EMDR for RCMP, Veterans, firefighters, & First Responders

At Soma House Counselling & Wellness, trauma is understood as impacting both the brain and the nervous system—particularly for those who serve on the front lines and other trauma-exposed professionals. Veterans, RCMP members, firefighters, paramedics, healthcare workers, educators, and individuals in high-pressure or helping roles are routinely exposed to high-stress, life-threatening, and morally complex situations. Over time, this repeated or cumulative exposure—whether direct or vicarious—can contribute to PTSD, anxiety, sleep disturbance, emotional numbing, burnout, and chronic 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 works with the nervous system to restore a sense of safety, improve emotional regulation, and support a greater sense of control—outcomes that are especially important for those working in high-demand, high-risk, or trauma-exposed professions.

A growing body of research supports EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma among Veterans, police, firefighters, paramedics, and other trauma-exposed professionals. Systematic reviews and clinical studies have consistently shown that EMDR reduces PTSD symptoms, emotional distress, and physiological arousal, 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 strong evidence supporting its effectiveness in addressing both the psychological and physiological symptoms associated with traumatic stress (Shapiro, 2014; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.). This makes EMDR particularly well-suited for first responders, Veterans, and trauma-exposed professionals whose nervous systems have adapted to chronic alertness, repeated exposure, and cumulative stress over time.

Farnaz Farrokhi-Holmes, Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), and EMDR therapist, integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS) into EMDR to support a more individualized, trauma-informed approach to trauma processing— particularly for individuals who have experienced repeated exposure to high-stress or challenging situations over time. 

Farnaz brings both clinical expertise and lived understanding of high-stress environments.  She grew up in a war-affected environment, living on air force bases where her father served as a fighter pilot and led air force bases —giving her firsthand insight into military life, chain of command, operational demands, the expectation to stay composed under pressure, and its impact on families.  She has also served as the Information Officer within Emergency Operations Centres during crisis and emergency activations. This background informs a grounded understanding of military culture, operational stress, and the realities faced by first responders and trauma-exposed professionals.

IFS understands the mind as made up of different “parts,” each with its own role (e.g., protectors, firefighters, and vulnerable or wounded parts). For trauma-exposed professionals, these parts often develop to help manage overwhelming experiences—such as staying highly functional under pressure, suppressing emotion to get through a shift, or avoiding reminders of distressing events.

When integrated with EMDR, IFS-informed interventions help identify and work with these parts before and after reprocessing. This reduces internal resistance, increases a sense of safety, and allows for more effective trauma processing. Protective parts that may block or overwhelm EMDR processing are acknowledged and supported rather than bypassed—helping the nervous system remain regulated and engaged.

This integrative approach is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced repeated, layered, or developmental trauma, as it supports both memory reprocessing and internal relationship repair. Research and clinical literature suggest that combining IFS with EMDR can enhance treatment outcomes by supporting internal cohesion, reducing dissociation, and deepening adaptive resolution of traumatic material (Kolodny & Mazero, 2023; Twombly & Schwartz, 2008).

By integrating IFS with EMDR, Farnaz supports clients in not only processing traumatic experiences, but also building a more compassionate, connected internal system—moving from survival-based patterns toward greater flexibility, self-leadership, and a renewed sense of safety and control.

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

Kolodny, P., & Mazero, S. (2023). The interweave of internal family systems, EMDR, and art therapy. In E. Davis, J. Fitzgerald, S. Jacobs, & J. Marchand (Eds.), EMDR and creative arts therapies (pp. 208–240). Routledge. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-29431-006

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

Twombly, J. H., & Schwartz, R. C. (2008). The integration of the internal family systems model and EMDR. In C. Forgash & M. Copeley (Eds.), Healing the heart of trauma and dissociation with EMDR and ego state therapy (pp. 295–311). Springer Publishing Company. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-00388-009

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