Registered Clinical Counselling & EMDR Therapy in Burnaby & Surrey BC
Offering compassionate, evidence-based counselling for couples, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, and more — online and in person
Open 7 days a week from 10 am - 9pm
Learn to let go of the past
Life Wise Counselling offers trauma-informed EMDR therapy to help adults process distressing memories, reduce emotional reactivity, and restore a sense of safety and control. EMDR is an evidence-based approach proven to heal trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and complex life experiences.
EMDR Therapy: Evidence Based Treatment in BC
EMDR therapy at Life Wise Counselling is provided by trained clinicians who integrate EMDR within a relational, trauma-informed framework.​​​
EMDR Therapy helps with:
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Trauma and PTSD
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Anxiety and panic symptoms
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Childhood and developmental trauma
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Motor vehicle accidents Through ICBC
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Distressing memories that feel “stuck”
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Emotional reactivity and nervous system dysregulation
Process Painful Memories
Gently access and resolve past trauma
Reduce Emotional Distress
Build New Perspectives
Calm your mind and body's stress response
Develop healthier ways of thinking and feeling
What EMDR Therapy is Like
EMDR therapy does not require you to share every detail of your experience. Sessions are paced carefully, and your therapist ensures you feel grounded and supported throughout the process. Many clients find EMDR to be less emotionally overwhelming than traditional talk therapy while still deeply effective.​​
EMDR allows you to confront your past and revisit traumatic experiences in a safe environment while reducing your body’s fear response. That's right, through EMDR you can reprocess memories without feeling overwhelmed by them. Your therapist will use eye movement or tapping to activate parts of the brain that promote self-soothing and problem solving. This allows you to explore your inherent resources within and use them to your advantage.
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Difficult memories don't define you and they no longer need to bother you.
Mental clarity and growth are within reach.
Rates: 50 Min - 168$ -180$
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
Is EMDR therapy effective?
Yes, EMDR is a well-researched and highly effective therapy. Many clients notice meaningful changes in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy, especially when addressing trauma.
What does an EMDR session look like?
Sessions begin with building safety and understanding your goals. During EMDR processing, your therapist will guide you through recalling specific experiences while using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping), always at a pace that feels manageable.
Will I have to talk about everything in detail?
Not necessarily. One of the benefits of EMDR is that you don’t need to describe every detail of your experience for it to be effective. Your therapist will guide you in a way that feels safe and contained.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes. EMDR is a structured and client-centered approach. Your therapist will ensure you have the tools and support needed to feel grounded throughout the process.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
This varies depending on your goals and experiences. Some clients experience relief in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work. Your therapist will collaborate with you on a plan that fits your needs.
Can EMDR be done virtually?
Yes, EMDR can be effectively offered both in-person and online. Many clients find virtual sessions just as helpful, with the added convenience of being in their own space.
How do I get started with EMDR therapy?
Getting started is simple. Reach out to schedule a consultation, and we’ll match you with a therapist trained in EMDR who can support you in your healing journey.
What’s the Difference Between EMDR and Talk Therapy?
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Both EMDR and talk therapy are effective approaches, but they work in different ways. Here’s how they compare:
1. Focus of Treatment
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EMDR: Targets specific distressing memories or experiences
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Talk Therapy: Focuses on thoughts, emotions, patterns, and life experiences over time
2. How It Works
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EMDR: Uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess difficult memories
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Talk Therapy: Relies on conversation, reflection, and insight to create change
3. Talking vs. Processing
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EMDR: Does not require detailed discussion of every aspect of a traumatic experience
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Talk Therapy: Often involves talking through experiences in more depth
4. Speed of Results
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EMDR: Many clients notice changes in fewer sessions, especially for trauma
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Talk Therapy: Can be more gradual, building insight and skills over time
5. Type of Change
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EMDR: Helps reduce the emotional intensity of past experiences so they feel less overwhelming
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Talk Therapy: Helps you understand patterns, shift thinking, and develop coping strategies
6. Body vs. Mind Focus
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EMDR: Works with both the brain and nervous system to process stored experiences
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Talk Therapy: Primarily focuses on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
7. Best For
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EMDR: Trauma, PTSD, distressing memories, and experiences that still feel “stuck”
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Talk Therapy: Ongoing support, self-exploration, relationship issues, anxiety, and depression
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Many clients benefit from a combination of both approaches. Our therapists can help you decide what feels like the right fit for your needs.
Client Testimonial
Friendly staff. Getting started is simple and straight forward. Direct icbc billing. Helped me overcome anxiety while driving as well as trauma from my accident through EMDR. I had a great experience.
M K - Past ICBC Client
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
1. Reduces emotional distress
EMDR helps decrease the intensity of difficult memories so they feel less overwhelming and easier to manage.
2. Processes past experiences effectively
Instead of just talking about what happened, EMDR helps your brain fully process and integrate unresolved experiences.
3. Faster relief for many clients
Some people notice meaningful changes in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapy, especially when working through trauma.
4. Doesn’t require detailed retelling
You don’t have to go into every detail of your experiences for EMDR to be effective, making it a more comfortable option for many.
5. Improves emotional regulation
Clients often feel more grounded and better able to manage stress, triggers, and strong emotions.
6. Builds confidence and self-worth
As distress decreases, many people notice a shift in how they see themselves — feeling stronger, more capable, and less defined by the past.
7. Supports a wide range of concerns
EMDR can help with trauma, anxiety, depression, panic, relationship challenges, and low self-esteem.
8. Creates lasting change
By addressing the root of distress, EMDR supports deeper, long-term healing rather than just short-term symptom relief.
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EMDR therapy doesn’t just help you cope — it helps you move forward with greater clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of self.
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Explore How We Can Support You
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Anxiety Counselling
Find relief from constant worry, racing thoughts, and overwhelm with practical tools and supportive care.
→ Learn more about Anxiety Counselling
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Depression Counselling
Reconnect with yourself, improve your mood, and regain a sense of purpose and direction.
→ Learn more about Depression Counselling
Trauma Therapy
Heal from past experiences in a safe, supportive space, with approaches that may include EMDR.
→ Learn more about Trauma Therapy
Couples Counselling
Strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and navigate challenges together with guided support.
→ Learn more about Couples Counselling
