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Resources

A Note from Elephant Eye

These resources are offered as supplementary tools, not substitutes for professional therapy. Healing happens in relationships - with self, with others, and with the world. If you’re ready to begin that journey, we invite you to connect with us.

Understanding EMDR

  • EMDR International Association (EMDRIA): https://www.emdria.org

    • Official EMDRIA website explaining how EMDR works, what to expect, and how to find trained therapists.

  • EMDR Institute (Francine Shapiro, PhD): https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr

    • The founder’s institute with research, history, and FAQs.

  • National Center for PTSD – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: https://www.ptsd.va.gov

    • Offers open-source information on trauma, EMDR, and self-care strategies.

Trauma & Healing – Recommended Reading List

  • The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel van der Kolk, MD

  • Polyvagal Theory in Therapy – Deb Dana

  • Internal Family Systems Institute – Overview: https://ifs-institute.com

    • Understand “parts work” and Self-leadership, a perfect companion to EMDR.

  • Nervous System Regulation Exercises (by Deb Dana) – Free downloadable PDFs and handouts on breath, connection, and safety.

Parts Work & Inner Healing

Holistic Wellness

Crisis & Immediate Support (Ontario & Canada-specific)

FAQs

Therapy is a brave step — and with it often come questions. This page is here to offer clarity and comfort. Here you’ll find answers about EMDR, holistic psychotherapy, and what makes Elephant Eye a different kind of space for healing. We hope this helps you feel grounded as you consider the path ahead. If you’d like to know more, we’d love to hear from you.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that helps people process distressing memories, emotions, and beliefs stored in the nervous system. Through guided bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones), the brain’s natural healing process resumes — allowing old experiences to lose their emotional charge and integrate into a healthier story of self.

How does EMDR help with trauma?

When trauma occurs, parts of the experience can remain “stuck”, or unprocessed, replaying through triggers and/or body sensations. EMDR helps the brain file these memories properly, reducing distress and restoring a sense of safety, clarity, and empowerment.

What types of issues can EMDR help with?

EMDR is effective for:

  • Post-traumatic stress and complex trauma

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Grief and loss

  • Phobias

  • Perfectionism and shame

  • Attachment wounds and relationship difficulties

  • Performance blocks or self-limiting beliefs

What happens in a typical EMDR session?

The therapist helps you identify a target memory or theme, connect to its related thoughts, feelings, and body sensations, and then use bilateral stimulation to gently process it. EMDR is not like hypnotherapy - you remain fully conscious and in control; the therapist guides, but you set the pace.

Will I have to relive my trauma?

No. EMDR is designed to help you revisit memories safely, rather than relive them. The goal is to transform how your nervous system stores the experience, so you can remember without being overwhelmed. It’s our goal here at Elephant Eye EMDR to help your recollection of traumatic events feel more like you are an observer of the event, rather than a participant in it. This is what we mean by revisit rather than relive.

How long does EMDR take to work?

This is a great question and one we get quite often. Every person’s journey is a unique one. Some experience relief within a few sessions; others, especially with complex or developmental trauma, require longer-term work. Your therapist will collaborate with you on pacing, preparation, resourcing, and stabilization before deeper processing begins.

Is EMDR safe?

Yes. EMDR is well-researched and recommended by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and American Psychological Association (APA) for trauma treatment. At Elephant Eye, we integrate grounding, mindfulness, and parts work to ensure sessions remain contained and supportive.

How is EMDR different from traditional talk therapy?

While talk therapy focuses on insight and meaning, EMDR works directly with the body’s memory systems. You don’t need to recount every detail; instead, we allow the brain and body to resolve what words alone cannot. The body has its own way of remembering, and we try and honour this by listening to what it has to say!

What does the name “Elephant Eye” mean

The elephant symbolizes wisdom, memory, and empathy. The eye represents presence and awareness — the capacity to see oneself clearly. Together, “Elephant Eye” reflects a therapy space that values depth, connection, and gentle strength.

How do I know if EMDR is right for me?

If you’ve tried traditional therapy but feel “stuck,” or if painful experiences still carry an emotional charge, EMDR might help. We begin with an assessment to ensure you feel safe, set up with resources, and ready for this kind of work.

Do you offer online EMDR sessions?

Yes — we offer secure online EMDR sessions for clients across Ontario. We use specialized software that allows bilateral stimulation safely and effectively from the comfort of your own space.

What should I expect after a session?

Many people feel calm and lighter afterward, though it’s common to notice dreams or emotions continuing to shift for a few days. Gentle self-care — rest, hydration, reflection — supports the brain’s integration process.

What qualifications do your therapists have?

All our clinicians are registered psychotherapists or social workers with advanced EMDR training and ongoing supervision. We adhere to the standards of the CRPO (College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) and other regulatory bodies.

How do I begin therapy with Elephant Eye?

You can book a free 15-minute consultation through our website. We’ll help you explore your goals, answer questions, and match you with a therapist who fits your needs and rhythm.