EMDR Therapy & Counselling FAQs

Common Questions About EMDR, Counselling, & Trauma Therapy

What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?

How does the Flash Technique work?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) utilizes bilateral stimulation & other working memory taxation methods to help your brain reprocess stuck traumatic/unpleasant memories, lessening their emotional intensity and restoring natural nervous system balance.

Predictive Processing Flash gently reduces distressing memory intensity without requiring you to consciously re-experience painful feelings, making it a soothing entry point prior to deep EMDR processing.

What are your counselling rates & insurance options?

Do you treat chronic pain and illness?

The rate for an individual 1 hour session is $160. Session fees follow standard RCC rates for individual therapy. Because services are provided by a Registered Clinical Counsellor, fees are directly reimbursable through most extended health insurance benefits.

Yes, targeted EMDR protocols can help address central sensitization - which is often a somatic response from developmental trauma/unmet needs - and can manifest in the form of chronic pain and chronic illness. We would process the trauma that is being stored not only cognitively, but also in the body.

Is counselling covered by my benefits plan?

Most extended health benefits in British Columbia cover services provided by master's degree-level Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCC). Please double check with your specific plan. We provide a detailed official receipts after each session for straightforward insurance reimbursement. We can also direct bill many insurance companies.

What's the difference between talk therapy & EMDR?

Traditional talk therapy emphasizes verbally exploring emotions, experiences, and implementing skills/coping strategies. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based modality that uses bilateral stimulation to process trapped traumatic/distressing memories without requiring you to speak about every painful detail. Throughout the therapy, we will use both in accordance with your needs.

How long are sessions and how often will I attend?

Standard individual counselling sessions are 1 hour, while extended 90-120 minute sessions are available for both talk therapy and more efficient EMDR processing. Most clients start with weekly or bi-weekly appointments to maintain momentum and achieve lasting therapeutic progress.

Frequently asked questions counselling and EMDR trauma therapy

Do I have to re-live traumatic memories during EMDR?

No. EMDR does not require you to continually describe painful events in vivid detail. Extensive verbal exposure is not needed in EMDR. You recall key visual anchors briefly while focusing on bilateral eye movements and other working memory taxation tasks, allowing your brain to process emotional distress safely.

What happens during our initial intake session?

Are online EMDR sessions just as effective?

During your initial session, we discuss your primary concerns and therapy goals. Psychoeducation about trauma, and the subtle and overt ways it can manifest in life, is provided to give the client better insight into their own experiences. We then discuss how EMDR can be used to target your specific experiences and concerns. Together, we can then determine whether talk therapy, specialized trauma therapy, or an integrated blend will be most effective for your healing journey.

Yes. Online EMDR utilizes specialized video tools to deliver effective bilateral taxation in the comfort and privacy of your own home.

Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?

No. EMDR does not put you into any kind of hypnotic or trance-like state, and it does not utilize suggestion as a mechanism. EMDR is a science-based therapy that uses taxation of the working memory through bilateral eye movements, or any combination of tasks like complex bilateral tapping, to work the prefrontal cortex of the brain to process trauma and distressing experiences.

Still Have Questions About Therapy?

Send us an email at info@mountainpeakcounselling.ca