EMDR & Intensives
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach that helps people process traumatic experiences, distressing memories, and limiting beliefs that may continue to affect them in the present.
When we experience something overwhelming, our brains and nervous systems sometimes struggle to fully process what happened. As a result, memories, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs can become "stuck," causing us to react as though the experience is still happening today.
EMDR helps the brain and nervous system reprocess these experiences so that they feel less distressing and have less impact on daily life.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly tell the story of what happened. Instead, we work together to help your nervous system process and integrate experiences in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is widely recognized as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD, but it can also help with:
Anxiety and panic
Relationship difficulties
Attachment wounds
Distressing life experiences
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs
Performance blocks
Medical trauma
Chronic stress and overwhelm
Why I Use EMDR
I have been incorporating EMDR into my practice for over a decade because I consistently see how effective it can be in helping clients move beyond insight alone and create meaningful change.
While understanding ourselves is important, many of our struggles are also stored within the nervous system. EMDR allows us to work not only with thoughts and emotions, but also with the deeper physiological responses that can keep us feeling stuck.
Common Concerns About EMDR
"Will I have to relive my trauma?"
No. While EMDR involves revisiting difficult experiences, the goal is not to overwhelm you. We work collaboratively and at a pace that feels manageable for your nervous system.
"What if I don't remember everything?"
That's okay. EMDR does not require perfect memory. We can work with whatever information is available.
"What if I'm nervous about EMDR?"
Many people feel uncertain before trying EMDR. Part of our work involves helping you feel prepared, resourced, and supported before beginning any trauma processing.
What Can EMDR Help With?
Many of the concerns that bring people to therapy are connected to experiences that have shaped how they see themselves, others, and the world.
EMDR may be helpful if you are experiencing:
Trauma & PTSD
Distressing memories, triggers, hypervigilance, nightmares, emotional reactivity, or feeling stuck in survival mode.
Anxiety & Overwhelm
Persistent worry, panic, perfectionism, difficulty relaxing, or feeling overwhelmed by life's demands.
Attachment Wounds
Challenges with trust, closeness, boundaries, self-worth, or fears of rejection and abandonment.
Distressing Life Experiences
Accidents, medical events, losses, bullying, difficult relationships, workplace stress, or experiences that continue to affect you.
Negative Self-Beliefs
Feeling "not good enough," "broken," "unlovable," or carrying beliefs that limit your confidence and ability to move forward.
Relationship Patterns
Repeated dynamics in friendships, family relationships, romantic partnerships, or work environments that leave you feeling stuck or dissatisfied.
Ways We Can Work Together
Every client is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Together, we can determine which format best supports your goals, availability, and circumstances.
Weekly Therapy
Traditional 60-minute sessions provide a steady pace for ongoing growth, support, and trauma processing.
This format is often a good fit for clients who prefer regular support and integration between sessions.
Extended Sessions
For some clients, longer appointments allow us to spend more focused time on a particular issue.
Extended sessions are available in 90-minute and 2-hour formats and can be especially helpful when doing EMDR work.
EMDR Intensives
EMDR Intensives offer the opportunity to dedicate a larger block of time to focused therapeutic work.
Available formats include:
Half-Day Intensives
Full-Day Intensives
Multi-Day Intensives (upon request)
Many clients appreciate intensives because they allow for deeper work without the stop-and-start nature of weekly therapy.
Is an EMDR Intensive Right for You?
EMDR Intensives may be a good fit if you:
Have a specific issue, memory, or treatment goal you would like to focus on
Have already participated in therapy and feel ready for deeper work
Prefer fewer, longer sessions
Have limited availability due to work or caregiving responsibilities
Are travelling from outside Nanaimo or elsewhere in British Columbia
Are preparing for a significant life event or transition
Want dedicated time to focus on your healing process
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for intensive work, which is why every intensive begins with a consultation and screening process to determine whether this format is appropriate for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMDR effective online?
Yes. Research and clinical experience suggest that EMDR can be effectively delivered both in-person and online. Many clients appreciate the convenience and comfort of participating from their own homes.
Is an intensive better than weekly therapy?
Neither approach is inherently better than the other.
Some clients benefit from the steady pace of weekly therapy, while others prefer the focused nature of extended sessions or intensives. Together, we can determine which format best fits your goals.
How do I know if I am a good candidate for an intensive?
A complimentary consultation allows us to discuss your goals, history, and readiness for intensive work. We can then decide whether an intensive, extended session, or weekly therapy would be the best fit.
How long does EMDR take?
The answer depends on many factors, including your goals, history, support system, and the concerns you would like to address.
Some clients experience significant change within a relatively short period of time, while others benefit from longer-term work. Therapy is always tailored to your individual needs rather than a predetermined timeline.
Travelling to Nanaimo for an EMDR Intensive?
Some clients choose to travel to Nanaimo specifically for an EMDR Intensive, combining focused therapeutic work with time to rest, reflect, and explore beautiful Vancouver Island.
Nanaimo is situated on the east coast of Vancouver Island and offers easy access to oceanfront walking paths, beaches, forests, hiking trails, wellness experiences, and a vibrant local food scene. Many clients find that spending additional time in nature before or after their intensive supports reflection, integration, and nervous system regulation. Nanaimo is known for its mix of natural beauty, waterfront experiences, and outdoor recreation opportunities.
Whether you are travelling from elsewhere in British Columbia or from another part of Canada, an EMDR Intensive can be incorporated into a personalized Vancouver Island getaway that balances therapeutic work with rest and restoration.
For ideas on accommodations, activities, local attractions, and planning your visit, please visit:
Tourism Nanaimo Visitor Guide and Tourism Vancouver Island
I am happy to discuss scheduling options and help determine whether an intensive format is a good fit for your goals.
Curious Whether EMDR Is Right for You?
I offer a complimentary 15-minute consultation where we can discuss your goals, answer your questions, and determine whether EMDR, extended sessions, or an intensive format may be the right fit for you.