Couples Counselling helps the couple identify the negative cycle they are experiencing together (one partner triggers the other, then their reaction triggers the other, and then their reaction triggers the other again...and so on). This is beneficial no doubt to identify and start to understand, but what we do takes couples counselling to a whole new level: we infuse EMDR at specific points in the counselling process to heal both the underlying and unhealed past for each partner, as well as heal the ruptures and traumas that were caused within the relationship.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a robust psychological approach that utilizes a process called Bilateral Stimulation (eye or hand movements) to accelerate the brain’s natural ability to adapt and grow by forming new neurological connections (called neuroplasticity).

EMDR’s founder, Dr. Francine Shapiro discovered that all psychological and emotional distress can be traced to negative experiences or traumas that were maladaptively stored in your brain.

Based upon a theory called Adaptive Information Processing, the brain collects and stores information it believes will be useful for survival. However, since our brains do not really know the difference between what it experienced 35 minutes ago or 35 years ago…under stress, current responses may appear quite disproportionate to what’s happening presently.

Successful EMDR therapy often results in the complete extinction of distressing symptoms, behaviours, and thought-patterns because it actually changes the brain.

Furthermore, many clients often report their positive results increase over time (due to EMDR having a “generalizing” effect on the brain, meaning their brain has applied new learnings to other experiences and memories – updating the entire system).

In addition to many other benefits, EMDR requires far less time than other approaches, and requires no homework.

While EMDR is a Standard 8 Phase Protocol, advanced EMDR practitioners know how and when to deviate from the normal structure to account for complicated cases.

Our unique approach to EMDR for Couples is intensive and effective.