EMDR Therapy in Montreal, and Virtual Throughout Quebec and Ontario
At Clinic Altera, we believe healing involves both mind and body. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps access the brain’s natural ability to heal, guiding you toward relief, integration, and a quieter internal landscape.
Why EMDR Is Unique
Reprocess without re-experiencing
EMDR doesn’t rely on retelling trauma in detail. It uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tones, or taps) paired with mindful awareness to help your brain gently integrate stored emotional charge.Brain meets body
This approach honors how trauma or stress can live in the nervous system and helps your body and psyche move toward balance.Amplifies other therapies
EMDR works beautifully alongside psychodynamic therapy or intensives, unlocking deeper layers when talk-based work might stall.
How EMDR Works
Preparation and Orientation
We begin with safety, stabilization, and clarifying your goals. Together we assess your readiness and supports to ensure the process feels secure and contained.Targeted Reprocessing
You’ll bring to focus a specific memory or distressing experience. Through bilateral stimulation, your brain reprocesses the emotional material until it becomes less charged.Integration and Consolidation
As the emotional intensity lessens, your system begins to reframe, integrate, and connect new meaning—helping you feel lighter, clearer, and more grounded.
“Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm, a Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survival. Once those protectors trust that it is safe to separate, the Self will spontaneously emerge, and the parts can be enlisted in the healing process
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What EMDR Can Help With
Trauma, PTSD, or complex trauma
Anxiety, panic, or phobias
Depression or emotional overwhelm
Grief, loss, and major life transitions
Intrusive thoughts, nightmares, or emotional reactivity
Feeling “stuck” in therapy or recurring patterns
Clients often notice:
Reduced emotional intensity in memories
Greater clarity and self-understanding
Improved emotional regulation
More ease in daily life and relationships
When EMDR Might Not Be a Fit
EMDR may not be suitable for individuals in acute psychiatric crisis, unmanaged psychosis, or with significant emotional instability. If additional stabilization or supports are needed first, we can help you prepare and build readiness.
Integrating EMDR at Clinic Altera
EMDR can be seamlessly integrated into your care plan:
Psychotherapy: Deepens emotional processing and nervous system regulation
Trauma Therapy Intensives: Accelerates breakthroughs in focused sessions
Clinical Supervision: Supports reflective practice and therapist attunement
EMDR Therapy is available as part of our psychotherapy and intensive offerings.
If you’re interested in exploring whether EMDR is right for you, reach out to your clinician or contact our Clinical Director, Amanda Hankins, at admin@clinicalaltera.com
EMDR Therapy in Montreal and Virtually Throughout Quebec and Ontario
At Clinic Altera, we believe healing involves both mind and body. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) helps access the brain’s natural ability to heal, guiding you toward relief, integration, and a quieter internal landscape.