EMDR Therapy – Heal From Trauma With Evidence-Based Care
Restore peace of mind with EMDR therapy in Toronto, & Oakville. At Town Psychological Services, our licensed therapists help you process trauma and overcome emotional pain, offering in-person sessions across Oakville and the GTA, and secure online therapy across Ontario.
Break Free From the Weight of Trauma
Living with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or PTSD can feel exhausting. You may find yourself replaying painful memories, struggling with sleep, or carrying fear into your relationships and work. These experiences can make everyday life overwhelming.
At Town Psychological Services, we understand how isolating this can feel, and we want you to know that recovery is possible. Using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR therapy), we guide clients through a structured process that helps reduce distress and reframe traumatic experiences. Our approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique story.
Take Control of Trauma – Speak to an EMDR Therapist Today
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on how your brain processes and stores traumatic memories.
When trauma isn’t fully processed, the brain can get “stuck,” leaving memories feeling raw and overwhelming. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional impact and creating space for healing.
Research shows that EMDR is especially effective in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it also benefits people experiencing:
- Childhood trauma or abuse
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Complicated grief
- Depression linked to unresolved trauma
- Stress from medical issues or accidents
Why Choose EMDR Therapy at Town Psychological Services?
When it comes to trauma therapy, experience and trust matter. Here’s why clients across Oakville and Ontario choose us:
✅ Licensed, Experienced Clinicians – Our psychologists and therapists have advanced training in trauma-focused therapies, including EMDR.
✅ Evidence-Based Approach – EMDR therapy is supported by the American Psychological Association, the Canadian Psychological Association, and the World Health Organization as an effective PTSD treatment.
✅ Safe, Supportive Environment – We prioritize your comfort and emotional safety every step of the way.
✅ Flexible Care Options – Choose in-person EMDR therapy near me in Oakville or secure online sessions available across Ontario.
✅ Personalized Healing Plans – Every client’s trauma experience is unique. We adapt EMDR therapy to your needs, pace, and goals.
✅ Proven Results – Many clients notice meaningful improvement faster compared to traditional talk therapy.
Why People Across Ontario Trust Us
Clients often share that they chose Town Psychology because we combine professional expertise with a warm, human approach. We don’t just focus on symptoms, we focus on helping you build lasting emotional resilience.
Many of our referrals come from word-of-mouth, family doctors, and schools, a reflection of the trust we’ve built in Oakville and the GTA. Our goal is always to make therapy approachable, effective, and empowering.
Our clicnic for EMDR therapy is located in Oakville, virtual sessions are available across Ontario. Schedule in-person or online at your convenience.
How EMDR Therapy Works
Many people are curious about what an EMDR session feels like. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
Initial Consultation & Assessment
We begin by discussing your history, symptoms, and therapy goals. This helps us determine if EMDR is right for you.
Preparation & Safety Building
Before starting trauma reprocessing, we equip you with grounding tools and coping strategies to ensure you feel secure.
Targeted Memory Processing
During sessions, your therapist guides you through gentle bilateral stimulation while you recall aspects of a troubling memory. This allows your brain to reprocess the event and reduce its emotional charge.
Integration of New Beliefs
As negative emotions lose their intensity, positive and adaptive beliefs are reinforced, for example, shifting from “I’m unsafe” to “I am in control.”
Ongoing Support & Progress Review
We track your growth, adjust your treatment plan, and provide tools for resilience outside of sessions.
This structured approach ensures that healing is steady, safe, and lasting.
Evidence-based. Proven. Effective. Begin EMDR Therapy With Our Licensed Psychologists
Our Expertise, Your Healing
At Town Psychological Services, we’ve supported individuals, families, and professionals across the Greater Toronto Area for more than a decade. Our clinicians are trusted by physicians, schools, and community organizations for mental health referrals.
- 10+ years of clinical experience in trauma therapy.
- Member of the Canadian Psychological Association.
- Known for compassionate, results-focused care in Oakville, Toronto, Mississauga, and beyond.
When you choose EMDR with us, you’re working with a mental health clinic that combines clinical expertise with genuine empathy.
Who Can Benefit From EMDR Therapy?
EMDR has helped millions worldwide recover from trauma. It may be the right therapy for you if you are experiencing:
- PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, or hypervigilance
- Childhood trauma that continues to affect your adult relationships
- Anxiety and panic attacks triggered by unresolved experiences
- Loss and grief that feels overwhelming or prolonged
- Phobias or fears interfering with your daily life
- Stress or burnout linked to traumatic events at work or in relationships
If you’re unsure whether EMDR is suitable, our therapists can help you explore options during your initial consultation.
Start Your Healing Journey – Schedule an EMDR Session Now
Recent Blog Posts
Does Your Work Benefits Plan Cover Psychotherapy?
Most of us don’t think about therapy until we need it. And when we finally do, one of the first...
How to Help Someone with Anxiety
It can be saddening to see someone spiral through their own anxious thoughts or feelings of...
Layers of Training, Not Shortcuts: Why Supervision Matters in Psychology
I began my clinical training in 2011 and became an autonomous psychologist in 2018. Along the way,...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but also tapping or sounds) to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less emotionally charged and disturbing.
What conditions does EMDR treat?
While originally developed for PTSD, EMDR is now used to treat anxiety, depression, panic disorders, phobias, grief, chronic pain, and other stress-related conditions. It’s particularly effective for people who’ve experienced trauma, abuse, accidents, or distressing life events that continue to affect their daily functioning.
Is EMDR covered by OHIP in Ontario?
No, EMDR therapy is not directly covered by OHIP. However, if you see a psychiatrist or physician who practices EMDR, those sessions may be covered. Most people access EMDR through registered psychotherapists, social workers, or psychologists, which require private payment or coverage through extended health insurance plans. Learn more here.
How much does EMDR cost in Ontario?
EMDR sessions in Ontario typically range from $120 to $250+ per session, depending on the practitioner’s credentials and location. Psychologists tend to charge more ($200-$250 or higher) while registered psychotherapists and social workers may charge $120-$180. Many extended health benefits cover a portion of these costs. Contact us for exact fee.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
The duration varies by individual and the complexity of issues being addressed. Some people experience significant relief in 3-6 sessions for a single traumatic incident, while complex trauma may require 12+ sessions. Each session typically lasts 60-90 minutes. Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Do I need to talk about my trauma in detail during EMDR?
Not necessarily. While some discussion helps your therapist understand what to target, EMDR doesn’t require you to describe traumatic events in extensive detail. The focus is on reprocessing the memory rather than reliving it verbally, which many clients find less distressing than traditional talk therapy.
How do I find a qualified EMDR therapist in Ontario?
Look for practitioners certified through EMDR Canada or the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). They should be licensed mental health professionals (psychologists, social workers, psychotherapists, or psychiatrists) with specialized EMDR training. You can search the EMDR Canada therapist directory or ask for referrals from your family doctor.
Does EMDR really work, and is it evidence-based?
Yes, EMDR is recognized as an evidence-based treatment by major health organizations including the World Health Organization, American Psychological Association, and the Canadian Psychological Association. Multiple research studies demonstrate its effectiveness, particularly for trauma and PTSD, with many clients experiencing significant improvement in fewer sessions than traditional therapy.
Can EMDR be done virtually/online in Ontario?
Yes, many Ontario therapists now offer EMDR virtually through secure video platforms. While in-person sessions were traditional, remote EMDR has become widely accepted and effective, especially since the pandemic. Your therapist will use alternative forms of bilateral stimulation suitable for online delivery, such as visual cues on screen.
Are there any side effects or risks with EMDR?
EMDR is generally safe when conducted by a trained professional. Some people experience temporary emotional intensity, vivid dreams, or fatigue after sessions as their brain continues processing. These effects typically subside quickly. EMDR may not be suitable for people with certain conditions like epilepsy, severe dissociation, or active substance abuse, which is why proper assessment is important.
Don’t Wait – Start EMDR Therapy and Restore Your Peace of Mind
You don’t have to carry the weight of trauma alone. With EMDR therapy, our licensed psychologists will guide you through a safe, proven process to help you heal and regain control of your life.