A Wellspring Counselling Approach
In the heart of Vancouver, BC, a groundbreaking approach to mental wellness and healing is making waves. At Wellspring Counselling, we specialise in offering comprehensive online therapy services tailored to the unique needs of our clients throughout British Columbia. Among our most effective therapeutic modalities is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, a revolutionary technique designed to alleviate the distress and reprocess the subconscious memories and experiences stored in one’s mind that are associated with significant and traumatic life experiences.
EMDR therapy in Vancouver (and the whole world) has emerged as a beacon of hope for many, providing a pathway to healing that is both profound and scientifically supported. This innovative therapy, developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the 1980s, utilises bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements – along with many other interventions – to assist individuals in processing and integrating traumatic experiences in a safe and controlled manner.
At Wellspring Counselling, we take a step further by integrating EMDR with other therapeutic modalities, including Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) as conceptualised by Leslie Greenberg, Gestalt therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Coherence Therapy. This integrated approach not only focuses on the cognitive aspects of therapy but also delves deep into all the areas of functioning of clients, including: emotional, cognitive, somatic, behavioural, and relational. Our aim is not just to treat symptoms but to foster a holistic healing process that addresses the root causes of turmoil and maladaptive thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating.
The Effectiveness of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy has been extensively researched and validated as an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Its effectiveness lies in its ability to facilitate or ‘jump start’ the brain’s natural healing processes, while also supporting clients with integrating more adaptive ways of being if such adaptiveness has not been in the past experience of the client that they can draw on already. Through EMDR, individuals can reprocess traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact, leading to significant improvements in mental health and well-being. This makes EMDR therapy in Vancouver, particularly at Wellspring Counselling, a powerful tool for those seeking to overcome the effects of trauma.
Integrating EMDR with EFT, Gestalt, and Coherence Therapy
Our innovative integration of EMDR with EFT, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, and Coherence Therapy is rooted in the understanding of implicit memory reconsolidation. Implicit memories are those not consciously recalled but still significantly influence our feelings, behaviours, and bodily sensations. Traditional therapy often focuses on explicit memories and cognitive processes, sometimes overlooking the deep-seated implicit memories that shape our emotional responses and even behavioural responses.
By combining EMDR with EFT, we tap into the power of emotion, promoting the identification and transformation of maladaptive emotional schemas. Gestalt therapy adds another layer, emphasising awareness, self-responsibility, and the present moment, which enhances the processing of trauma by making clients more attuned to their current experiences and feelings. Internal Family Systems assists with reorganising the psyche through defining and developing various parts of self. Coherence Therapy, on the other hand, aids in uncovering and resolving deeply ingrained emotional and cognitive patterns from early or past experiences, facilitating profound and lasting change.
The Role of Implicit Memory Reconsolidation
The process of implicit memory reconsolidation is pivotal in our integrated therapeutic approach. It involves the brain’s ability to revisit and modify implicit memories, leading to changes in how these are emotionally experienced. This process is central to the effectiveness of EMDR, as it allows for the emotional desensitisation of traumatic memories, making them less distressing. When EMDR is combined with therapies that focus on emotional and experiential processes, like EFT, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, and Coherence Therapy, the potential for deep-rooted change and healing increases significantly.
An Invitation to Integrated EMDR Therapy at Wellspring
At Wellspring Counselling, our mission is to provide accessible, effective, and compassionate online therapy in BC, with a special focus on Vancouver. The integration of EMDR with EFT, Gestalt, Internal Family Systems, and Coherence Therapy represents our commitment to offering a holistic and innovative approach to healing. If you or someone you know is struggling with the past – whether it be trauma (big “T” trauma) or significant life experiences still impacting them (little “t” trauma), or looking for a path to deeper emotional healing, consider the transformative potential of EMDR therapy in Vancouver, BC. Request Free 10-Min Consultation with one of our counsellors to explore how we can support your journey towards wellness and actualizing your potential.
