Home 5 Specialized Therapy Services 5 EMDR Therapy

Expert EMDR Therapy Services in Canada

Choose Melissa Davies, RCC, for EMDR therapy because she brings specialized trauma expertise gained through eight years working directly with Indigenous children and families who have experienced sexual abuse and intergenerational trauma. As a registered clinical counsellor licensed in British Columbia (RCC #21936) with a Master of Counselling from Athabasca University, she combines evidence-based EMDR techniques with holistic approaches including Reiki and somatic energy work. Her unique background as both a certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master/Teacher means you get comprehensive trauma treatment that addresses both psychological and physical symptoms. She currently serves as a First Nations Health Authority provider, demonstrating her specialized competency in complex trauma cases.

Get flexible EMDR sessions designed around your schedule and comfort level. Book in-person appointments at her Nanaimo clinic or connect through secure online sessions anywhere in British Columbia. She offers both 50-minute and 90-minute sessions, with direct billing available for most extended health insurance plans. Start with a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your specific trauma concerns and treatment goals. Her client-centred approach means your EMDR therapy plan gets tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re dealing with PTSD, childhood trauma, or recent traumatic events. You’ll work with someone who understands trauma’s complex effects and has the credentials and experience to guide your healing effectively.

Get Started With A Free Consultation

Healing Trauma Through EMDR: When Memories Hold You Captive

Traumatic memories can feel frozen in time, replaying with the same intensity as when they first occurred. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, we understand that traditional talk therapy sometimes isn’t enough to process these deeply embedded experiences. That’s why Melissa Davies, our Registered Clinical Counsellor, integrates Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) into her practice. This evidence-based approach helps your brain naturally process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing genuine healing to begin.

EMDR works by engaging your brain’s natural healing mechanisms through bilateral stimulation while you recall distressing memories in a safe, controlled environment. Unlike other therapies that focus primarily on thoughts and behaviours, EMDR addresses how trauma is stored in both mind and body. Melissa combines this powerful technique with her expertise in somatic therapy and over 15 years of holistic healing experience, creating a uniquely effective treatment approach for PTSD and complex trauma.

Our EMDR sessions are available in flexible 50 or 90-minute formats, offered in-person, online, or by phone to meet your comfort level and scheduling needs. We welcome clients from all cultural backgrounds and provide specialized support for Indigenous families through our First Nations Health Authority provider status. Many extended health plans cover our services, and we’re recognized providers for the Crime Victims Assistance Program, ensuring accessible care when you need it most.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR Therapy is a specialized form of individual counselling that helps people process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing works by using bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—while you recall distressing experiences in a safe, controlled environment. This allows your brain to reprocess these memories naturally. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy in Nanaimo, BC, our EMDR sessions address trauma from various sources including PTSD, childhood experiences, medical procedures, and racial trauma. The therapy is particularly effective because it doesn’t require you to talk extensively about painful details, yet it helps reduce symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety that interfere with daily life. Sessions are conducted with care informed by trauma research, ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout the healing process. Whether you’re dealing with a single traumatic event or complex trauma that developed over time, EMDR can help your mind process these experiences so they no longer control your present moments.

Ready to begin your healing with EMDR therapy? Contact Bee Here Counselling and Therapy today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your peace of mind.

Watercolor illustration of bumblebee visiting colorful wildflowers in pink, blue and purple representing therapeutic growth and natural healing through Bee Here Counselling RCC services on Vancouver Island

Get Started With a Free Consultation

Start your healing journey

Or you can send us a mesage:

Our Counsellors are Seen Featured in:

Healing Starts Here

Benefits of Our EMDR Therapy

Looking for support with our EMDR Therapy?

Let’s have a caring conversation.

Like bees that find their way home, we all seek a place of comfort and belonging. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, we create that safe space where you can simply ‘Be’ – authentically yourself. Together, we’ll explore your path to healing, pollinating your life with new perspectives and nurturing growth one step at a time. We serve EMDR Therapy to anyone within the Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Saskatchewan or Ontario with multiple types of insurances accepted and covered.

Book your initial appointment here

Our Process for EMDR Therapy

Step 1

Initial Contact and Consultation

Begin with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs and concerns in a relaxed, no-pressure environment
Share your story at your own pace while our counsellor listens with compassion and understanding
Learn about EMDR therapy and how it can help process traumatic memories and distressing experiences
Ask any questions about the process, confidentiality, or what to expect during your healing journey
Determine together if EMDR therapy and Bee Here Counselling feel like the right fit for your unique situation
Choose your preferred session format—in-person at our Nanaimo location, secure online video, or phone sessions
Schedule your first full intake session with flexible timing options that work with your schedule
Receive gentle guidance on preparing for your first session, including what to bring and how to feel most comfortable

Step 2

Step 2: Comprehensive Assessment and Collaborative Planning

Complete a thorough trauma history assessment using gentle, culturally sensitive questionnaires that help us understand your unique experiences and current symptoms without overwhelming you
Explore your personal strengths, coping strategies, and support systems through collaborative discussion, ensuring we build upon what already works well in your life
Assess your readiness for EMDR processing using standardized wellness scales and self-report measures that evaluate emotional stability and current life circumstances
Identify specific traumatic memories or disturbing experiences that may benefit from EMDR treatment, working at your pace to ensure comfort and safety
Establish clear, measurable therapy goals together that reflect your personal healing vision and desired outcomes from the EMDR process
Develop a customized treatment plan that integrates EMDR with complementary approaches like mindfulness or somatic therapy, tailored specifically to your needs and cultural background
Create safety protocols and coping strategies to support you between sessions, ensuring you feel prepared and confident as we begin the EMDR journey together
Schedule regular progress check-ins and establish open communication channels so you can share feedback and adjust our approach as needed throughout your healing process

Step 3

Step 3: Active Treatment Phase

Structured EMDR Processing Sessions: Each session follows the eight-phase EMDR protocol, focusing on specific traumatic memories while using bilateral stimulation through eye movements, tactile sensations, or auditory tones to help your brain process and integrate difficult experiences
Targeted Memory Work: We systematically address identified traumatic memories, starting with less distressing incidents and gradually working toward more significant events as your capacity for processing increases and your confidence grows
Real-Time Emotional Regulation: During processing, you'll learn to notice and manage emotional responses as they arise, developing skills to stay grounded and present while working through challenging material at a pace that feels safe for you
Progress Monitoring and Adjustment: We regularly assess your comfort level, processing capacity, and symptom reduction using simple rating scales and check-ins, adjusting our approach based on your feedback and therapeutic needs
Resource Installation and Strengthening: Between trauma processing sessions, we focus on building and reinforcing positive internal resources, coping strategies, and self-soothing techniques that support your overall resilience and emotional stability
Between-Session Integration Support: You'll receive personalized homework assignments such as mindfulness practices, grounding exercises, or journaling prompts to help consolidate therapeutic gains and maintain emotional balance between appointments
Collaborative Treatment Planning: Your input guides every aspect of treatment as we regularly review goals, celebrate progress, and make adjustments to ensure the therapy remains aligned with your healing journey and personal empowerment
Future Template Development: As processing progresses, we work together to create positive templates for future situations, helping you build confidence in your ability to handle challenges and maintain the emotional freedom you've gained through treatment

Step 4

Step 4: Progress & Completion

Regular progress evaluations using standardized questionnaires that measure anxiety levels, depression symptoms, and trauma-related distress to track your healing journey objectively
Assessment of functional improvements in daily life activities, relationships, and work performance through structured interviews and self-report measures
Development of personalized maintenance strategies including self-administered EMDR techniques and grounding exercises for ongoing emotional regulation
Scheduled follow-up sessions at 3, 6, and 12-month intervals to reinforce gains and address any emerging concerns or life transitions
Creation of a comprehensive relapse prevention plan that identifies potential triggers and provides specific coping strategies tailored to your unique circumstances
Integration of learned skills into daily routines through mindfulness practices and somatic awareness techniques that support long-term emotional resilience
Access to booster sessions as needed, ensuring continuous support during challenging periods or major life changes
Celebration of sustained improvements in trauma symptoms, emotional stability, and overall quality of life, marking your transformation from survivor to thriver

Your Journey Begins Here

Taking the first step toward EMDR therapy is brave. You're here because something inside you knows healing is possible. Let's walk through what happens when you reach out to us.

What to Expect When You Contact Us

Your healing journey starts with connection. We begin with a free 15-minute consultation. This brief conversation helps us understand your needs. It also gives you a chance to meet Melissa and ask questions.

During this consultation, we'll discuss:

Your current concerns and what brings you to EMDR therapy
Any previous therapy experience you've had
What you hope to achieve through our work together
How EMDR might help with your specific situation
Scheduling options that work for your life

This conversation can happen by phone, online, or in person at our Nanaimo office. Choose what feels most comfortable for you. There's no pressure. No commitment required. Just an opportunity to see if we're a good fit.

Getting Started Is Simple

Ready to take that first step? Here are your options:

Email	[email protected]
Online Booking	Visit our website to schedule your free consultation
Location	1601 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, BC V9S 1G5

Preparing for Your First Contact

You don't need to prepare extensively. Just come as you are. However, it might help to think about what you'd like to share. Consider what's been troubling you lately. Reflect on what you hope therapy might change in your life.

If you have insurance coverage, gather that information. We work with many providers including First Nations Health Authority, Pacific Blue Cross, and SunLife. Direct billing is available for many plans.

Common Questions About Getting Started

Is EMDR right for me?EMDR helps with many concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, and difficult life transitions. During our consultation, we'll explore whether this approach aligns with your needs and goals.

What if I'm nervous about starting therapy?Feeling nervous is completely normal. Many clients feel anxious before their first contact. Our approach is gentle and goes at your pace. You're in control of what you share and when.

How quickly can I get started?We aim to minimize wait times. After your consultation, we'll work together to find appointment times that suit your schedule. Sessions are available in person, online, or by phone.

What about confidentiality?Everything you share is strictly confidential. We follow all professional guidelines to protect your privacy and create a safe space for your healing.

Can I change my mind after the consultation?Absolutely. The consultation helps you decide if our services feel right for you. There's no obligation to continue. Your comfort and choice matter most.

You're Not Alone in This

Starting therapy takes courage. Many people feel uncertain about reaching out. That's okay. We understand that taking this step can feel overwhelming. Our role is to make this process as comfortable as possible for you.

Melissa Davies brings years of experience working with people from all walks of life. Her approach is warm, inclusive, and respectful of your unique experiences. She understands that healing happens differently for everyone.

Whether you're dealing with recent difficulties or long-standing concerns, you deserve support. EMDR therapy has helped countless people process difficult experiences and move toward greater peace and wellbeing.

Your Next Step

Ready to begin? Reach out today to schedule your free consultation. This simple step opens the door to healing and growth. You've already shown tremendous strength by considering therapy. Now let us support you on this important journey.

Remember, seeking help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. You deserve care, support, and the opportunity to heal. We're here when you're ready.

Step 2: Assessment & Goal Setting

Your intake session is where we begin to understand your unique story. This is our time together to explore what brought you here and where you'd like to go.

What to Expect During Your Assessment

Your intake session lasts about 50 minutes. We'll meet in a comfortable, private space where you can speak freely about your experiences. This isn't a test or evaluation where you can get something wrong. Instead, think of it as a collaborative conversation where we're mapping out your healing journey together.

During our time, I'll ask about your current concerns and what's been weighing on your mind. We'll explore your personal history, including any past experiences that might be relevant to your healing. I might use some simple questionnaires that help us understand things like your mood patterns, anxiety levels, or how trauma might be affecting your daily life. These aren't complicated medical forms. They're straightforward tools that give us a clearer picture of your experience.

Preparing for Your Intake Session

Here's what to bring and how to prepare:

Government-issued photo identification
Extended health insurance information if you plan to use benefits
Any relevant medical records or previous therapy notes you'd like to share
A list of current medications or supplements
Comfortable clothing that helps you feel at ease
A water bottle or anything else that brings you comfort

Take some time before our session to reflect on what you hope to achieve. What would your life look like if therapy was helpful? What changes would you notice? These thoughts don't need to be perfectly formed. Sometimes the clearest goals emerge during our conversation together.

Setting Goals That Matter to You

Goal setting happens naturally as we talk. You might come in knowing exactly what you want to work on. Or you might feel overwhelmed and unsure where to start. Both are completely normal.

We'll identify what's most important to you right now. Maybe it's managing anxiety that's been keeping you awake at night. Perhaps it's processing a difficult relationship or working through past trauma. Sometimes people want to build confidence or find their sense of purpose again. Your goals are entirely yours to define.

I'll help you break down bigger hopes into manageable steps. We'll make sure your goals feel achievable and meaningful to your life. As we work together, these goals can shift and evolve. Healing isn't a straight line, and your needs might change as you grow.

Common Concerns About Assessment

Concern	Reality
"What if I don't know how to answer the questions?"	There are no right or wrong answers. If something isn't clear, we'll explore it together. You can always say "I'm not sure" or "Can you help me understand what you're asking?"
"I'm worried about being judged for my experiences."	This is a judgment-free space. I've heard many different stories, and my role is to understand and support you, not to evaluate or criticize your choices or experiences.
"What if I start crying or get emotional?"	Emotions are welcome here. I have tissues ready, and we can take breaks whenever you need them. Feeling emotional often means we're touching on something important.
"Do I have to share everything in the first session?"	Absolutely not. Share what feels comfortable and safe. Trust builds over time, and you can always share more as our relationship develops.

Assessment Tools We Might Use

I use simple, research-backed questionnaires to better understand your experience. These might include brief surveys about mood and feelings, anxiety symptoms, or how past experiences affect your current life. Think of them as conversation starters rather than tests.

For clients from Indigenous communities, we'll also talk about how your cultural background and connection to community impacts your wellbeing. This helps me provide care that honours your cultural identity and values.

Everything we discuss remains confidential within the bounds of professional ethics. Your privacy and trust are fundamental to our work together.

After Your Assessment

By the end of our intake session, you'll have a clear sense of how we'll work together. We'll schedule your next appointment and discuss the frequency that works best for your needs and schedule. Some people benefit from weekly sessions, while others prefer every two weeks.

You'll leave with a better understanding of your treatment plan and what to expect as we move forward. Remember, this plan is flexible and will evolve as you do.

Your healing journey is unique to you. This assessment simply helps us understand where you are now and where you'd like to go.

Step 3: Active EMDR Processing Sessions

Now the real work begins. Your EMDR processing sessions are where healing happens.

Each session follows a careful rhythm. We start with a brief check-in. How are you feeling today? What's been on your mind since our last meeting? This connection grounds us both in the present moment before we dive deeper.

What Happens During Processing

EMDR processing is unique. You'll focus on a specific traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This might be following my finger with your eyes as it moves back and forth. Or listening to alternating sounds through headphones. Some clients prefer tactile stimulation, like holding buzzers that alternate between your hands.

The magic happens in your brain's natural ability to process. As you hold the memory and follow the bilateral stimulation, your mind begins to make new connections. Disturbing images often become less vivid. Negative beliefs about yourself start to shift. Your body releases tension it's been holding.

We work in sets. Process for 30 seconds, then pause. "What comes up for you now?" I'll ask. You might notice the image changing, emotions shifting, or body sensations moving. Each person's experience is different. Some see colours. Others feel movement in their chest. Many notice thoughts becoming clearer.

Therapeutic Techniques We Use

Technique	Purpose	How It Helps
Bilateral Eye Movements	Stimulate both brain hemispheres	Helps process traumatic memories naturally
Resource Installation	Strengthen positive beliefs	Builds confidence and resilience
Body Scan	Check physical sensations	Ensures complete processing of trauma
Safe Place Visualization	Create internal calm	Provides stability during difficult processing
Grounding Techniques	Stay present and oriented	Prevents overwhelm during sessions

Between Session Support

Healing doesn't stop when you leave our office. Your brain continues processing throughout the week. This is normal and actually shows the therapy is working.

You'll receive specific homework tailored to your needs:

Daily grounding practice: Simple breathing exercises to stay centred when memories surface
Resource strengthening: Visualizing your safe place or positive resources for 10 minutes daily
Mindful journaling: Writing about any dreams, insights, or shifts you notice between sessions
Body awareness exercises: Gentle movement or stretching to release tension
Self-compassion practices: Treating yourself with kindness as you heal

Tracking Your Progress

We measure progress in several ways. Before processing each memory, we'll rate how disturbing it feels on a scale from 0 to 10. We also identify negative beliefs about yourself and rate how true they feel. As processing continues, these numbers typically decrease.

More importantly, we track real-life changes. Are you sleeping better? Do certain triggers affect you less? Can you think about the trauma without your heart racing? These everyday improvements matter most.

Some clients notice changes immediately. Others see gradual shifts over weeks. Your healing timeline is uniquely yours, and we honour that pace completely.

What to Expect

Processing sessions can feel intense. You might experience strong emotions or physical sensations. This is your nervous system finally releasing what it's been holding. I'll be right there with you, ensuring you feel safe throughout.

Between sessions, you might have vivid dreams or sudden insights. Old memories might surface. Your brain is reorganizing itself, creating new neural pathways. These experiences, while sometimes uncomfortable, signal healing in progress.

Your Role in Healing

You're not a passive recipient of treatment. Your active participation drives the healing process. You choose which memories to process. You decide the pace. You communicate what feels manageable.

Trust your instincts. If something feels too overwhelming, speak up. If you need to slow down, that's perfectly acceptable. This collaboration ensures EMDR remains effective and empowering for you.

Remember, seeking help takes courage. Engaging in EMDR processing takes even more. You're already demonstrating incredible strength by choosing to heal.

Step 4: Completion and Ongoing Wellness

Congratulations. You've reached the final phase of your EMDR therapy journey. This step focuses on celebrating your progress, ensuring lasting change, and creating a sustainable path forward.

Recognizing Your Success

How do we know you're ready for completion? Several clear indicators guide this decision. Your distressing memories no longer trigger overwhelming emotions. You feel equipped with effective coping strategies. Daily life flows more smoothly, and relationships feel more connected and authentic.

We measure your progress using simple, meaningful assessments. These include brief questionnaires about your mood and anxiety levels. We also use scaling questions where you rate your current wellbeing from one to ten. Most importantly, we listen to your own sense of readiness and confidence.

Building Your Maintenance Plan

Lasting wellness requires ongoing attention. Think of it like tending a garden. Together, we'll create your personalized maintenance strategy that includes several key elements:

Self-monitoring techniques to recognize early warning signs
Resource activation practices you can use independently
Mindfulness and grounding exercises for daily emotional regulation
Lifestyle strategies that support your continued healing
Connection plans to maintain supportive relationships

Your Ongoing Support Options

Completion doesn't mean goodbye forever. We remain available for your continued growth and wellbeing across British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Ontario through both online and in-person sessions.

Support Type	When to Consider	Availability
Check-in sessions	Every 3-6 months for maintenance	Online or in-person
Booster sessions	When facing new stressors or challenges	Flexible scheduling
Crisis support	During unexpected difficult periods	Priority booking available
Skill refreshers	To strengthen coping strategies	Individual or group options

Celebrating Your Growth

Take a moment to acknowledge your courage. You've faced difficult memories and emotions. You've learned new ways of being in the world. This transformation represents profound strength and commitment to your wellbeing.

Your brain has literally rewired itself through this process. Neural pathways that once led to distress now connect to resources and resilience. These changes are lasting. They become part of who you are moving forward.

Warning Signs and When to Reconnect

Sometimes life presents new challenges. Knowing when to reach out ensures you maintain your progress. Consider reconnecting if you notice:

Disturbing memories returning with previous intensity
Sleep patterns becoming significantly disrupted
Avoiding situations you had successfully navigated
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions for extended periods
Relationships becoming strained without clear cause

Your Continued Journey

Healing continues beyond formal therapy. You now carry tools and insights that serve you throughout life. Trust in your ability to navigate challenges. Remember the strength you've discovered within yourself.

We're honoured to have been part of your healing journey. Your courage inspires not only your own transformation but creates ripples of positive change in your relationships and community. This is the lasting gift of your commitment to growth and healing.

Should you need support in the future, we're here. Your wellness matters to us, today and always.

Start your healing journey

Find EMDR Therapy Tips, Guides and Advice

Find Some Helpful Tips and Guides in Our Blog

Finding Home Within: How Counselling Supports Immigrant Families and Youth

Mental Health

The Unseen Emotional Journey of Immigration Many immigrants carry a quiet grief—missing home, family, and a sense of belonging, even while building a good life abroad. Missing home doesn't mean you're ungrateful; it means you're human. The emotional journey of...

Reiki & Counselling: Why Clients Are Choosing This Powerful Combination

Blog

Different Approaches for Different Needs Not every client is drawn to energy work, and that's perfectly okay. At Bee Here Counselling and Therapy, we recognize that healing is deeply personal. Many clients from Qualicum Beach and Nanaimo prefer traditional in-person...

Workplace Burnout: Finding Relief Through Counselling and Healing Practices

Mental Health

I've seen burnout walk through my door wearing many different faces. The exhausted nurse who can't remember why she chose healthcare. The tech worker staring blankly at his laptop, feeling nothing. The small business owner who hasn't taken a day off in three...

Expert EMDR Therapy Services in Canada

Healing Trauma Through EMDR: When Memories Hold You Captive