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EMDR Therapy in North Bay, Ontario
EMDR Therapy in North Bay for Trauma and Distressing Memories
Brainworks Rehab offers EMDR therapy in North Bay through our office at 222 Main Street East. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help the brain process memories that still feel raw, intrusive or overwhelming — sometimes years after the event.
Some people come to us after a single frightening event, such as a motor vehicle collision or workplace incident. Others carry the weight of many difficult experiences over a lifetime. If certain memories keep pulling you back into fear, shame or numbness, EMDR may offer a different way forward.
EMDR therapy is offered through our North Bay office, in person or virtually where clinically appropriate. We support clients across North Bay and the Nipissing District, including Callander, Sturgeon Falls and Mattawa.
North Bay Office — Brainworks
222 Main Street East, North Bay, ON P1B 1B1
Phone: (705) 787-7500 ext. 203
Email: intake@brainworksrehab.com
What Is EMDR?
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s and has since been studied extensively as a treatment for post-traumatic stress. It is recognized in a number of international clinical guidelines, including the World Health Organization's guidance on stress-related conditions, as an option for treating PTSD.
During EMDR, you briefly focus on a distressing memory while your clinician guides you through bilateral stimulation — usually side-to-side eye movements, alternating taps or tones. This process is designed to help the memory be stored in a less disturbing way, so it can be remembered without the same intensity of emotion or physical reaction.
EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of what happened, and you stay awake, aware and in control throughout. It is delivered by regulated mental health clinicians who have completed specialized EMDR training.
Who EMDR May Help in North Bay
EMDR is most widely known for trauma, but our clinicians also consider it for a range of concerns linked to difficult experiences.
After a Traumatic Event
Collisions, assaults, workplace incidents or sudden losses can leave behind flashbacks, nightmares and a constant sense of being on guard.
Motor vehicle collisions
Workplace injuries and critical incidents
Assault or violence
Medical emergencies
Service Members, Veterans and First Responders
North Bay is home to 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay, and many military families and first responders live in the area. Repeated exposure to stressful or traumatic situations can affect sleep, mood and relationships long after a shift or deployment ends.
Operational stress injuries
Cumulative trauma from repeated exposure
Moral injury and difficult memories
Support alongside other treatment
Anxiety, Grief and Feeling "Stuck"
Some people do not have a single traumatic event but still feel held back by old memories, intense anxiety or unresolved grief.
Anxiety and panic
Phobias and specific fears
Complicated grief
Negative beliefs about yourself rooted in past experiences
Concerns EMDR May Address
Your clinician will help you decide whether EMDR is the right fit for what you are experiencing.
Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance and feeling constantly on edge after a traumatic experience.
Single-Incident Trauma
Distress connected to one specific event, such as a collision, fall or workplace accident.
Complex or Developmental Trauma
The effects of repeated or long-term difficult experiences, often explored gradually with careful preparation.
Anxiety and Panic
Physical and emotional reactions that seem out of proportion to the present situation and may be linked to past events.
Grief and Loss
Painful memories that make it hard to move through grief, particularly after a sudden or traumatic death.
Low Self-Worth
Deep-seated beliefs such as "I'm not safe" or "It was my fault" that keep coming back despite your best efforts.
What to Expect When You Start EMDR
EMDR is not rushed. The first sessions focus on safety, trust and preparation before any memory processing begins.
1. Intake and consultation — Our intake team learns about your concerns and matches you with a clinician trained in EMDR.
2. History and goals — Your clinician talks with you about what brings you in, what you would like to change and whether EMDR is a good fit right now.
3. Preparation — You learn grounding and calming skills so you have tools to manage distress during and between sessions.
4. Processing and review — Memories are processed one at a time using bilateral stimulation, and each session ends with steps to help you feel settled before you leave.
Before Your First Session
Think about what you would most like to feel differently
Note any current supports, medications or other therapy
Have claim details ready for WSIB, auto insurance or VAC, if applicable
Plan a little quiet time after your appointment
Bring questions — there are no wrong ones
Let us know if you prefer an in-person or virtual first meeting
Why Choose Brainworks for EMDR Therapy in North Bay
Trusting someone with difficult memories is a big step. Here is what our North Bay clients can expect.
Part of a broader mental health team. EMDR at Brainworks sits alongside psychology, psychotherapy and social work, so it can be combined with other approaches when helpful.
Experience with injury and recovery. Many of our clients are recovering from collisions, workplace injuries or brain injuries. We understand how trauma, pain and fatigue can affect each other.
Experience with funding programs. We regularly work with WSIB, auto insurers, Veterans Affairs Canada and extended health benefits. See our Funding Sources page for details.
Easy to reach. Our downtown North Bay office is a short drive from Highways 11 and 17, and virtual sessions may be available when appropriate.
Trauma-Informed. Regulated. Local.
EMDR at Brainworks is provided by regulated mental health clinicians with specialized EMDR training.
Sessions move at your pace, and you are always in control of what you share and when.
With your consent, we can coordinate with your physician, case manager or insurer so everyone supporting your recovery stays informed.
Sleep is disrupted by nightmares or racing thoughts
Talk therapy has helped, but some memories still feel "stuck"
Your body reacts strongly — racing heart, tension — when something reminds you of the past
Signs EMDR Therapy May Be Worth Exploring
You feel easily startled, irritable or constantly on guard
If any of these feel familiar, it may help to talk with a clinician about EMDR. Serving members and veterans can also learn about our Veterans Services.
Memories of an event still feel vivid, as if it is happening again
You avoid places, people or reminders connected to what happened
Old experiences continue to shape how you see yourself today
Work, relationships or driving have become harder since a traumatic event
Book an EMDR Consultation in North Bay
If you are curious whether EMDR in North Bay, Ontario is right for you, our intake team can answer your questions confidentially and arrange a consultation. You do not need a physician's referral to book; some insurance plans may have their own requirements.
Regulated clinicians trained in EMDR
Careful preparation before memory processing
In-person and virtual options where appropriate
Experience with WSIB, auto insurance and VAC files
Coordination with your wider care team, with consent
No physician referral required to book
📞Call: (705) 787-7500 ext. 203
✉️Email: intake@brainworksrehab.com
Reaching out is often the hardest step — we are here when you are ready.
Visit Our North Bay Office
Brainworks — North Bay
222 Main Street East
North Bay, ON P1B 1B1
📞 (705) 787-7500 ext. 203
🚗 You will find us on Main Street East in downtown North Bay, close to the Lake Nipissing waterfront. From Callander, follow Highway 11 north into the city; from Sturgeon Falls or Mattawa, take Highway 17 into North Bay and continue downtown.
📍 Areas we serve: North Bay, Callander, Sturgeon Falls, Mattawa, Powassan, Corbeil, Astorville, Bonfield and communities across the Nipissing District.
Read more about EMDR at Brainworks, or contact us.
Call to Book
Frequently Asked Questions
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It varies. A single, recent event may need fewer sessions than long-standing or multiple traumas. Your clinician will discuss a realistic plan after your first appointments and review it with you as you go.
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No. EMDR focuses on how a memory is stored and how it affects you now. You will be asked to bring the memory to mind, but you do not need to describe it in detail.
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Virtual EMDR may be possible when it is clinically appropriate and you have a private, safe space at home. Your clinician will talk with you about the best option.
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No. You remain fully awake and in control throughout EMDR, and you can pause at any time.
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Many extended health plans cover psychotherapy provided by regulated professionals, and EMDR may also be funded through WSIB, auto insurance or Veterans Affairs Canada, depending on your file. Our intake team can help you check.