelmed by stress, grief, or change
You don’t have to carry painful experiences forever—EMDR offers a pathway toward feeling lighter, calmer, and more in control.
What to Expect During EMDR Sessions
Many clients come to EMDR unsure of what to expect.
Here’s what a typical session may look like:
You and your therapist discuss the memory or issue you’d like to address.
Your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds).
You may notice emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations arise—but your therapist will help you stay grounded throughout.
As processing continues, distress tends to decrease, and new, more adaptive perspectives emerge.
Most clients begin to notice improvement within a few sessions, with benefits continuing to grow over time.
Final Thoughts
At NU Psychology Calgary, we’re here to help you reconnect with your inner strength and move forward from past pain. EMDR therapy offers a gentle yet powerful way to reframe your experiences, rediscover calm, and regain control of your life.
You deserve to feel safe, whole, and at peace. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, we’re ready to walk beside you.
📍 Address: 2005 37 Street SW, Unit #4, Calgary, AB
📧 Email: office@nupsychology.com
📞 Phone: 403-217-4686
🌐 Book your counselling session in Calgary today—your turning point starts here.
Looking for support for children? Visit our sister clinic, Creative Sky Psychology in Calgary, where child psychologists help kids build resilience and thrive.
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The number of sessions varies depending on the individual and their goals. Some people notice significant improvement within a few sessions, while others may engage in longer-term EMDR to process multiple experiences.
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While EMDR was originally developed for trauma, it’s effective for many concerns including anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. It helps reprocess any experience that feels “stuck” or emotionally charged.
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It’s normal to feel nervous about beginning therapy. At NU Psychology, we move at your pace—focusing first on building trust, safety, and emotional readiness before beginning any reprocessing work.
