EMDR Therapy in Edmonton, 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, reacting more strongly than you would like, or feeling stuck despite your best efforts to move forward. Even when you understand something logically, 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 a structured psychotherapy approach that helps people process difficult memories, experiences, and emotional reactions. Sometimes the brain is unable to fully process a distressing experience. When this happens, the memory may remain "stuck," causing emotional reactions, physical sensations, negative beliefs, or distress long after the event has passed. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these experiences in a safe and structured way, so they become less emotionally overwhelming. Many clients report that memories become easier to think about, emotional reactions become less intense, and they can move forward with their lives. EMDR does not erase memories. Instead, it helps reduce the distress associated with them.

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.

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.

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At Overcoming Waves Psychology & Counselling, we tailor therapy to your unique needs and goals.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

For some individuals, a motor vehicle accident can become a traumatic memory that continues to trigger emotional distress long after the event has ended. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and integrate difficult experiences in a healthier way. Many clients find that memories become less emotionally overwhelming and easier to manage over time.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps identify thought patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, fear, panic, or avoidance. With CBT you will learn practical strategies to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns, regulate emotions, and gradually rebuild confidence.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

SFBT focuses on strengths, resilience, and practical solutions. Rather than becoming stuck in what happened, we work together to identify achievable goals and meaningful steps forward.

Family Systems Therapy

A motor vehicle accident often impacts spouses, children, and other family members as well. Family Systems Therapy can help improve communication, strengthen support systems, and reduce conflict that sometimes develops during recovery.

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 demonstrates 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