EMDR Therapists in Vancouver
Browse 4 therapists specializing in EMDR in Vancouver. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy approach used to help people process memories and experiences that continue to cause distress. Unlike talk therapy, which focuses primarily on discussing events, EMDR works with how memories are stored in the brain. Distressing experiences can become stuck in a way that keeps them feeling vivid and emotionally charged, even long after the events themselves have passed. EMDR aims to help the brain complete its natural processing of those memories so they feel less intense and less disruptive.
What to look for in an EMDR therapist on Purple Lotus
- Formal EMDR training through an EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)-approved program
- Experience with your specific concern, such as single-incident trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, or grief
- Clear approach to preparation and stabilization before memory processing
- Willingness to go at your pace and adapt the protocol to your needs
4 therapists for EMDR in Vancouver
Browse 4 therapists specializing in EMDR in Vancouver. Find the right counsellor or psychotherapist for your needs.
Mila Loskutova
Hi! My name is Mila Loskutova and I'm a registered clinical counsellor. I am a queer, immigrant settler woman. I am passionate about supporting folks healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues and OCD. I use a mix of gentle talk therapy that helps individuals dive deeper into self-exploration and more structured approaches for specific concerns, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). I am mindful and curious about how our identities and the systems we live in shape the way we move through the world. My approach is humanistic, anti-oppressive and sometimes irreverent. I enjoy helping people create and deepen meaning in their lives. I am available online and in person at my office at 315, 2083 Alma Street, Vancouver.
Nicole Grant
I work with children, teens and adults seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma and life changes. I am trained in CBT, DBT and EMDR.
Kaitlin Wu
Hi there! I am an able bodied and second generation Chinese Canadian immigrant, living and working on the stolen lands of the səl̓ílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and xʷməθkʷəy̓ əm (Musqueam) Nations. I particularly enjoy supporting marginalized communities and neurodivergent individuals who may be struggling with experiences of invalidation, life transitions, family conflict, relationship challenges, anxiety, and low self-worth. I support folks navigate their own identities by creating a holistic understanding of their history, cultural narrative, and relationship with themselves and others. I understand the complexity of juggling dual cultural identities or not feeling like you belong in either groups. I approach each session with compassion and curiosity as I prioritize my client's safety when processing and unpacking their lived experiences. I strongly value creating a safe, nonjudgmental, healing space where individuals feel valued, heard, and empowered to step into their transformative self-worth. I pull from various therapeutic modalities and lean towards a more person-centred, intersectional, and social justice-framed approach. I also enjoy utilizing inner-child work in my sessions! I believe in empowering my clients to unlearn biases, prejudice, and oppressive narratives to help them reclaim their truth. I would be honoured to be a part of your healing journey as we cultivate a safe space together. Please feel free to email me to book or if you have any questions! I am also more than happy to provide a 15 minute complimentary consultation! Now accepting ICBC clients! 12 free sessions for ICBC clients within the first 12 weeks of the accident.
Amy Kobelt
My journey to becoming a counsellor started with my own appointment in a counselling office. I remember feeling nervous about the process, but eventually felt inspired by my own healing journey to support others in the same way that counselling has helped me heal and grow. I am passionate about self-growth and discovery, and I love supporting you to better understand your past, make connections and build skills for a better and stronger future. I work from a trauma informed and attachment model and I strongly believe that part of the healing process that happens in counselling is through the therapeutic relationship. I work collaboratively with you to meet your goals in counselling, and I am truly honoured every time someone chooses to invite me into that journey – I know it is not easy! I welcome working with diverse clients of all ages, cultures, genders, sexual orientations and abilities and I currently work with clients ages 12 and up. I specialize in relational and childhood trauma, eating disorders, relationship concerns and anxiety. I am trained in EMDR, OEI and Lifespan Integration Therapies - all of these therapies are designed to help you process traumatic events or negative self beliefs and bring you healing from your past. Trauma disconnects us from ourselves and our bodies and so part of our work will be to help you become more connected to yourself, your feelings and your body. If you have any questions about this please reach out for a consultation call - I would love to chat with you to see if I'm the right fit for you.
Looking beyond Vancouver? Browse all EMDR therapists in Canada.
EMDR therapists in Vancouver — at a glance
- accepting new clients
- 4/ 4
- offer online sessions
- 4/ 4
- offer sliding scale fees
- 2/ 4
Frequently asked questions
What is EMDR therapy used for?
EMDR is most widely used for trauma and PTSD, but it is also used for anxiety, phobias, panic, complicated grief, and distressing memories that continue to affect daily functioning. It targets the emotional charge attached to specific memories rather than working primarily through discussion or thought-change exercises.
How does EMDR actually work?
EMDR uses guided recall of distressing memories combined with bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements. This process appears to help the brain reprocess stuck memories so they feel less emotionally intense. The exact mechanism is still studied, but the clinical evidence for its effectiveness is well established.
Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organization, the American Psychological Association, and other major health bodies. It has a substantial body of randomized controlled trial evidence supporting its use for trauma and related conditions.
Do I have to describe what happened in detail during EMDR?
No. One of the features of EMDR is that you do not need to verbally recount traumatic events in full. You hold the memory in mind internally while engaging with bilateral stimulation. Some people find this preferable to therapies that involve detailed verbal retelling.
How many EMDR sessions does it take?
It depends on what you are addressing. A single, clearly defined traumatic incident may require fewer sessions than a longer history of complex or developmental trauma. Your therapist will give you a clearer estimate once they understand your history, but treatment is always paced to what you can manage.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. EMDR can be adapted for online delivery. Therapists use screen-based tools for eye movements or alternative bilateral stimulation methods that work over video. Many people complete full courses of EMDR online with good outcomes. Check each therapist profile for available session formats.
How do I find an EMDR therapist in Vancouver?
Browse therapists in Vancouver who list EMDR as a specialty. Look for providers with formal EMDR training, relevant experience for your situation, and availability that works for your schedule. Many EMDR therapists in Vancouver also offer online sessions.
Is EMDR therapy covered by insurance in Vancouver?
Coverage depends on your extended health plan. EMDR sessions provided by a registered psychologist, psychotherapist, or social worker in Vancouver may be eligible for reimbursement. Check your policy for covered provider designations, session limits, and annual maximums.