EMDR Therapy for Teens & Young Adults in Calgary
Innovative, evidence-based treatment for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and more—helping teens and young adults heal without years of talk therapy.
If you've experienced trauma, struggle with anxiety, or feel stuck despite traditional counselling, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) offers a powerful, research-backed alternative.
At Launch Psychology, Shawna Cunha, M.Ed, MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist, specializes in EMDR therapy for teens (12+) and young adults, providing a safe, effective path to healing.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to talk in detail about traumatic events. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help your brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotions.
EMDR IS:
✓ Evidence-Based Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
✓ Efficient Many people experience significant relief in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy—often 8-12 sessions for single-incident trauma.
✓ Non-Invasive No medication required. EMDR works with your brain's natural healing processes.
✓ Proven Effective Research shows EMDR is as effective or more effective than other trauma therapies, with lasting results.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM EMDR?
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but research shows it's effective for many conditions:
Trauma & PTSD (assault, accidents, abuse, loss)
Anxiety disorders (social anxiety, panic, generalized anxiety)
Depression
Phobias (specific fears)
Performance anxiety (sports, academics, stage fright)
Grief and loss
Low self-esteem
Emotional dysregulation
EMDR doesn't erase memories—it helps them feel less overwhelming. After EMDR, people often say: 'I can think about what happened without feeling like it's happening all over again.
Who EMDR Helps
EMDR is particularly effective for teens and young adults who have experienced:
TRAUMA & PTSD
Single-Incident Trauma:
Car accidents
Assault or violence
Medical trauma
Witnessing a traumatic event
Natural disasters
Complex or Ongoing Trauma:
Childhood abuse or neglect
Bullying
Relationship trauma
Family conflict or dysfunction
Symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, feeling "on edge," emotional numbness
ANXIETY & PANIC
Types of Anxiety:
Social anxiety (fear of judgment, public speaking)
Generalized anxiety (constant worry)
Panic attacks
Specific phobias
Performance anxiety (sports, academics, creative pursuits)
Symptoms: Racing thoughts, physical tension, avoidance of situations, difficulty concentrating, sleep problems
DEPRESSION & LOW MOOD
When Depression Stems From:
Past trauma or difficult experiences
Negative self-beliefs ("I'm not good enough")
Loss or grief
Chronic stress or overwhelm
Symptoms: Low energy, hopelessness, withdrawal from activities, difficulty with motivation
OTHER CONDITIONS EMDR CAN HELP:
Grief and loss (death of loved one, relationship endings)
Low self-esteem (negative self-image, perfectionism)
Attachment issues (difficulty trusting others, relationship patterns)
Emotional dysregulation (intense mood swings, difficulty managing emotions)
Anger and irritability
Sleep disturbances related to trauma or anxiety
How EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the idea that your brain has a natural ability to heal from traumatic experiences—but sometimes traumatic memories get "stuck" and continue to cause distress.
EMDR helps your brain reprocess these memories so they're stored in a healthier way.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND EMDR:
When you experience trauma, your brain may not process the memory properly. The memory gets stored with the original emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs—so when you think about it (or something reminds you of it), it feels like it's happening all over again.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to activate both sides of your brain while you recall the traumatic memory. This helps your brain reprocess the memory and store it as a "past event" rather than a current threat.
After EMDR treatment:
The memory is still there, but it no longer feels overwhelming
You can think about it without intense emotional or physical reactions
Negative beliefs change (e.g., "I'm powerless" becomes "I can handle things")
THE 8 PHASES OF EMDR:
Phase 1: History & Treatment Planning We discuss your history, identify target memories, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Phase 2: Preparation You learn coping skills (like grounding techniques) to manage emotions that may come up during processing.
Phase 3: Assessment We identify the specific memory, the negative belief about yourself, and the emotions/sensations connected to it.
Phase 4: Desensitization Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds), we help your brain reprocess the memory. This is where the "work" happens.
Phase 5: Installation We strengthen positive beliefs to replace the negative ones (e.g., replacing "I'm unsafe" with "I'm safe now").
Phase 6: Body Scan We check for any remaining physical tension or distress related to the memory.
Phase 7: Closure Each session ends calmly. You'll use coping skills to ensure you feel grounded before leaving.
Phase 8: Reevaluation At the start of each session, we check progress and adjust the plan as needed.
NOTE ON PHASES VS. STAGES:
While EMDR therapy involves 8 therapeutic phases (as described above), treatment is organized into 4 practical stages to make the process easier to understand and plan for. See "The EMDR Journey" section below for the actual session structure and timeline.
KEY POINT: "You don't have to talk in detail about the trauma. EMDR allows your brain to do the healing work without extensive verbal processing. This makes it less overwhelming than traditional trauma therapy."
Meet Shawna: Your EMDR Specialist
Name & Credentials: Shawna Cunha, M.Ed, MA
Registered Provisional Psychologist #PB128
ABOUT SHAWNA:
Shawna Cunha is a Registered Provisional Psychologist who brings nearly two decades of experience supporting adolescents, families, and educators. After spending 19 years as a middle school teacher, Shawna transitioned into mental health work and began practicing full-time in December 2024. Her extensive background in education—including several years supporting schools in part-time mental health roles—offers a unique and insightful perspective when working with youth, parents, and adults navigating life's challenges.
Shawna practices from a client-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based lens, integrating evidence-based therapeutic modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, and somatic approaches. She has completed EMDR Training and now offers EMDR therapy within her clinical work.
EDUCATION & TRAINING:
Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Yorkville University
Master of Education, University of Calgary
Completed EMDR Training (now offering EMDR therapy)
Training in CBT, DBT, and somatic approaches
Working toward certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy
19 years experience as middle school teacher
AREAS OF SUPPORT:
Shawna supports adolescents and adults experiencing a range of concerns, including:
Anxiety and depression
Emotional dysregulation
ADHD and executive functioning difficulties
Stress and burnout
Grief and loss
Relationship and communication challenges
Life transitions and identity development
AGES SERVED: Adolescents and adults (particularly skilled with teens and young adults)
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH:
Shawna's therapeutic approach emphasizes connection, emotional safety, and collaboration. She integrates mindfulness, breathwork, and holistic wellness practices to support mind–body balance and long-term resilience. Given her extensive history in schools, Shawna is particularly skilled in supporting teens and young adults with academic stress, self-worth challenges, and the pressures of high achievement.
Shawna also offers psychoeducational and mental health assessments for adolescents, providing clarity on learning needs, ADHD, anxiety, mood concerns, and emotional functioning. Her assessment work includes practical, individualized recommendations to support school success, well-being, and daily life.
PERSONAL NOTE:
Outside the office, Shawna enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She can usually be found outdoors—walking dogs, exploring nature, or volunteering with local animal rescues—which brings grounding and balance to her personal and professional life. She is also working toward certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy, inspired by her belief in the healing role of nature and animals.
Why EMDR is Different from Traditional Talk Therapy
Many people try talk therapy for months or years without significant improvement. EMDR offers a different approach.
TRADITIONAL TALK THERAPY:
Focuses on discussing feelings and experiences in detail
Can take months or years to see results
Requires extensive verbal processing of trauma
May feel like "rehashing" the past without resolution
Progress can be slow, especially for trauma
WHEN TALK THERAPY ISN'T ENOUGH:
If you've tried traditional counselling and:
Still have intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
Avoid certain places, people, or situations
Feel stuck or like you're not making progress
Don't want to talk in detail about your trauma
EMDR might be the answer.
EMDR THERAPY:
Focuses on reprocessing memories, not just talking about them
Often achieves results faster (8-12 sessions for single-incident trauma)
Doesn't require detailed verbal descriptions of traumatic events
Targets the root cause (the stuck memory) rather than just symptoms
Works with your brain's natural healing ability
EMDR is particularly helpful for people who find it difficult to talk about their trauma. The processing happens through bilateral stimulation, not extensive storytelling.
What to Expect: The EMDR Journey
EMDR is delivered using a structured, phased approach. Treatment is collaborative, carefully paced, and grounded in safety and readiness. The length of treatment varies depending on your personal history, complexity of experiences, and therapeutic goals.
Initial EMDR Intake & Assessment
This comprehensive session focuses on:
- Determining whether EMDR is an appropriate therapeutic fit for you
- Reviewing your presenting concerns and treatment goals
- Completing assessment measures and gathering relevant background information
- Introducing the EMDR process and what to expect
Following this session, we'll collaboratively determine if EMDR is the right approach and discuss next steps.
History-Taking & Case Conceptualization
This phase involves:
- Exploring your personal history, trauma themes, and patterns
- Identifying potential EMDR targets (specific memories to process)
- Assessing your readiness, stability, and pacing needs
- Creating a treatment plan tailored to your unique situation
This phase is essential for safe and effective EMDR processing.
Preparation & Resource Installation
Before beginning memory reprocessing, we focus on:
- Developing grounding, stabilization, and regulation strategies
- Strengthening your internal and external supports
- Building coping skills to manage emotions that may arise
- Ensuring you feel adequately prepared and safe
You must demonstrate sufficient coping and regulation skills before moving forward to reprocessing. This ensures EMDR is gentle and manageable.
EMDR Reprocessing Sessions
This is where the core healing work happens. Each session includes:
- Active EMDR reprocessing of identified target memories
- Ongoing monitoring of your nervous system responses
- Integration of adaptive beliefs and emotional resolution
- Adjustments based on how you're responding
- Complexity of trauma (single incident vs. multiple experiences)
- Number of target memories
- Your individual response to treatment
- Additional issues that may emerge during processing
"EMDR is powerful but gentle. You won't be forced to relive trauma. The bilateral stimulation allows processing to happen naturally, at a pace your brain can handle. The thorough preparation phase ensures you have the skills to manage whatever emotions arise."
Your Questions About EMDR, Answered
-
Yes. EMDR is recognized as a safe, evidence-based treatment by major health organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association. It's been used successfully for decades.
Some people experience temporary emotional intensity during processing, but Shawna ensures you have coping skills in place and feel safe throughout treatment.
-
No. Unlike traditional trauma therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe your traumatic experience in extensive detail. You identify the memory and the emotions/beliefs connected to it, but the processing happens through bilateral stimulation—not storytelling.
This makes EMDR less overwhelming for many people.
-
Bilateral stimulation can take different forms:
Eye movements: Following the therapist's hand or a light moving back and forth
Tapping: Alternating taps on your hands or knees
Sounds: Alternating tones in headphones
It's not uncomfortable—most people find it calming or neutral. Shawna will work with you to find what feels best.
-
It varies based on your specific situation:
Single-incident trauma: 8-12 sessions
Complex trauma or multiple issues: 12-20+ sessions
Anxiety or phobias: 6-12 sessions
EMDR often works faster than traditional talk therapy for trauma-related issues.
-
Yes. Some people combine EMDR with ongoing counselling (for other issues) or with CBT. Shawna can discuss what approach makes sense for you.
If you're currently seeing another therapist, we can coordinate care if needed.
-
No. EMDR doesn't erase memories—it changes how they're stored in your brain. After EMDR, you'll still remember what happened, but:
The memory won't feel as overwhelming
You can think about it without intense emotional reactions
It feels like a "past event" rather than something happening now
-
It's normal to experience emotions during EMDR processing—that's part of the healing. Shawna ensures you have coping skills to manage emotions and that each session ends with you feeling calm and grounded.
You're always in control. If you need to pause or stop, you can.
-
Both are evidence-based therapies, but they work differently:
CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors through discussion, skill-building, and homework.
EMDR focuses on reprocessing traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation, allowing your brain to heal the root cause of symptoms.
Shawna is trained in both CBT and EMDR (as well as DBT and somatic approaches) and can use a combination based on your needs.
-
Yes. EMDR is covered the same way as other therapy sessions. Since Shawna is a Registered Provisional Psychologist, most extended health plans in Alberta cover her services.
Check your plan's annual maximum and coverage percentage for psychology services.
Investment in Your Healing
SESSION FEES:
90-Minute Sessions (Intake & Preparation): $360 per session
50-60 Minute Sessions (History-Taking & Reprocessing): $240 per session
TYPICAL EMDR TREATMENT STRUCTURE:
Phase 1: Assessment & Preparation
1 × 90-minute intake = $360
1-3 × 50-60 minute history sessions = $240-$720
1 × 90-minute preparation = $360
Subtotal: $960 - $1,440
Phase 2: Active Reprocessing
1-5+ × 60-90 minute reprocessing sessions = $240-$1,800+
Subtotal: $240 - $1,800+
TOTAL INVESTMENT FOR TYPICAL EMDR TREATMENT:
Minimum (straightforward single-incident trauma):
5-7 sessions = $1,680 - $2,400
Average (moderate complexity):
8-12 sessions = $2,400 - $3,600
Complex trauma or multiple targets:
12-20+ sessions = $3,600 - $6,000+
Treatment length varies based on individual needs. Shawna will provide a realistic estimate after your initial intake assessment.
WHAT YOU'RE INVESTING IN:
✓ Evidence-based trauma treatment recognized by WHO and APA
✓ Faster results than traditional talk therapy for trauma
✓ Relief from PTSD, anxiety, and trauma symptoms
✓ Improved emotional regulation and self-esteem
✓ Skills and healing that last for life
✓ Freedom from intrusive thoughts and avoidance
✓ A therapist specialized in EMDR for teens and young adults
✓ Thorough preparation to ensure safe, effective processing
INSURANCE COVERAGE:
Direct Billing Available: We offer direct billing for most major insurance plans in Alberta, including:
Alberta Blue Cross
Green Shield
Manulife
Sun Life
And many more
Important:
Check your plan's annual maximum for psychology services
Most extended health plans cover services provided by a Registered Provisional Psychologist
Both 90-minute and 50-60 minute sessions are covered at the same percentage
Some plans may have session limits (e.g., maximum number of sessions per year)
Many people say they wish they had tried EMDR sooner. If you've been struggling with trauma or anxiety for months or years, EMDR offers a path to healing that doesn't require endless talk therapy. The upfront investment in proper assessment and preparation ensures treatment is effective and lasting.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Book a free 10-minute consultation with Shawna to discuss how EMDR therapy can help you heal from trauma, anxiety, or difficult life experiences. No pressure—just clarity about whether EMDR is right for you.
Option 1:
BOOK ONLINE
Option 2:
CALL US 📞 (403) 889-5419
Option 3:
EMAIL US ✉️ info@launchpsychology.com
YOU'RE NOT ALONE:
If you're struggling with trauma, anxiety, or painful memories, you're not alone—and there is hope. EMDR therapy has helped thousands of people heal and reclaim their lives.
Shawna Cunha, M.Ed, MA, Registered Provisional Psychologist, specializes in EMDR for teens and young adults and creates a safe, supportive space for healing.
OFFICE LOCATION: Launch Psychology
Suite 277, 200 Rivercrest Drive SE
Calgary, AB T2C 2Z1
OFFICE HOURS: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Extended hours available by appointment