Trauma Counselling in Kelowna
When trauma lives in the body and mind, it can impact how we feel, think, and show up in the world. EMDR offers a path forward, helping you process painful experiences and reclaim a sense of safety.
Understanding Trauma and Its Lasting Effects
Trauma isn’t always about one defining event — it can be a buildup of difficult experiences over time.
Whether it’s emotional neglect, a toxic relationship, medical trauma, or something else entirely, your response is real and valid.
When trauma isn’t fully processed, it can stay stuck in the nervous system, leading to symptoms like:
Chronic anxiety or hypervigilance
Feeling emotionally numb or shut down
Sudden emotional outbursts or irritability
Difficulty trusting others
Sleep issues or flashbacks
A persistent feeling of being unsafe, even in calm situations
How EMDR Can Help With Trauma
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based approach to trauma therapy that helps the brain and body reprocess difficult memories. Rather than retelling your story over and over, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to activate the brain’s natural healing systems.
EMDR therapy can:
Help you reprocess painful memories in a safe and supported environment
Shift the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain
Reduce the emotional and physical charge of those memories
Support nervous system regulation and a sense of calm
Create space for more resilience and confidence moving forward
Why We Take a Somatic and Trauma-Informed Approach
At Heart Centered EMDR, we recognize that trauma is stored in the body — not just in the mind. That’s why our work goes beyond traditional talk therapy.
In your sessions, we may incorporate mindfulness and body-based techniques that help you:
Reconnect with bodily sensations
Release stored tension and survival energy
Rebuild a sense of internal safety
Feel grounded and present in your day-to-day life
You're Not Alone In This Work
Healing from trauma isn’t about pretending it didn’t happen. It’s about giving yourself the tools, space, and support to stop carrying it all on your own.
