EMDR Therapy in Edmonton and across Alberta

Helping You Process Difficult Experiences and Move Forward

Sometimes difficult experiences continue affecting us long after they have ended.

You may find yourself replaying memories, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, struggling with anxiety, experiencing the effects of trauma, or feeling stuck despite your best efforts to move forward. Even when you know you are safe, your emotions and nervous system may continue responding as though the experience is still happening.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process and integrate difficult experiences so they become less emotionally distressing over time.

At Overcoming Waves Psychology & Counselling, Wendy Yasinski is a Certified EMDR Therapist who has completed advanced training in EMDR and uses this approach to help individuals work through trauma, anxiety, distressing memories, and other challenges that may be impacting their wellbeing.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process difficult memories, experiences, and emotional reactions that may continue affecting daily life.

Over time, many clients find that distressing memories become less overwhelming, emotional reactions become less intense, and they feel better able to move forward with confidence.

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR is most commonly associated with trauma treatment, but it can be helpful for a variety of concerns.

EMDR may be beneficial for individuals experiencing:

Every person's situation is unique, and together we can determine whether EMDR may be an appropriate part of your treatment plan. Learn more about our full range of Counselling Services.

How Does EMDR Work?

During EMDR therapy, you briefly focus on a memory, thought, feeling, or experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones.



These structured techniques help the brain process information differently, allowing difficult experiences to become less emotionally overwhelming over time.

Many clients describe EMDR as helping them gain greater perspective on past experiences. Memories often become easier to think about, emotional reactions become less intense, and feelings of confidence, calm, and control begin to increase.

The process is collaborative and always moves at a pace that feels comfortable for you. You remain in control throughout every stage of therapy while we work together toward your goals.

Evidence-Based Approaches That May Complement EMDR

EMDR is often used alongside other evidence-based therapy approaches depending on your needs and goals.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

SFBT focuses on strengths, resilience, and practical solutions that support meaningful progress and growth.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways of responding to anxiety, stress, and emotional challenges.

Family Systems Therapy

Family Systems Therapy explores relationship patterns and support systems that influence emotional wellbeing and healing.

What Does an EMDR Session Feel Like?

EMDR is a structured, collaborative, and supportive therapy process.

Before any trauma processing begins, time is spent building coping skills, strengthening emotional regulation, and creating a sense of safety and stability. This preparation helps ensure that you feel ready and supported throughout treatment.

During an EMDR session:

Many people worry that EMDR will require them to relive traumatic experiences in detail or become overwhelmed by difficult emotions. In reality, EMDR is designed to help you process distressing memories in a way that feels safe and manageable. Many clients find the experience to be less overwhelming than they initially expected.

Is EMDR Right for Me?

EMDR may be helpful if past experiences continue to affect how you feel, think, or respond in your daily life. Many people seek EMDR when they find themselves feeling stuck, emotionally overwhelmed, anxious, or repeatedly triggered by memories, reminders, or situations connected to difficult experiences.



Every person's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. The best way to determine whether EMDR is right for you is through a consultation, where we can discuss your concerns, goals, and experiences together and determine the most appropriate path forward.

Why Work with a Certified EMDR Therapist?

EMDR requires specialized training beyond traditional counselling and psychotherapy education. Wendy became a Certified EMDR Therapist in 2020 and has incorporated EMDR into her work with clients seeking support for trauma, anxiety, distressing experiences, and emotional healing.

Certification reflects advanced training, supervised experience, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of practice. As with all therapy approaches, EMDR is tailored to your unique circumstances, needs, and goals.

Our Approach to Healing

At Overcoming Waves Psychology & Counselling, EMDR is not simply a technique—it is one of several evidence-based tools that may be incorporated into your therapy journey.

Our approach emphasizes:

Therapy is always tailored to you, not the other way around. Together, we work toward meaningful change that supports long-term wellbeing.

Frequently Asked Questions