Practical and Logical Questions about EMDR Therapy
People often become interested in EMDR after reading about trauma, anxiety, or feeling stuck. But before reaching out, most pause with very practical questions. How long does it take? How much does it cost? Is it covered by insurance? Can it be done online? And how do you know if a therapist is properly trained?
These questions are a sign that someone is thinking carefully about their care. This article addresses the most common logistical and practical concerns about EMDR therapy.
How many EMDR sessions do people usually need?
There is no fixed number of EMDR sessions that works for everyone. The length of therapy depends on several factors, including the nature of the experiences being addressed, current stress levels, and how much support a person has outside of therapy. Some people notice meaningful changes within a handful of sessions, especially when working on a specific memory or trigger. Others engage in EMDR over a longer period, particularly when addressing complex or long-standing patterns.
In my clinical work, it is common for clients to spend time first getting a feel for the process. This might include noticing how their body responds in session, learning ways to stay grounded, or becoming more familiar with how memories show up. For many, this phase alone can bring a sense of steadiness or relief.
Ethical EMDR therapy prioritizes pacing and readiness rather than speed. A trained therapist will regularly check in and adjust the process based on how you are responding.
How much does EMDR therapy typically cost?
EMDR therapy typically costs the same as other forms of individual counselling or talk therapy. The fee reflects the therapist’s training, experience, and session length, not the modality itself.
In Canada, EMDR is usually billed as psychotherapy or counselling, not as a separate service. This means that the cost structure is generally consistent with standard therapy fees rather than higher or specialised pricing.
Some practices offer sliding scale options or lower-cost services through associates or practicum therapists. It is always reasonable to ask about fees during an initial consultation.
Many clients share that having clarity about fees early on helps them feel more settled and able to focus on the work itself, rather than holding financial questions in the background.
Is EMDR covered by insurance in Canada?
In most cases, EMDR therapy is covered by insurance if it is provided by a licensed or registered mental health professional whose services are included in your plan. Insurance providers typically do not reimburse based on the type of therapy, but on the credentials of the therapist.
Coverage depends on your specific plan and whether it includes services from professionals such as registered clinical counsellors (RCCs), psychotherapists, psychologists, or social workers. It is a good idea to confirm coverage directly with your insurance provider and ask whether counselling or psychotherapy services are included.
Thinking of EMDR as part of psychotherapy rather than a separate technique can make these conversations with insurers feel more straightforward.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes! EMDR can be offered effectively through online therapy when delivered by a trained therapist. Bilateral stimulation can be adapted for virtual sessions using eye movements on a screen, tapping, or audio cues.
Online EMDR may not be appropriate for everyone, especially if someone is experiencing severe instability or lacks a private space. A therapist will assess whether virtual EMDR is a good fit based on safety, comfort, and access to support.
For many people, online EMDR increases accessibility and allows therapy to fit more easily into daily life. Some clients find that working from a familiar space allows them to feel more at ease during sessions, while others prefer the containment of in-person work. Part of the assessment process is understanding which setting feels most supportive.
How do I know if a therapist is properly trained in EMDR?
EMDR should only be provided by therapists who have completed recognized EMDR training and supervision. Proper training involves multiple levels of instruction, consultation, and practice.
A trained EMDR therapist should be able to explain:
Where they received their EMDR training
How they assess readiness for EMDR
How they pace sessions and prioritize safety
How EMDR fits into their broader therapeutic approach
It is appropriate to ask about a therapist’s training and experience. Transparency is a sign of ethical practice. Clients often report feeling more at ease when a therapist can speak clearly and calmly about how EMDR fits into the overall therapy process.
Is EMDR a quick fix?
EMDR is sometimes described as fast-acting, which can create unrealistic expectations. While some people experience noticeable shifts relatively quickly, EMDR is not a shortcut or a replacement for thoughtful therapy.
Effective EMDR includes preparation, stabilization, and integration. Skipping these steps can increase distress rather than reduce it. Sustainable change comes from careful pacing and collaboration. Many clients describe appreciating that EMDR work unfolds at a pace that feels respectful, rather than pressured or overwhelming.
Do you need to talk in detail about your experiences?
No. EMDR does not require detailed verbal disclosure. Many clients share very little during reprocessing. The work happens internally, guided by the therapist. This makes EMDR particularly appealing for people who struggle to verbalize emotions or who feel overwhelmed by retelling their story.
Clients sometimes notice that they can engage with difficult material without feeling flooded or exposed, which can make the work feel more manageable.
What if EMDR feels too intense?
EMDR is designed to be adjustable. Clients remain in control and can slow down, pause, or stop at any point. A trained therapist monitors emotional responses closely and uses grounding strategies when needed. The intention is to support integration and increased capacity, not to push someone beyond what feels tolerable.
How do people usually know it is helping?
Progress in EMDR often shows up gradually. People may notice fewer emotional reactions, less distress when thinking about certain memories, improved sleep, or greater emotional flexibility in daily life. Changes are not always dramatic, but they are often meaningful.
Some clients describe this as feeling less pulled into old reactions or more able to stay present when familiar challenges arise.
About Liz Vossen and Trauma-Informed Therapy
I am a trauma informed EMDR therapist supporting people whose past experiences, whether clear traumatic events or the accumulation of difficult moments over time, continue to influence their present lives in unwanted ways. Through EMDR, I help clients move from understanding their experiences to fully processing them, creating greater ease, confidence, flexibility, and momentum in daily life.
I offer a free 20 minute consultation to explore whether EMDR feels like a good fit and to answer any questions about the process.
