🌱 EMDR Explained: A New Addition to Wholehearted Counselling

I’m excited to integrate this powerful modality into my private practice here in Revelstoke and virtually across British Columbia. My name is Hilary Zeeuwen and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I am completing my EMDR training with Elevate EMDR, and am beginning to use this modality with clients. I am supported by ongoing supervision and consultation.

What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence‑based, structured therapy that guides the reprocessing of distressing memories. There is no need to relive past traumas. The counsellor works with the client to use bilateral stimulation to stay in the present, while desensitizing and reprocessing images, thoughts, sensations, and emotions.

I found the metaphor of wound healing helpful to explain how EMDR helps process traumatic memories. Just as a physical wound can fester and cause pain if a foreign object or repeated injury keeps it from healing, a traumatic memory can remain unprocessed and cause ongoing distress (triggers, emotional disregulation, chronic pain, hypervigilence, depression, anxiety, etc). EMDR aims to remove these "blocks" to healing, allowing the brain's natural processing system to resolve the memory and reduce its emotional impact.

Using bilateral stimulation—like eye movements, tapping, or gentle buzzers—EMDR activates the brain’s natural processing system. This allows stuck emotions, beliefs, and bodily sensations to reconnect with adaptive, present‑day perspectives (e.g., “I’m safe now,” “I am enough,” “I can protect myself”).

Who Can Benefit?

You might consider EMDR if you’re experiencing:

• Trauma or PTSD

• Anxiety or panic

• Complicated grief

• Distressing memories or nightmares

• Phobias or performance anxiety

• Stress, depression or chronic pain

EMDR at Wholehearted Counselling

I’m beginning to weave EMDR into a holistic, client‑centered approach—rooted in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment (drawing from mindfulness, somatic work, internal parts work, and nervous system regulation).

During EMDR sessions at Wholehearted Counselling:

• You remain in control—this work is guided by your comfort and pace.

• We’ll build you regulation toolbox and use tools you’re familiar with to support emotional safety—breath, body awareness, movement, and bilateral stimulation.

• The goal goes beyond symptom relief—to helping you create new, liberating narratives about yourself, your past, and your future.

Ready to Begin?

If you’ve tried traditional talk therapy and still feel stuck, EMDR may be for you. The body holds onto stories that the mind can’t release.

I’m thrilled to offer this powerful tool to my clients. If you’re feeling ready to heal old wounds and step fully into the present, or you are curious about EMDR or counselling, please reach out!

Book a free 20-minute consultation today.

Healing is possible—and I’m honoured to walk alongside your courageous, wholehearted path 💛