EMDR Therapy in Calgary | Heal from Trauma & PTSD
When the Past Keeps Running Scenes in Your Mind
Trauma doesn’t just live in memories — it can echo in your body, disrupt your sleep, strain relationships, and make you feel “stuck” in old stories. The past shouldn’t dictate your present.
At NU Psychology in Calgary, our EMDR therapists help you reprocess painful experiences so the past can finally stay where it belongs — behind you. With support, compassion, and science-backed methods, you can begin to move forward with clarity, safety, and strength.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people heal from trauma, PTSD, and overwhelming life events.
Unlike traditional talk-only therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to activate your brain’s natural healing process. This helps reduce the emotional intensity tied to distressing memories and allows you to form healthier beliefs about yourself and the world.
With EMDR therapy, you can:
Release the emotional burden of traumatic memories
Heal from abuse, accidents, betrayal, or medical trauma
Shift negative self-beliefs to more balanced ones
Rebuild safety, stability, and control in your life
How Does EMDR Work?
During EMDR, your therapist guides you through an eight-phase process that includes:
Assessment: Identifying the experiences and memories that continue to affect you.
Preparation: Building coping strategies and grounding tools for safety.
Processing: Using bilateral stimulation to activate the brain’s natural healing system.
Integration: Reframing experiences, strengthening adaptive beliefs, and restoring balance.
Through this process, the brain is able to reprocess what once felt unbearable—making room for healing, clarity, and resilience
How EMDR Works: The 8-Phase Process
EMDR unfolds in a careful, guided journey:
History & Assessment: Identify the target memories, current triggers, and goals
Preparation: Build coping strategies and grounding tools for safe processing
Assessment: Choose the memory, the aspects to reprocess (image, negative belief, emotions, body sensations)
Desensitization / Processing: Bilateral stimulation helps your brain reprocess the memory
Installation: Strengthen new, healthier beliefs
Body Scan: Check for and release residual distress
Closure: Return to stability if you haven’t finished processing
Reevaluation: In later sessions, reassess progress and process additional material
Because of this process, EMDR can help the brain rework what once felt unbearable — bringing relief, clarity, and resilience.
What EMDR Can Help With?
EMDR isn’t just for big “T” trauma — it has a wide range of healing applications:
PTSD & complex trauma (single-incident or repeated/childhood trauma)
Grief, loss, and complicated bereavement
Phobias and fears
Cumulative stress, emotional pain, or unresolved loss
Whether your trauma is overt or subtle, EMDR can offer a path forward.
Why Choose NU Psychology for EMDR?
Advanced EMDR Expertise: Our team includes multiple psychologists with advanced, rigorous EMDR training
Strength-Based Healing: We don’t just erase pain; we help you rebuild with resilience
Online Options: We offer EMDR sessions online across Alberta for convenience and accessibility
Flexible Scheduling: Evening and weekend appointments available
Collaborative Trust : You remain in control throughout; we guide, support, and accompany
What to Expect in NU Psychology EMDR Sessions
Safe Start: We build coping skills and stabilization tools before diving in
Pacing Matters: You'll move at a pace that feels tolerable and safe
Active Collaboration: You direct which memories we target; you’re not passive
Integration: You leave with new perspective, diminished distress, and practical tools
Evolving Journey: EMDR doesn’t erase the past, but it frees you from reliving it
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. When done by a trained professional, EMDR is a safe, structured therapy. We always start with preparation, pacing, and stabilization to ensure you feel grounded and supported.
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It varies. Some clients see shifts in a few sessions; more complex trauma or multiple target memories can take longer. We'll tailor the plan together.
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No — EMDR doesn’t remove memories. Instead it reduces the emotional intensity tied to them, allowing the past to become less distressing.
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Yes. EMDR is effective not only for trauma and PTSD, but also for anxiety, panic, phobias, and symptoms rooted in past experiences.
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Yes — we provide secure, confidential EMDR sessions online across Alberta. Many clients prefer the safety of their own space.
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We always use stabilization techniques. You can pause anytime, and we work at a safe, manageable pace. Your safety and agency come first.
Start Your NU EMDR Journey Today
EMDR therapy can help you release what your mind and body have been holding onto, so you can move through life with more steadiness and less fear. With a trained EMDR psychologist by your side, healing becomes safer, clearer, and more possible than it may have ever felt. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you begin.
NU Psychology is based in Killarney, Calgary, with easy access for clients from Aspen Woods, West Springs, Westgate, Wildwood, Glenbrook, Glamorgan, Cougar Ridge, Discovery Ridge, Springbank Hill, Signal Hill, Strathcona Park, Mount Royal, Hillhurst, Altadore, Marda Loop, Bankview, Lakeview, and beyond.
We also offer EMDR therapy online across Alberta — so healing can happen whether you’re local or remote.
📍 2005 – 37 St SW, Unit #4, Calgary
📞 403-217-4686