EMDR Therapy for first responders

Soma House Counselling & Wellness in Nanaimo, we understand that trauma impacts both the brain and nervous system — especially for those who serve on the front lines. Veterans, RCMP officers, firefighters, and other first responders are repeatedly exposed to high-stress, life-threatening situations that can take a lasting toll on mental and physical health.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity and restoring a sense of calm and control. EMDR supports recovery from PTSD, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and cumulative occupational stress — common experiences among first responders.

A growing body of research supports EMDR as an effective, science-based therapy for trauma recovery in high-stress professions:

• Morris et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review of EMDR for first responders, including firefighters and police officers, finding consistent reductions in PTSD symptoms, emotional distress, and physiological arousal. The review highlights EMDR’s capacity to enhance resilience and restore occupational functioning.
   
• Lewis-Schroeder et al. (2018) examined trauma among first responders and emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent chronic PTSD. Their review underscores EMDR’s suitability for addressing the unique stress profiles of firefighters, law enforcement, and paramedics, where repeated exposure to trauma often leads to cumulative emotional strain.
   
• Fairbanks et al. (2025) found EMDR to be equally effective when delivered in person or via telehealth for veterans, increasing accessibility without reducing treatment outcomes.
   
• Hurley (2018) demonstrated that both intensive and weekly EMDR sessions produce significant symptom reductions in veterans with PTSD, improving emotional regulation and daily functioning.
   
• Shapiro (2014) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (n.d.) identify EMDR as one of the most researched trauma-focused therapies worldwide, effective in addressing both psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse experiences.

Farnaz Farrokhi, M.A., CCC, RCC, is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and Registered Clinical Counsellor specializing in trauma recovery through neurological and nervous-system-based therapies. Trained in EMDR, Farnaz integrates somatic and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients regulate their nervous system, reprocess trauma, and rebuild a sense of safety.

With lived experience in emergency operations and conflict environments, Farnaz brings authentic understanding and compassion to her work with veterans, RCMP members, firefighters, and other first responders navigating operational stress, grief, and trauma.

If you’re a veteran, firefighter, police officer, or first responder struggling with trauma, anxiety, or burnout, know that healing is possible. Book a confidential EMDR session at Soma House Counselling & Wellness in Nanaimo or virtually Canada-wide.  

Please note that our office operates in the Pacific Standard Time (PST) zone. 

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