The Tools Behind EMDR Therapy

At Soma House Counselling & Wellness in Nanaimo, EMDR therapy is more than a clinical method — it’s a compassionate, evidence-based approach that helps the brain and body heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and distressing life experiences.

Farnaz Farrokhi, Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC), offers EMDR in Nanaimo and virtually across B.C. and across Canada. Her sessions are rooted in safety, collaboration, and the belief that healing happens when both the mind and body feel ready to release what they’ve been holding.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people reprocess painful or overwhelming experiences. Instead of relying only on talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — gentle left-right eye movements, vibrations, or tones — to help the brain integrate distressing memories so they no longer feel as triggering or vivid.

This process allows the emotional charge of memories to soften, helping clients feel calmer, more regulated, and less reactive to reminders of trauma or stress. EMDR is widely used to treat PTSD, anxiety, grief, and chronic stress, and can also help with physical symptoms linked to emotional distress.

At Soma House, Farnaz combines EMDR with somatic awareness and trauma-informed care, helping clients reconnect with a sense of safety in their bodies while gently processing what they’ve been carrying.

To create a safe and comfortable experience, Farnaz uses a professional Classic EMDR Kit, which offers three forms of bilateral stimulation — visual, tactile, and auditory.

• Light Bar – A soft LED light moves back and forth to guide eye movements. Farnaz adjusts color, speed, and brightness to match your comfort level.
   
• Pulsators – Handheld devices provide alternating vibrations that are grounding and calming, especially for clients who prefer to close their eyes.
   
• Headphones – Alternating tones move from one ear to the other, offering a soothing auditory option for clients sensitive to light or touch.
   

These tools help Farnaz tailor each EMDR session to your individual needs, maintaining regulation and precision throughout the process.

EMDR therapy is one of the most researched treatments for trauma, PTSD, and anxiety.

A review of 24 randomized controlled trials found that EMDR significantly reduces symptoms of trauma and distress, often more quickly than other trauma-focused therapies. Clients reported fewer intrusive memories and a decrease in the emotional intensity of painful events (Shapiro, 2014).

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes EMDR as one of the most effective trauma therapies, noting that it can reduce nightmares, flashbacks, and hyperarousal, helping individuals restore a sense of safety and control (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d.).

The American Psychological Association (APA) also recommends EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. EMDR allows clients to process difficult experiences without having to relive every detail, making it a safe and effective option for those who find traditional talk therapy overwhelming (American Psychological Association, n.d.).

Dr. Francine Shapiro, the founder of EMDR, emphasized that bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements or tactile pulses — helps the brain integrate memories that were previously “stuck” in the nervous system, supporting both psychological and physical healing (Shapiro & Forrest, 2016).

Together, this research demonstrates that EMDR:

• Reduces symptoms of PTSD, trauma, and anxiety
   
• Softens the emotional charge of distressing memories
   
• Supports mind-body integration and resilience
   
• Promotes faster relief than many traditional therapies
   

At Soma House Counselling & Wellness, Farnaz integrates EMDR within a holistic framework that includes somatic yoga, holistic nutrition, and massage therapy — acknowledging that emotional healing is deeply connected to the body.

Her approach is gentle, grounded, and collaborative. You’ll never be rushed or asked to revisit trauma before you’re ready. Instead, Farnaz walks alongside you, ensuring each session supports your emotional safety and long-term healing.

If you’re ready to explore EMDR therapy in Nanaimo, or to begin your journey virtually across B.C. and across Canada, Farnaz welcomes you to connect. You don’t have to relive your past to heal — you just need a safe space to begin reprocessing it.

🧠  Learn more at: www.somahouse.ca/emdr
🧠  Book your EMDR consult or session with Farnaz today: https://somahouse.janeapp.com/.

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing

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

Shapiro, F., & Forrest, M. S. (2016). EMDR: The breakthrough therapy for overcoming anxiety, stress, and trauma. Hachette UK.

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