EMDR Therapy
Guided with Compassion and Faith — Helping You Heal from the Past and Reconnect with the Present
“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.”
— Francine Shapiro, PhD, Creator of EMDR Therapy
What Is EMDR Therapy?
When something overwhelming or distressing happens, the brain may not fully process the experience. The memory, and the emotions tied to it, can remain “stuck,” leading to ongoing distress, anxiety, or physical reactions long after the event.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps your brain reprocess these difficult memories so they lose their emotional intensity and stop triggering the same strong responses.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to retell or relive painful experiences. Instead, it uses gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tones, or tapping) to activate both sides of the brain, helping your mind and body naturally release what has been held.
Watch a brief EMDRIA video explaining how EMDR works.
How EMDR Can Help
- Process traumatic or distressing memories
- Reduce anxiety, panic, or emotional reactivity
- Improve sleep and concentration
- Ease guilt, shame, or self-blame
- Strengthen emotional resilience and inner calm
Clients often describe EMDR as “gentle yet powerful”, allowing healing to occur without needing to revisit every detail of the past.
What to Expect During EMDR Therapy
Together, we’ll move through:
- Preparation & grounding – building stability and coping tools before any memory processing begins
- Identifying targets – exploring memories, sensations, or triggers that feel “stuck”
- Reprocessing – using bilateral stimulation while gently noticing thoughts, emotions, and sensations
- Integration – helping your brain and body find relief, resolution, and balance
You remain in control throughout the process, and we move only at a pace that feels safe for you.
When EMDR May Be Helpful
EMDR therapy can be effective for:
- Trauma or distressing life events (recent or past)
- Anxiety and panic
- Grief and loss
- Burnout or compassion fatigue
- Childhood trauma or emotional neglect
- Workplace stress or vicarious trauma
It’s often helpful for individuals who feel “stuck” in emotional patterns or who have found that traditional talk therapy hasn’t fully resolved deeper distress.
My Approach to EMDR
My role is to help you:
- Feel grounded and supported
- Understand what your mind and body are communicating
- Reprocess the past with the least amount of overwhelm
- Reconnect with your sense of peace, strength, and self-compassion
FAQ
How does EMDR work?
EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate distressing experiences by using bilateral stimulation, which may include visual, tapping, or audio cues. This helps the nervous system release stored emotional responses and creates space for relief and clarity.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
During our initial sessions, we talk about your symptoms, your history, and your goals. Together, we determine whether EMDR is appropriate and whether your nervous system feels ready for this deeper level of processing. Preparation and pacing are essential parts of the process.
Services
Contact
(226) 455-5365
Gina@ginasantos.com
Serving London, Strathroy, Sarnia and area