EMDR Therapy in Surrey, BC and Online Across BC
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EMDR therapy in Surrey, BC and online across British Columbia helps individuals process trauma, PTSD, anxiety, distressing memories, and nervous system overwhelm. At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, our EMDR-trained therapists integrate trauma-informed counselling, attachment-focused approaches, and nervous system regulation strategies to support emotional healing, resilience, and long-term recovery. EMDR sessions are $160 to $175 per 50 minute session with a Registered Clinical Counsellor. Direct billing is available through Telus eClaims, and most extended health plans that cover Registered Clinical Counselling will reimburse these sessions.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence based therapy developed to help people process psychological trauma and reduce related anxiety. It is recognized in international treatment guidelines as a first line therapy for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and many people find that distressing memories feel less intense and intrusive after treatment. Recent event protocols also mean EMDR may be considered in the weeks after a frightening event, when acute stress disorder reactions have not yet settled. Sojourn has offered trauma focused counselling in Surrey since 2010, and our EMDR trained therapists integrate it within a broader relational, trauma informed approach.
During EMDR, you recall aspects of a stressful experience while your attention is guided through eye movements, gentle taps or sounds in short side to side sequences. This bilateral stimulation appears to help the nervous system reaccess and reprocess the memory, so that when it is recalled later it tends to carry less emotional charge. Sessions move at your pace, and you do not need to describe every detail out loud.
How EMDR Helps Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can affect far more than memory alone. Many individuals living with trauma or PTSD experience ongoing nervous system activation long after a distressing event has passed. This may show up as anxiety, emotional overwhelm, intrusive memories, hypervigilance, sleep disruption, emotional numbness, panic, or feeling constantly “on edge.” For some, reminders of past experiences can trigger intense emotional or physical reactions that feel difficult to control.
EMDR therapy is designed to help the brain safely process and integrate distressing experiences that may feel “stuck” within the nervous system. Rather than requiring individuals to repeatedly relive traumatic events in detail, EMDR helps the brain gradually reorganize how traumatic memories are stored and experienced. Over time, many people find that distressing memories begin to feel less emotionally overwhelming, less intrusive, and more connected to the past rather than something continually happening in the present.
EMDR is commonly used to support individuals experiencing symptoms related to PTSD and trauma, including childhood trauma, attachment wounds, accidents, medical trauma, abuse, grief, anxiety, panic, and emotionally overwhelming life experiences. EMDR may also be used as part of therapy for childhood trauma when earlier experiences continue to affect emotions, relationships, body responses, or self-worth. Because trauma often impacts both the mind and body, EMDR is frequently integrated within broader trauma-informed counselling approaches that focus on emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and building resilience.
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, some clients also choose to combine EMDR with neurofeedback therapy to support nervous system flexibility and emotional regulation alongside trauma processing work. For individuals who feel chronically overwhelmed, emotionally reactive, disconnected, or “stuck” in survival mode, improving nervous system regulation may help create a stronger foundation for deeper therapeutic work.
EMDR therapy is always tailored to the individual. Sessions move at a pace that prioritizes emotional safety, stabilization, and readiness, recognizing that healing from trauma is not about forcing memories to disappear, but helping the nervous system process experiences in a way that allows greater flexibility, connection, and freedom in everyday life.
What Conditions Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR therapy is most widely known for supporting individuals recovering from trauma and post-traumatic stress, but many people seek EMDR for a broader range of emotional and nervous system-related concerns. Distressing or overwhelming experiences can continue affecting thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical stress responses long after the original events have passed.
Many individuals pursue EMDR therapy when they feel persistently overwhelmed, emotionally reactive, stuck in patterns of fear or avoidance, or unable to move past difficult experiences despite insight and effort. Some people notice symptoms such as intrusive memories, panic, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, chronic anxiety, sleep disruption, shame, or a persistent sense that their nervous system never fully relaxes.
Some clients also explore EMDR when early relational experiences have left attachment wounds that continue to shape trust, closeness, and self worth in adulthood.
Some individuals also explore EMDR as part of treatment for anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, low self-worth, attachment concerns, or ongoing patterns of disconnection that may have roots in unresolved emotional experiences. Therapy is not focused solely on symptom reduction, but on helping individuals build greater flexibility, resilience, emotional awareness, and capacity for connection.
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, EMDR may also be integrated alongside neurofeedback therapy and other trauma-informed approaches that support nervous system regulation and emotional stabilization. Treatment is always adapted to the individual’s readiness, goals, and comfort level, recognizing that healing from trauma is rarely a one-size-fits-all process.
What Happens During an EMDR Session?
EMDR therapy sessions are structured to support emotional safety, nervous system regulation, and gradual processing of difficult experiences. Contrary to common misconceptions, EMDR is not about forcing individuals to relive traumatic events in overwhelming detail. Instead, therapy is designed to help the brain process unresolved experiences in a more adaptive and integrated way while helping clients remain grounded and supported throughout the process.
Early sessions often focus on understanding your history, identifying current concerns, developing coping strategies, and strengthening emotional regulation skills before deeper trauma processing begins. Many individuals seeking trauma or PTSD therapy have nervous systems that remain highly activated, emotionally reactive, or overwhelmed, so establishing stability and a sense of safety is an important part of treatment.
During EMDR processing, clients are guided to briefly focus on specific memories, emotions, beliefs, or body sensations while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which may involve eye movements, tapping, or alternating auditory tones. This process is believed to support the brain’s natural ability to reorganize and integrate distressing experiences that may have become “stuck” within the nervous system.
Many people describe EMDR as different from traditional talk therapy. Sessions often involve noticing shifts in thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, memories, or insights as the brain processes information in real time. Clients are not expected to “perform” the therapy correctly, and sessions move at a pace adapted to the individual’s comfort level and readiness.
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, EMDR may also be integrated alongside approaches that support nervous system stabilization and emotional resilience, including neurofeedback therapy. For some individuals, improving nervous system regulation can help create a stronger foundation for trauma processing and emotional healing.
Because trauma responses so often live in the body, EMDR at Sojourn is frequently paired with somatic therapy, which uses grounding, resourcing and careful pacing to build the stability that reprocessing calls for.
EMDR and Nervous System Regulation
From a nervous system perspective, traumatic experiences can overwhelm the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate stressful events. Instead of experiences feeling fully resolved and stored in the past, the nervous system may continue responding as though danger is still present. This is one reason why individuals can intellectually understand that they are safe while still feeling emotionally or physically activated.
EMDR therapy is designed to support the brain’s natural ability to process unresolved experiences in a way that may reduce emotional intensity and improve nervous system flexibility over time. As distressing memories become more integrated, many individuals notice shifts not only in their thoughts and emotions, but also in physical tension, stress responses, emotional regulation, and their ability to feel present and connected in daily life.
Because some individuals experiencing trauma feel chronically overwhelmed or dysregulated, therapy may initially focus on building stability and strengthening nervous system regulation before deeper trauma processing begins. Approaches such as grounding, mindfulness, emotional regulation strategies, and neurofeedback therapy may help support resilience and create a stronger foundation for EMDR work.
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, trauma treatment is approached collaboratively and at a pace that respects each individual’s nervous system capacity and readiness. Healing is not about forcing difficult experiences away, but helping the brain and body gradually develop greater flexibility, regulation, and freedom from patterns that no longer serve them.
EMDR and Neurofeedback
Although EMDR therapy and neurofeedback are very different approaches, some individuals choose to integrate both as part of a broader trauma-informed treatment plan. Trauma and chronic stress can affect not only thoughts and emotions, but also the nervous system’s ability to regulate itself effectively. For some people, this may appear as chronic anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional overwhelm, panic, sleep disruption, difficulty concentrating, or feeling persistently “stuck” in survival mode.
EMDR therapy focuses on helping the brain process and integrate unresolved experiences that may continue contributing to emotional distress and nervous system activation. Neurofeedback therapy, on the other hand, is often used to support nervous system flexibility, resilience, and self-regulation through real-time feedback about brain activity.
Some individuals find that improving nervous system regulation first can help them feel more emotionally grounded and better able to engage in trauma processing work. Others choose to incorporate neurofeedback alongside counselling as part of ongoing support for stress management, emotional resilience, sleep, attention, or recovery from chronic nervous system dysregulation.
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, therapists may help clients explore whether integrating EMDR with broader approaches to nervous system regulation is appropriate for their needs and goals. Treatment is always individualized, collaborative, and adapted to each person’s readiness, recognizing that healing from trauma often involves both emotional processing and supporting the nervous system’s capacity for regulation and flexibility.
Individuals interested in learning more about brain-based approaches to emotional wellbeing may also wish to explore our information on NeurOptimal® neurofeedback and how neurofeedback is used within trauma-informed care.
Our EMDR Therapists in Surrey, BC
At Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback, EMDR therapy is provided by therapists with training in trauma-informed care, attachment dynamics, emotional regulation, and nervous system-focused approaches to healing. Because trauma affects individuals differently, we encourage clients to explore therapist profiles to find someone whose personality, approach, and areas of focus feel like the right fit for their needs and goals.
Our clinicians integrate EMDR within broader therapeutic approaches that may include mindfulness, attachment-focused therapy, emotionally focused approaches, cognitive behavioural strategies, parts work, and nervous system regulation techniques. Some therapists also integrate neurofeedback therapy alongside counselling to support emotional resilience and nervous system flexibility.
Individuals seeking support for trauma, anxiety, PTSD, childhood experiences, emotional overwhelm, or chronic stress responses may benefit from working with a therapist trained in EMDR and trauma-informed counselling. Therapy is always adapted to the individual’s readiness, pace, and comfort level.
- Jonathan Wieser— Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Marriage & Family Therapist offering EMDR, trauma therapy, couples counselling, and neurofeedback integration.
- Loretta Thorgeirson— Registered Clinical Counsellor with extensive experience supporting children, youth, neurodiverse individuals, and families through trauma-informed approaches.
- Tarnia Pickard— Registered Clinical Counsellor offering therapy for children, youth, adults, and families using EMDR and integrative trauma-informed approaches.
A 2026 member of EMDR Canada
Sojourn's owner, Jonathan Wieser (RCC, Approved Clinical Supervisor, RMFT), is a 2026 member of EMDR Canada, the national professional association for EMDR therapists in Canada. He has practised as a Registered Clinical Counsellor since 2010 and offers EMDR at our Cloverdale office in Surrey and online across British Columbia. Other Sojourn therapists also offer EMDR and hold credentialed EMDR training, so you can choose the counsellor whose approach and availability fit you best.
Does EMDR Work Online?
Yes. Sojourn offers online EMDR to clients across British Columbia. The structure of an online session is the same as in person: history and preparation first, then reprocessing once you and your therapist agree you are ready. Book online or telephone counselling.
The main practical difference is how bilateral stimulation is delivered. In the room, a therapist may guide eye movements by hand or use tactile pulsers. Online, the same effect is usually achieved through on-screen visual cues, audio tones through headphones, or guided tapping that you do yourself while your therapist supports you. Most clients find the adjustment straightforward after their first reprocessing session.
Online EMDR tends to suit people who feel reasonably settled day to day, have a private space where they will not be interrupted, and have a stable internet connection. Your therapist may suggest beginning in person, or spending longer on preparation first, if you are currently in crisis, if dissociation is a significant part of your experience, or if it would be hard to settle again on your own after a session. This is a decision made together rather than a fixed rule.
Sessions are held over a secure video platform and are available anywhere in British Columbia. Learn more about online therapy and telephone counselling at Sojourn.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
How do I find an EMDR therapist near me in Surrey?
Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback offers EMDR therapy at our Cloverdale office in Surrey, BC and online across British Columbia. Several of our Registered Clinical Counsellors are trained in EMDR. You can view therapist profiles and book online through JaneApp, or contact us if you are unsure who to book with.
Is EMDR therapy evidence based?
Yes. EMDR is considered an evidence based therapy for trauma and PTSD and has been researched extensively over the past several decades. Many individuals seek EMDR support for trauma-related symptoms, anxiety, distressing memories, emotional overwhelm, and nervous system dysregulation.
Do I have to talk about traumatic memories in detail?
Not necessarily. Unlike some traditional trauma approaches, EMDR does not always require clients to describe traumatic experiences extensively. Therapy focuses on helping the brain process unresolved experiences while maintaining emotional safety and regulation throughout the process.
Can EMDR help with anxiety?
Many individuals pursue EMDR therapy for anxiety when distressing past experiences, chronic stress, panic, or unresolved emotional material appear connected to ongoing nervous system activation. Some individuals also combine EMDR with broader anxiety counselling approaches to support emotional regulation and coping skills.
What does EMDR feel like?
Experiences vary from person to person. Some individuals notice emotional shifts, changes in body sensations, memories, or new insights during sessions. Others describe feeling calmer, more grounded, or less emotionally reactive over time. Therapy moves at a pace adapted to each individual’s comfort level and readiness.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. Sojourn offers online EMDR to clients across British Columbia, using on-screen visual cues, audio tones, or guided tapping in place of in-person bilateral stimulation. Your therapist will help you decide whether online EMDR is appropriate based on your goals, symptoms, and current level of emotional stabilization.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the nature of the concerns being addressed, the complexity of the trauma history, current stress levels, nervous system regulation capacity, and therapeutic goals. Some individuals seek support for a single distressing event, while others pursue longer-term trauma therapy related to childhood experiences or complex trauma patterns. As a general reference point, NICE guidelines describe EMDR for adults as typically 8 to 12 sessions, with more when someone has experienced multiple traumas. Your therapist will review progress with you along the way.
Book EMDR Therapy in Surrey, BC
Contact Sojourn Counselling and Neurofeedback to book EMDR therapy in Surrey, Cloverdale, Langley, or online across BC. Our EMDR therapists provide a safe, supportive space to help you process trauma, reduce emotional distress, and move forward with greater clarity and resilience. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, painful memories, overwhelming emotions, or experiences that continue to feel unresolved, our team is here to support you with compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.
Get in Touch:
You can book an appointment directly through our online booking platform to find a therapist, session format, and appointment time that fits your needs. Whether you’re beginning therapy for the first time or continuing your healing journey, we’re here to support you in moving toward greater emotional wellbeing, resilience, and connection.
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