EMDR Therapy.
EMDR Therapy in Orangeville and Toronto.
Process painful memories safely, reduce distress, and move forward with support from registered psychotherapists.
Reduced Trauma Symptoms
Improved Emotional Regulation
Less Emotional Distress
Long-lasting Results
Unlock Hope and Healing with a Complimentary 15-Minute Phone Call Consultation
Book Your Complimentary Call HereAre you ready to take the first step towards a brighter future? At AERCS, we’re here to support you on your path to well-being. Our complimentary intake call is your opportunity to connect with us, confidentially share your journey, and discover the transformative support we offer. By taking this call, you’re not just talking; you’re taking control of your well-being, paving the way for tailored therapy that can change your life. Don’t wait, book your call today and embrace the healing journey that awaits you.
Meet your EMDR therapist, Gloria Segovia.
Are you carrying the weight of past trauma and longing to feel at peace again? Gloria Segovia, SSW, BA, BSW (Spec Hons), MSW, RSW, RP, a bilingual (English and Spanish) registered psychotherapist and clinical social worker with over 15 years of trauma-informed experience, offers EMDR therapy in both Toronto and Orangeville, as well as online.
Her compassionate, strengths‑based approach helps you safely process distressing memories using a structured, evidence‑informed EMDR protocol. With Gloria guiding you, EMDR therapy can reduce flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm while building resilience, self‑confidence and hope for a renewed sense of calm and clarity.
Safety and Ethics in EMDR Therapy.
Your safety and wellbeing are at the heart of every session. EMDR therapy is always conducted with your informed consent, and you are in control of the pace and depth of the process. We follow professional ethical guidelines to ensure sessions are conducted in a supportive, confidential environment, with respect for your unique needs and boundaries.
In some situations, EMDR may be temporarily deferred to ensure it is safe and effective. For example, this can include times when someone is experiencing active psychosis, unmanaged substance withdrawal, or acute medical instability. If EMDR is not the right starting point, we will work with you to stabilise and prepare using other evidence-based approaches before moving forward.
AERCS certified counsellors are here to help individuals specifically seeking EMDR therapy for trauma-related challenges.
Our team includes registered counsellors, psychotherapists, and certified social workers, offering support for:
- Differentiating Trauma from PTSD
- Processing Physical or Emotional Harm from Traumatic Events
- Reducing Symptoms of PTSD
- Alleviating Flashbacks and Nightmares
- Addressing Avoidance Behaviors
- Managing Hypervigilance
- Stabilizing Emotional Responses Post-Trauma
- Healing the Brain and Nervous System
- Adapting EMDR for Different Types of Trauma
- Strengthening Coping Mechanisms and Building Resilience
You’re not broken, your brain may be stuck in survival mode. EMDR therapy helps you finally move forward.
Outcomes and Use Cases for EMDR Therapy.
EMDR therapy can help with a wide range of experiences and conditions. Below are some common areas where people find it beneficial. Each lists the condition and then a brief blurb on how EMDR can help.
PTSD:
Reduces the emotional intensity of memories related to trauma, helping restore a sense of safety and control.
Single Incident Trauma:
Speeds recovery from distressing events such as accidents, assaults, or natural disasters.
Childhood Trauma:
Addresses deep-rooted emotional pain from adverse childhood experiences to promote healing and resilience.
Anxiety & Panic:
Calms the body’s threat response, reducing panic attacks and intrusive worry.
Phobias:
Helps reprocess fears so they no longer trigger overwhelming reactions.
Grief & Loss:
Supports healthy processing of grief and emotional adjustment after loss.
Chronic Pain:
Addresses trauma-related components of ongoing pain, improving quality of life.
Performance Anxiety:
Reduces mental blocks and stress for public speaking, exams, or sports performance.
Eight‑Phase EMDR Journey
A step‑by‑step look at how evidence‑based EMDR Therapy guides you from distress to relief
1. History Taking
We start by mapping your story, clarifying symptoms, and setting personalised goals. This roadmap ensures every session targets what matters most to you.
2. Preparation
You learn calming and visualisation techniques so you can feel safe and in control. This foundation turns the therapy room into a secure launchpad for healing.
3. Assessment
Together we pinpoint a distressing memory, measure distress on a zero-to-ten scale, and select a supportive belief you would like to adopt.
4. Desensitisation
Guided eye movements or taps help your brain process the memory, allowing the emotional charge to drop, often in minutes, not months.
5. Installation
We focus on anchoring the emerging feelings of safety and self-confidence, guiding you to connect these constructive sensations with the memory so the change feels stable and lasting.
6. Body Scan
You mentally scan from head to toe, noticing any leftover tension, and we use short sets of eye movements to clear it.
7. Closure
Each session finishes with relaxation, future – oriented visualisation, and a plan for self care, so you leave feeling balanced.
8. Re‑evaluation
At the next visit we review changes, celebrate progress, and choose the next target, keeping momentum strong until goals are met.
Take the First Step Toward Healing Today
Discover the transformative power of EMDR therapy with Gloria, an experienced and compassionate psychotherapist dedicated to helping you process trauma, reduce anxiety, and reclaim your life.
Fill out the form below to connect directly with Gloria and start your journey toward peace and clarity.
Your healing begins here.
Don’t wait, complete the form now.
EMDR Readiness Self‑Screen
These questions reflect what an EMDR therapist may explore to decide whether EMDR therapy could help you. Please answer based on your experience in the past month unless stated otherwise.
Note: This questionnaire is educational only and does not replace a full clinical assessment. If you answered Yes to safety concerns or feel unstable, please contact emergency services or a crisis line, then follow up with a licensed mental health professional.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy used primarily to treat trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In EMDR sessions, you will be gently guided to recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This dual focus helps reduce the emotional impact of these memories, making them less vivid and distressing.
EMDR is often described as helping your brain “reorganize” how it processes trauma, so that painful memories no longer hold the power they once did.
At AERCS, we use EMDR in a safe and supportive environment, whether you prefer in-person sessions or virtual therapy, to help you find relief.
Why Choose EMDR Therapy?
EMDR has become a gold standard for trauma therapy, and it’s easy to see why. Here are some reasons why this approach may be right for you:
Broad Applicability: While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, it is also highly effective for a range of other issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and even chronic pain.
Rapid Relief: Many clients experience a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms after just a few EMDR sessions. EMDR is a recommended guideline for PTSD.
Less Emotional Distress: Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR allows you to process traumatic memories without needing to recount every painful detail, which can make the process feel less overwhelming.
What Are the Benefits of EMDR Therapy?
EMDR offers many benefits beyond symptom relief, including:
Long-lasting Results: Studies show that the positive effects of EMDR are lasting, making it an effective option for lasting relief from distress.
Reduced Trauma Symptoms: EMDR therapy can significantly reduce symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, and depression, often leading to rapid emotional improvement.
Improved Emotional Regulation: Many clients find that after EMDR, they can better manage triggers and experience greater emotional resilience and stability.
Enhanced Self-Awareness: The process of EMDR encourages personal growth and fosters a deeper understanding of how past experiences shape present behaviors, supporting long-term healing.
Do you have in-depth EMDR information to help me?
Yes, you can read our blog post about understanding EMDR therapy as a key to healing trauma. It explores how EMDR therapy helps you find relief and lasting well-being with expert, compassionate care: Understanding EMDR Therapy: A Path to Healing Trauma.
How many EMDR sessions do people usually need?
The number of sessions varies, but many people notice improvement within 6 to 12 sessions. Complex or long-term trauma may require more time.
Is EMDR therapy available online?
Yes, EMDR can be done effectively online through secure video sessions, offering the same structured process as in person.
Will I have to talk about the details of my trauma?
Not necessarily. EMDR focuses on processing distressing memories without requiring you to share every detail aloud.
Is EMDR covered by insurance or benefits in Ontario?
Many extended health benefit plans cover EMDR therapy when provided by a registered psychotherapist or social worker.
Is EMDR right for anxiety or panic attacks?
Yes, EMDR can help reduce the emotional intensity and triggers related to anxiety and panic.
What conditions can EMDR help with?
EMDR is effective for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and other distressing experiences.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR uses guided eye movements or bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes, EMDR is considered safe when facilitated by a trained therapist, with your readiness carefully assessed beforehand.
What happens in the first EMDR session?
The first session focuses on understanding your history, building trust, and preparing you with coping strategies before starting EMDR processing.
Can EMDR be done in Spanish?
Yes, EMDR is available in both English and Spanish to make therapy accessible and comfortable for more people.
