Reyan Saab
Nov 5, 2025
Dani Spackman
Oct 28, 2025
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EMDR Therapy
Helping You Process and Heal from Past Trauma
At Dragonfly, we offer EMDR therapy in a real, down-to-earth space where you can be yourself — no judgment, no pressure. We take time to build trust and understand your unique experiences, so you feel safe and supported as you work through difficult memories. From the very first session, our goal is to help you feel heard, understood, and ready to begin the healing process.
When Painful Memories Stay “Stuck”
After a difficult or traumatic experience, the brain is supposed to process the memory, store it away, and allow you to move forward. But sometimes, that process gets disrupted. Instead of fading into the past, the memory—and the intense feelings that come with it—stay “stuck,” triggering emotional and physical reactions long after the event is over.
You might notice that certain sights, sounds, or situations bring up overwhelming emotions, vivid mental images, or a sense of reliving what happened. Or maybe you avoid certain people or places without even fully realizing why. These reactions aren’t signs of weakness—they’re the brain’s way of protecting you from something it still sees as a threat.
EMDR therapy is designed to work with this exact problem—helping your brain complete the natural processing it couldn’t do at the time, so those memories lose their emotional grip and become part of your past instead of controlling your present.
You’re Not Alone — This Is Exactly How the Brain Works
It can be frustrating and confusing when your mind reacts so strongly to something that happened months or years ago. You may wonder, Why can’t I just let this go? The truth is, your brain is wired to keep you safe—and when it experiences something as dangerous, it sometimes holds onto the memory in a raw, unprocessed form.
Research shows that trauma can affect the way memories are stored, keeping them linked to the same fear, shame, or panic you felt in the moment. That’s why you might have strong emotional reactions without wanting to, or feel disconnected from yourself in certain situations.
The good news is, the brain is capable of change. EMDR uses structured techniques to help reprocess these memories, moving them from the “emotional” part of the brain to the “logical” part—so you can remember what happened without being overwhelmed by it.
How EMDR Therapy can help you heal
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based approach designed to help your brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer hold the same emotional charge.
Instead of retelling your story over and over, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (often
guided eye movements or tapping) while you focus on specific memories. This process
helps the brain “unstick” and file those memories away properly, so they’re no longer at
the forefront of your mind or triggering intense emotional reactions.
With EMDR, clients often experience:
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Reduced emotional distress tied to past events
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Fewer intrusive memories and flashbacks
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Greater self-compassion and a restored sense of control
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An ability to think about what happened without being overwhelmed
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For many women, EMDR is particularly powerful because it’s not about reliving every
detail—it’s about gently helping the brain heal in a way that feels safe and contained.
You May Be Interested in EMDR Therapy -
But Have Some Questions...
How is EMDR different from regular talk therapy?
While talk therapy focuses on exploring your thoughts and feelings, EMDR works directly with how your brain stores and processes traumatic or upsetting memories. It uses bilateral stimulation — often eye movements, gentle tapping, or sounds — to help your brain “unstick” the memory so you can think about it without feeling overwhelmed.
Will I have to talk in detail about my trauma during EMDR?
One of the benefits of EMDR is that you don’t have to share every detail of the event with your therapist. You’ll focus on the memory and your feelings internally, while your therapist guides you through the process. This can feel less overwhelming and more empowering than re-telling the whole story.
How long does EMDR therapy take to work?
Everyone’s experience is different. Some people notice changes in just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of therapy — especially if they’ve experienced multiple or ongoing traumas. Your therapist will work with you to create a pace and plan that feels safe and sustainable for you.
Is EMDR only for people with trauma?
Not at all. While EMDR is well-known for treating trauma, it’s also effective for anxiety, phobias, grief, performance anxiety, and other issues where past experiences are still impacting you today. If there’s something from your past you can’t seem to shake, EMDR may be a helpful option.
Available Therapists
(Offering In-Person or Virtually Counselling Services in the Calgary Area)
Don't want to book online? Not sure who to book with?
Get in touch to book a free phone consult.
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EMDR Therapy in Calgary, AB
In Person and Online Sessions Available
1407 10 St SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1E7
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