Trauma therapy · Victoria · Online
EMDR therapy in Victoria, BC & online
Evidence-based EMDR for trauma, PTSD, anxiety and memories that keep setting off old alarms. See a counsellor in our Victoria office or online, starting with a free 20-minute EMDR consult.
- Recommended by the WHO for PTSD
- Direct billing to many insurers
What EMDR can help with
EMDR was built for PTSD and is now used for many kinds of distress that stay stuck in the body and mind. If any of these sound familiar, a consult is a good place to start.
PTSD & single-incident trauma
Assault, a sudden loss, a medical emergency or a frightening event at work. Flashbacks, nightmares and hypervigilance are common signs.
Car accidents
Fear of driving, startle responses, replaying the crash. EMDR can help when a collision stays with you long after it's over.
Childhood & relational trauma
Growing up with neglect or criticism, or leaving a controlling or narcissistic relationship.
Narcissistic abuse treatment →Anxiety, panic & phobias
When fear traces back to specific experiences, EMDR works on those memories directly instead of only managing symptoms.
Birth trauma & perinatal distress
A difficult delivery, pregnancy loss or NICU stay can leave lasting distress that's easy to dismiss.
Prenatal & postpartum counselling →Grief & harsh self-beliefs
Loss that won't soften, and beliefs like “I'm not safe” or “It was my fault” that feel true despite what you know.
How EMDR works
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Francine Shapiro developed it in the late 1980s, and the World Health Organization recommends it for PTSD.
While you briefly hold a memory in mind, your counsellor guides bilateral stimulation: following a moving light or hand with your eyes, alternating taps, or tones in each ear. Over short sets, the memory is stored in a way that stops setting off the old alarm.
You stay in control. You're awake and aware the whole time, and you can pause any set. We don't start processing until you have grounding tools that work for you.
Phase 1
History & planning
We talk through what brings you in and choose which memories or triggers to work on first.
Phase 2
Preparation
You learn grounding and calming skills, so you can settle yourself before any processing starts.
Phase 3
Assessment
We name the image, the negative belief and the body sensation tied to a memory, and rate the distress 0–10.
Phase 4
Desensitization
Short sets of eye movements, taps or tones while the memory is reprocessed and its intensity drops.
Phase 5
Installation
A truer belief, such as “I survived” or “I'm safe now,” is strengthened in place of the old one.
Phase 6
Body scan
We check for leftover tension in your body and clear what remains.
Phase 7
Closure
Every session ends with you grounded and steady, even when a memory isn't finished.
Phase 8
Reevaluation
Next time, we check what has shifted and decide where to go from there.
Online EMDR therapy
EMDR works over video too
Bilateral stimulation adapts well to video. All you need is a private room, a laptop or tablet, and a stable connection. Research comparing online and in-person EMDR has found similar symptom improvement (McGowan et al., 2021).
Meet your EMDR therapists
Both offer a free 20-minute consult, so you can ask about EMDR and see who fits before booking a full session.
Michelle Montreuil
MA, Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC)
Online in BC & PEI
EMDR and Indigenous-informed trauma therapy, with support for grief, anxiety and depression.
- EMDR$150 / session
Claire Skillen
Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC)
Victoria office & online across BC
Claire offers EMDR in person at our Victoria office on Fort Street, or online if that's easier for you.
- EMDR$170 / session
Why clients choose Strength in Heart for EMDR
Paced to you
Sessions follow your history and window of tolerance, not a fixed script.
Evenings and weekends
In person in Victoria or online, around work and family commitments.
More than one tool
Our team also practises IFS, somatic parts work, CBT and DBT if you need them alongside EMDR.
The past doesn't have to keep running the present
Book a free consult. We'll talk about what's going on, answer your questions about EMDR, and match you with the right counsellor.
Or call or text 1 (888) 520-9151
EMDR therapy questions
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy for trauma, PTSD, anxiety and other distress. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, taps or tones, to help your brain reprocess difficult memories so they no longer feel as raw.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. EMDR asks you to hold a memory in mind, not to describe it at length. Many clients find this easier than traditional talk therapy for experiences that are hard to put into words.
Does online EMDR work as well as in-person?
Studies comparing online and in-person EMDR have found similar symptom improvement. Online, you follow a moving dot on screen or use self-tapping, guided by your counsellor over secure video.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
Many clients with a single distressing event feel significant relief within 3–8 sessions. Childhood or complex trauma usually takes longer, and the preparation phase may be extended so processing feels safe.
How much does EMDR cost, and is it covered?
Sessions are $150 with Michelle and $170 with Claire. Most extended health plans reimburse sessions with our registered counsellors, and we bill select insurers directly. CVAP funding may also apply.
Can I combine EMDR with other therapy?
Yes. Our team also offers Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic parts therapy, CBT and DBT. Your counsellor can talk with you about whether blending approaches makes sense for your goals.