EMDR Therapy for first responders

At Soma House Counselling & Wellness, we recognize that trauma affects both the brain and the nervous system—particularly for those who serve on the front lines. Veterans, RCMP members, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders are routinely exposed to high-stress, life-threatening, and morally complex situations. Over time, this repeated exposure can contribute to PTSD, anxiety, sleep disturbance, emotional numbing, and cumulative occupational stress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-established, evidence-based trauma therapy that helps the brain and nervous system reprocess distressing memories so they feel less overwhelming and disruptive. Rather than relying solely on talk therapy, EMDR supports the nervous system in restoring a sense of safety, emotional regulation, and control—outcomes that are especially important for those working in high-risk professions.

A growing body of research supports EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma among Veterans, police, firefighters, and paramedics. Systematic reviews and clinical studies have consistently shown that EMDR reduces PTSD symptoms, emotional distress, and physiological arousal in first responders, while also supporting resilience and occupational functioning (Morris et al., 2022; Lewis-Schroeder et al., 2018). Research with Veterans further demonstrates that EMDR is effective when delivered either in-person or via telehealth, increasing access to care without compromising outcomes (Fairbanks et al., 2025). Both intensive and weekly EMDR formats have been shown to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve emotional regulation and daily functioning (Hurley, 2018).

EMDR is also recognized internationally as one of the most researched trauma-focused therapies, with evidence supporting its effectiveness in addressing both the psychological and physical symptoms associated with traumatic stress (Shapiro, 2014; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.). This makes EMDR particularly well-suited for first responders and Veterans whose nervous systems have adapted to chronic alertness, repeated exposure, and cumulative trauma.

Farnaz Farrokhi-Holmes, M.A., CCC, RCC, is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Registered Clinical Counsellor with specialized training in EMDR and trauma-informed, nervous-system-based therapies. Her work integrates EMDR with somatic and mindfulness-based approaches to support regulation, trauma processing, and long-term recovery.

With lived experience in emergency operations and exposure to conflict environments, Farnaz brings a grounded understanding of operational stress, grief, and trauma. She works collaboratively with Veterans, RCMP members, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders to create a respectful, confidential space where healing can occur at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.

If you are a Veteran, police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or first responder navigating trauma, anxiety, burnout, or cumulative stress, support is available. EMDR therapy at Soma House Counselling & Wellness is offered in-person in Nanaimo and virtually across Canada. Healing is possible—and you do not have to do it alone.

Fairbanks, C. L. D., Penix-Smith, E. A., Glitsos, S. C., Keener, K. D., Giorgio, J. M., Poulos, K. H., Albinson, L. F., Baker, C. E., McGuirl, C. A., & Wisniewski, S. P. (2025). A multisite retrospective review exploring the delivery of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to veterans via telehealth (TH) versus in person (IP). Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001917

Hurley, E. C. (2018). Effective treatment of veterans with PTSD: Comparison between intensive daily and weekly EMDR approaches. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1458. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01458

Lewis-Schroeder, N. F., Kieran, K., Murphy, B. L., Wolff, J. D., Robinson, M. A., & Kaufman, M. L. (2018). Conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of traumatic stress in first responders: A review of critical issues. Harvard Review of Psychiatry, 26(4), 216–227. https://doi.org/10.1097/HRP.0000000000000176

Morris, H., Hatzikiriakidis, K., Savaglio, M., Dwyer, J., Lewis, C., Miller, R., & Skouteris, H. (2022). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for the treatment and early intervention of trauma among first responders: A systematic review. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 35(3), 778–790. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22792

Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: Addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71–77. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/13-098

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). EMDR for professionals. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/emdr_pro.asp