Our EMDR Therapy Services

Step 1: Initial Contact and Consultation

Welcome to Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. We're glad you're considering EMDR therapy as part of your healing journey. This first step is all about getting to know you, understanding what brings you here, and exploring whether EMDR is the right fit for your needs.

What Happens During Your First Contact

When you reach out to us, you'll connect with Kotone Frankowski, a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor specializing in trauma informed care. Your initial conversation is a free 20-minute consultation where there's no pressure and no judgment. This is your chance to ask questions, share what's on your mind, and learn more about how EMDR therapy works.

During this consultation, Kotone will listen to your story. She'll ask about what brought you to seek support, what you're hoping to achieve, and any concerns you might have about therapy. This conversation helps both of you determine whether EMDR is appropriate for your situation and whether you feel comfortable moving forward together.

What to Expect

• A warm, confidential conversation focused entirely on you
• Clear explanation of what EMDR therapy involves and how it works
• Information about session length (50 minutes), frequency, and how to book
• Discussion of fees and insurance coverage options
• An opportunity to ask any questions you have
• No obligation to proceed if you don't feel it's right for you

How to Schedule Your Free Consultation

Getting started is simple. You have several ways to reach us:

Our trauma informed counselling services are available across British Columbia. Whether you're in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, or anywhere else in the province, we offer virtual sessions that work with your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Started

Is the consultation really free?

Yes. Your 20-minute consultation is completely free with no hidden costs. It's our way of ensuring you feel comfortable before committing to therapy.

What if I'm nervous about therapy?

That's completely normal. Many people feel nervous before their first session. Kotone creates a safe, supportive space where you can move at your own pace. You're always in control of what you share and when.

How does EMDR therapy actually work?

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, which means gentle eye movements or other rhythmic patterns, to help your brain process traumatic memories in a new way. During the consultation, Kotone will explain this in detail and answer any questions you have about the process.

Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail right away?

No. Your first full session focuses on building safety and understanding your history. We move at a pace that feels right for you. Trauma processing happens gradually, with Kotone's support every step of the way.

What if I'm not sure EMDR is right for me?

That's exactly what the consultation is for. Kotone will help you understand whether EMDR is a good match for what you're experiencing. If it's not the right approach, she can discuss other options that might serve you better.

How much do sessions cost?

Individual sessions are affordable and competitively priced. During your consultation, Kotone will discuss fees with you. Coverage may be available through major insurance providers including Canada Life, Green Shield Canada, Manulife, SunLife, and Pacific Blue Cross, depending on your individual policy. A sliding scale option is also available upon request.

Can I do this online?

Yes. All EMDR therapy sessions are conducted online through a secure, private platform. This means you can access care from the comfort of your own space, whether you're in Vancouver or anywhere across British Columbia.

What if I have more questions before booking?

That's what we're here for. Feel free to email info@turningtidestoday.com or call (778) 321-6058 with any questions. You can also reach out through our online booking platform.

About Kotone Frankowski

Kotone is a Registered Therapeutic Counsellor with certification from Evergreen Certificates in trauma work. She has over five years of experience supporting people through complex trauma, PTSD, and life transitions. Her approach draws from Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic experiencing, polyvagal informed care, cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behaviour therapy. She creates a space where healing feels possible.

Our Commitment to You

At Turning Tides, we believe that healing is possible. We're committed to providing care that honours your experience, respects your pace, and empowers you to reclaim your life. Your first step is simply reaching out. Everything else unfolds from there.

Ready to Begin?

Take that first step today. Book your free 20-minute consultation through our online booking platform, call us at (778) 321-6058, or email info@turningtidestoday.com. We're here, and we're ready to support you.

You don't have to carry this alone.

Step 2: Getting to Know You and Setting Your Path Forward

Welcome to the second step of your EMDR therapy journey with Turning Tides Counselling & Life Coaching. This is where we truly begin to understand your unique story, your strengths, and what healing looks like for you.

What Happens in Your First Sessions

Your initial sessions are all about building trust and gathering the information we need to create a treatment plan that fits your life. We'll spend time learning about your background, the experiences that have affected you, and what brings you to therapy right now.

During these conversations, we explore several important areas:

• Your personal and family history
• The specific memories or situations that are causing you distress
• How these experiences show up in your daily life
• Your current coping strategies and what's working for you
• Your hopes and goals for therapy
• Any physical sensations or emotions connected to your experiences

This isn't a clinical interrogation. It's a conversation between two people working together toward your healing.

Understanding Your Emotional Landscape

As we get to know each other, we'll have ongoing check-ins about how you're feeling emotionally and physically. Think of this as us taking your emotional temperature. We might ask you to reflect on how intense certain feelings are, what thoughts come up when you think about difficult memories, or how your body responds to stress.

These reflections help us understand the full picture of what you're experiencing. We're not looking for 'right' answers. We're simply gathering information that will guide our EMDR work together.

Identifying What We'll Work On Together

One of the most important parts of Step 2 is collaboratively identifying the specific memories, beliefs, or situations that will be the focus of your EMDR therapy. You're in control here. We'll discuss which experiences feel most pressing and which ones, once processed, might create the biggest positive shift in your life.

We might identify memories that are causing you nightmares, situations that trigger intense anxiety, or beliefs about yourself that no longer serve you. Together, we'll prioritize what feels most important to address first.

Building Your Emotional Safety Kit

Before we begin the deeper EMDR processing work, we'll teach you grounding techniques and coping strategies. These are your tools for managing emotions between sessions and staying regulated during our work together.

You might learn breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, or other calming techniques that resonate with you. We'll practice these together so you feel confident using them on your own.

What to Bring and Prepare for Your First Sessions

To make the most of your initial sessions, here's what we recommend:

Preparing Yourself Emotionally

Before your first session, take a moment to reflect on what you hope to gain from therapy. What would healing look like for you? What areas of your life would improve if you felt less burdened by past experiences?

You might also think about any concerns you have. Are you worried about how therapy will feel? Unsure if EMDR is right for you? These are all valid questions, and we'll address them together.

Understanding Our Collaborative Approach

At Turning Tides, therapy isn't something we do to you. It's something we do with you. You're the expert on your own life, and we're here to guide you through a process that helps your mind and body process difficult experiences in a new way.

Your voice matters. Your pace matters. Your comfort matters. If something doesn't feel right, we'll adjust. If you need to slow down, we'll slow down. This is your healing journey, and you're in control.

Addressing Common Concerns About This Step

Will I have to relive my trauma? Not in these initial sessions. We're simply gathering information and building safety. The actual processing happens later, and it's done in a very specific, controlled way that helps your brain naturally integrate the experience.

What if I get emotional? That's completely okay. Emotions are welcome here. If you feel tears coming, that's a sign that something important is being acknowledged. We'll have tissues, we'll go at your pace, and we'll make sure you feel supported.

How long will these initial sessions take? Each session is 50 minutes. This gives us enough time to have meaningful conversations without feeling rushed, while also keeping the session focused and productive.

What if I'm not ready to talk about everything? You don't have to share everything at once. Trust builds gradually. We'll work at a pace that feels manageable for you, and you can always ask to slow down or take a break.

Will you judge me? Never. We've worked with people who've experienced all kinds of trauma and pain. Our role is to listen without judgment and help you move forward with compassion.

Setting Your Therapy Goals

As we get to know each other, we'll work together to define clear, meaningful goals for your therapy. These might include reducing nightmares, feeling less anxious in certain situations, improving your relationships, or simply feeling more at peace with yourself.

Good therapy goals are specific and personal to you. Instead of 'feel better,' a goal might be 'feel calm when I'm in crowded spaces' or 'stop having intrusive thoughts about what happened.' We'll make sure your goals are realistic and achievable.

We'll check in on these goals regularly. As you progress, we might adjust them or add new ones. Therapy is a living, breathing process that evolves as you heal.

Your Between-Session Support

After your sessions, you'll receive a post-session follow-up email from Kotone. This email will recap what we discussed, highlight any insights that came up, and remind you of the coping strategies we practiced together.

If something comes up between sessions that you want to process, you can reach out via email. We're here to support you throughout your healing journey, not just during our scheduled time together.

What Happens Next

Once we've completed these initial sessions and you feel ready, we'll move into Step 3, where the actual EMDR processing begins. But there's no rush. We'll move forward only when you feel prepared and confident.

You'll understand exactly what EMDR is, how it works, and what to expect. You'll have tools in place to manage your emotions. And most importantly, you'll know that you have a skilled, compassionate partner in your healing.

Ready to Begin?

Step 2 is about connection, understanding, and preparation. It's about creating a strong foundation for the healing work ahead.

If you have questions about this step or want to learn more about how we work together, we're here to help. Kotone offers a complimentary 20-minute consultation where you can ask anything and get a feel for whether Turning Tides is the right fit for you.

Your healing matters. Your story matters. And we're honoured to walk this path with you.

Step 3: Processing and Integration

Welcome to the heart of your EMDR therapy journey. Step 3 is where the real transformation happens. This is when we work together to process the memories and experiences that have been weighing on you, helping your brain naturally integrate these experiences in a healthier way.

What Happens During Step 3 Sessions

Each session during this phase typically lasts 50 minutes and follows a structured yet flexible approach tailored to your unique needs. Here's what you can expect:

Session Structure

• Opening Check-In (5-10 minutes): We begin by connecting with where you are emotionally and physically. This isn't about filling out forms or questionnaires. Instead, we have a conversation about how you've been since our last session, what you've noticed, and how you're feeling about the work ahead.
• Target Identification (5 minutes): Together, we identify the specific memory or experience we'll focus on today. This might be a particular moment, a feeling, or a belief about yourself that's connected to your trauma.
• Preparation and Resourcing (5-10 minutes): Before we begin the deeper processing work, we ensure you feel grounded and safe. We might use breathing techniques, visualisation of a safe space, or other calming strategies to prepare your nervous system.
• Bilateral Stimulation and Processing (20-30 minutes): This is the core of EMDR. While you bring the targeted memory to mind, I'll guide you through bilateral stimulation. This might involve following my hand movements with your eyes, listening to alternating sounds, or feeling gentle taps on your knees or hands. Your brain processes the memory differently under this stimulation, allowing it to integrate naturally rather than staying stuck.
• Installation and Strengthening (5-10 minutes): As the distressing feelings decrease, we strengthen positive beliefs about yourself. If you've been carrying the thought 'I'm helpless,' we work toward installing something more true, like 'I'm capable and resilient.'
• Body Scan and Closure (5 minutes): We check in with your body to notice any remaining tension or sensations. Then we bring the session to a gentle close, ensuring you feel stable and grounded before you leave.

Therapeutic Techniques We Use

Our approach draws on several evidence-based methods, all working together to support your healing:

• Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Processing: We recognise that different parts of you may hold different feelings about your trauma. We work with compassion toward all these parts, helping them communicate and heal together.
• Somatic Awareness: Your body holds memories. We pay attention to physical sensations, tension, and what your body is telling us, allowing healing to happen at a deeper level.
• Cognitive Behavioural Techniques: We gently explore and shift the thoughts and beliefs connected to your trauma, replacing them with more adaptive, truthful perspectives.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Principles: Rather than fighting against difficult feelings, we learn to acknowledge them while moving toward what truly matters to you.
• Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) Skills: We build practical emotional regulation skills to help you manage intense feelings both during and between sessions.

Your Homework and Between-Session Practices

Healing doesn't stop when the session ends. The work you do between appointments is just as important as what happens in our time together. Here's what we'll ask of you:

Daily Grounding and Stabilisation

• Practice a simple grounding technique each day, even for just five minutes. This might be noticing five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste.
• Engage in a brief breathing exercise when you feel triggered or overwhelmed. We'll teach you techniques that work for your nervous system.
• Spend time in your 'safe place' through guided visualisation, especially on days when emotions feel big.

Emotional Awareness and Reflection

• Keep a simple journal noting any moments when old memories or feelings surface. You don't need to write much, just jot down what triggered it, how intense it felt on a scale of 0 to 10, and what you did to help yourself feel better.
• Notice any shifts in how you feel about yourself or your memories. Sometimes healing happens quietly, and it's worth acknowledging these small victories.
• Reflect on the positive beliefs we're installing in session. Spend a few moments each day bringing these to mind and noticing how they feel in your body.

Self-Care and Resilience Building

• Engage in activities that nourish you. This might be gentle movement, creative expression, time in nature, or connection with people who support you.
• Practice the coping strategies we've discussed together. The more you use them, the stronger they become.
• Be gentle with yourself. Healing isn't linear, and some days will feel harder than others. That's completely normal.

How We Track Your Progress

Progress in EMDR therapy isn't measured through tests or formal evaluations. Instead, we track your healing through ongoing conversation and reflection:

• Distress Level Conversations: At the beginning and end of processing work, we talk about how distressing a memory feels. You'll notice this number naturally decreasing as we work together.
• Belief Strength Reflections: We discuss how true positive beliefs feel to you. As healing happens, these beliefs become more real and solid in your mind and body.
• Real-Life Changes: We notice shifts in how you're functioning. Are you sleeping better? Feeling less triggered? Responding to situations differently? These real-world changes are the truest measure of progress.
• Between-Session Email Support: After each session, you'll receive a brief email summarising what we worked on and any reflections or suggestions for the week ahead. This helps you stay connected to your healing between appointments.
• Regular Check-Ins: At the start of each session, we have a conversation about how you've been. These discussions help us understand what's shifting and whether we need to adjust our approach.

What Makes Step 3 Unique

This phase of your therapy is collaborative and deeply personal. You're not a passive recipient of treatment. Instead, you're an active partner in your own healing. You guide the pace, you choose which memories to address, and you decide when you're ready to move forward.

Our trauma informed care approach means we honour your resilience and recognise that you are the expert on your own experience. We're here to guide and support, but you're always in control.

Ready to begin your Step 3 journey? Our specialised EMDR therapy serving Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, North Vancouver, and communities across British Columbia is designed to meet you where you are.

Our trauma informed counselling available throughout British Columbia combines evidence-based techniques with genuine human connection, creating the safe space you need to heal.

Next Steps

If you're ready to explore how EMDR therapy can support your healing, we'd love to connect with you. Book your free 20-minute consultation through our online booking platform to discuss your needs and answer any questions you might have.

Book Your Free Consultation Today

At Turning Tides Counselling and Life Coaching, we're committed to walking alongside you on your path toward healing and wholeness.

Step 4: Progress Evaluation and Completion

You've reached an important milestone in your EMDR therapy journey. Step 4 focuses on evaluating the progress you've made, recognising your achievements, and planning for the future. This is where we take stock of how far you've come and ensure you have the tools and support to maintain your healing.

Understanding Your Progress

Throughout your EMDR sessions, you've been processing traumatic memories and building new neural pathways. Your brain has been working to integrate these experiences in healthier ways. Progress in trauma therapy isn't always linear, and that's completely normal. Some weeks you might notice dramatic shifts. Other weeks, the changes might feel subtle. Both are signs of meaningful healing happening.

We'll review several areas together to get a clear picture of your progress:

• How your distressing memories feel now compared to when you started
• Changes in your emotional responses to situations that previously triggered you
• Improvements in your sleep, concentration, and daily functioning
• Shifts in how you view yourself and your experiences
• Changes in your relationships and how you connect with others
• Your overall sense of safety and wellbeing

Signs You May Be Ready for Completion

Readiness for completion looks different for everyone. There's no single checklist that applies to all clients. However, here are some common indicators that you may be approaching the end of your EMDR therapy:

The Completion Process

As we approach the end of your EMDR therapy, we'll work together on a thoughtful transition plan. This isn't about abandoning you. It's about empowering you to move forward with confidence.

In your final sessions, we'll focus on several important things. We'll consolidate the gains you've made and ensure the new, healthier beliefs you've developed are solidly integrated. We'll review the coping strategies and tools you've learned. We'll discuss what triggered your original trauma and how you'll handle similar situations in the future. Most importantly, we'll celebrate how far you've come.

Maintenance Strategies for Long-Term Healing

Completing EMDR therapy doesn't mean your healing journey ends. It means you're moving into a new phase where you maintain and build upon the progress you've made. Here are evidence-based strategies that support lasting recovery:

Stay connected to your body. Trauma lives in the nervous system. Regular practices like gentle movement, yoga, or simply noticing your breath help keep your system regulated. When you feel triggered, these body-based practices can bring you back to safety.

Maintain healthy routines. Sleep, nutrition, and movement matter more than you might think. They're not luxuries. They're essential maintenance for your mental health. When these basics slip, your resilience naturally decreases.

Use grounding techniques when needed. You've learned techniques during therapy to bring yourself back to the present moment when memories or anxiety arise. Keep using them. They work best when they're part of your regular toolkit, not something you only reach for in crisis.

Nurture your relationships. Connection is healing. The people in your life who understand and support you are part of your ongoing recovery. Invest in these relationships. Let people in.

Practice self-compassion. Healing isn't perfect. You'll have difficult days. That doesn't mean you've failed or lost your progress. It means you're human. Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a good friend.

Continue learning about trauma. Understanding how trauma affects the brain and body reduces shame and increases self-awareness. Our therapy book club and support groups offer ongoing community and education in an affordable format.

Between-Session Support and Follow-Up

Your relationship with Turning Tides doesn't end when your regular sessions conclude. We remain available to you. Between-session email support is available if you need to process something or have questions. This keeps you connected without requiring a full session.

Many clients find value in occasional check-in sessions after completing their main course of therapy. These might be scheduled months or even years later, whenever life brings new challenges or you want to deepen your healing further. Think of them as tune-ups for your mental health.

Our CPTSD support group and therapy book club continue to meet regularly. These affordable community offerings provide ongoing connection with others who understand trauma recovery. Many clients find that staying engaged with community support significantly strengthens their long-term outcomes.

What Happens If New Challenges Arise

Life happens. New stressors emerge. Sometimes old patterns surface when you face situations similar to your original trauma. This doesn't mean your therapy failed. It means you're human, navigating a complex world.

If you find yourself struggling after completing your main course of therapy, reaching out for additional sessions is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Many clients return for a few focused sessions to address new challenges or to deepen their healing in specific areas. This is completely normal and supported.

Celebrating Your Achievement

Take a moment to truly recognise what you've accomplished. You've faced painful memories with courage. You've allowed yourself to be vulnerable in therapy. You've done the difficult work of rewiring your nervous system and changing how you relate to your trauma. This is profound work, and you should feel proud.

The strength you've developed through EMDR therapy isn't temporary. It's becoming part of who you are. You're building a life where trauma no longer controls your choices, your relationships, or your sense of self. That's real. That's lasting. That's worth celebrating.

Moving Forward with Confidence

As you complete Step 4 and move beyond formal EMDR therapy, you're not leaving support behind. You're stepping into a new phase of your healing where you're the primary agent of your own wellness. Our team at Turning Tides remains here, available whenever you need us.

Whether you need occasional sessions, want to join our community groups, or simply need to know that support is available, we're here for you. Your healing matters. Your growth matters. And you matter.