Specialty
EMDR Therapy
in White Rock, BC
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-informed therapy commonly used in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. John is trained in EMDR and integrates it into his practice where appropriate.
John offers EMDR therapy in person from his White Rock office, serving clients from White Rock, South Surrey, and surrounding communities, as well as virtually across BC.
What EMDR is
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s and has since been extensively researched and endorsed by major mental health organizations — including the World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association — as an effective treatment for PTSD.
The approach is based on the understanding that traumatic memories can become stored in ways that are not fully processed, leaving them connected to the distress of the original experience. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — alongside structured attention to the memory, in a way that appears to facilitate natural processing.
Over the course of EMDR treatment, distressing memories typically become less activating. Clients often report that the memory feels more distant, less emotionally charged, and no longer intrudes into daily life in the same way.
What EMDR may be used for
EMDR is most commonly used for PTSD and trauma-related concerns. It may also be appropriate for:
Suitability for EMDR is assessed individually. Not all clients will be appropriate candidates for EMDR at the outset of treatment.
What a session may involve
EMDR is structured across a series of phases. Early sessions focus on history-taking, goal-setting, and stabilization — ensuring the client has adequate coping capacity before moving toward processing specific memories.
During processing sessions, the therapist guides the client to hold a target memory in mind while following bilateral stimulation (often the therapist's hand moving across the visual field). This continues in brief sets, with the therapist checking in on what arises between each set.
Clients do not need to describe the memory in detail. The process is not about talking through the experience at length — it is about allowing the nervous system to complete processing that was interrupted.
Is EMDR right for you?
EMDR is not the right fit for everyone, and not at every stage of treatment. John will conduct a thorough assessment to understand your history, concerns, and goals before recommending a specific approach.
Where EMDR is not immediately appropriate, John may recommend working with stabilization skills first, or a different therapeutic approach entirely. The priority is selecting the method that will be most effective for you.
Approach
John's approach
John integrates EMDR into a broader clinical approach rather than treating it as a standalone technique. Where appropriate, EMDR is used alongside other methods — including somatic approaches, Emotionally Focused Therapy, or Family Systems frameworks — depending on what the individual needs.
He works at a pace that the client can tolerate, and treatment is adapted as it progresses. EMDR can be offered in standard or extended sessions depending on your needs and treatment plan.
Common questions
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?
No. Clients are fully conscious and in control throughout EMDR sessions. The bilateral stimulation facilitates processing — it does not induce a trance or altered state.
How many sessions does EMDR take?
This varies significantly depending on the individual and the nature of the concerns being addressed. Some people experience meaningful change in a relatively small number of sessions; others require longer treatment. John will discuss this with you after an initial assessment.
Can EMDR be done virtually?
Yes. EMDR can be adapted for virtual delivery using audio-based bilateral stimulation or tapping. John offers virtual sessions across British Columbia.
Book with John
John sees clients in person in White Rock and virtually across British Columbia. Book online or contact John to discuss what you are experiencing before your first session.
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