EMDR eye movement therapy in Helsinki
The primary goal of EMDR therapy is to restore the client's ability to function in the present by freeing them from the sensitization caused by harmful memories from the past.
For the first session, we offer a free introductory meeting remotely, which does not commit you to starting therapy. During the introductory meeting, you will have the opportunity to get to know the therapist and their working methods. In the meeting, your situation will be reviewed, and the therapist will explain their approach.
The treatment process consists of eight stages aimed at ensuring the suitability of the care, identifying disruptive events, desensitizing from them, and ensuring the permanence of the results.
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What is EMDR eye movement therapy?
EMDR offers a way to work through difficult experiences and memories that continue to affect your life in the present. The treatment focuses on processing disturbing memories along with the thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations connected to them—aplying bilateral stimulation.
The method is based on the brain’s and body’s natural ability to reprocess memories so that the heightened sensitivity to triggers gradually decreases. EMDR was originally developed for the treatment of post‑traumatic stress disorder, but today it is used to support a wide range of emotional and physiological tensions.
EMDR is a complementary neurophysiological therapy. It is not recommended for individuals with untreated substance dependence, extremely overwhelming life circumstances, or a tendency toward psychosis.
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What is EMDR eye movement therapy based on, or how does it work?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic method based on bilateral stimulation. The most known form is using guided eye movements that help the brain process traumatic or disturbing memories. When needed, bilateral stimulation can also be provided through gentle tapping or auditory cues.
Distressing experiences many times involve emotions that are difficult for the human mind to tolerate—such as fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, shame, guilt, or helplessness. These emotions may lead to physical tension, emotional overwhelm, or persistent mental discomfort.
EMDR is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. According to this model, many current difficulties stem from past negative experiences that have been stored in the brain’s memory networks in a “stuck” form. In other words they don’t serve your current wellbeing. Instead of being processed naturally, these memories remain highly charged and can be easily triggered by present‑day situations.
Through EMDR, these memories are gradually reprocessed so they become integrated in a more balanced, adaptive way—allowing emotional intensity to decrease and everyday functioning to improve.
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EMDR eye movement therapy price
An EMDR therapy process includes a minimum of four sessions. Although EMDR is a highly structured therapeutic method, each treatment is a unique, collaborative interaction that adapts to your needs and your current situation.
To help you get started, I offer a free introductory session online, with no obligation to begin therapy. During this meeting, you can get to know me and my therapeutic approach. We will discuss your current situation, and I will walk you through how I work so you can make an informed decision.
If you prefer, you can also book a paid session directly without attending the introductory meeting.Session Options
Initial Session — 150 € / 90 min
Follow‑Up Session — 140 € / 80 min
I want to welcome you to begin your EMDR journey in a way that feels right for you.
A past event continues to trigger distressing emotions in your daily life
Your body reacts strongly to certain sounds, images, or other triggers
You find it difficult to let go of a negative feeling or feel stuck in something from the past
A significant or overwhelming event is interfering with your life
You want to strengthen your inner resources and personal resilience
EMDR May Be Helpful If…
“In my practice, you can safely explore yourself and life through possibilities and acceptance. My tools include hypnotherapy, coaching, and EMDR, and my principles are trust in you and your abilities. My clients often describe me with words like warm, open, and attentive.
My approach involves active listening, reflection, and gentle guidance. Sometimes change is best initiated by pausing and focusing. Other times, it is beneficial to approach it dynamically by concentrating on action.”
Frequently Asked Questions
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EMDR is most widely researched for treating PTSD, but it is also used for other lasting emotional difficulties.
Trauma is not always caused by a single major event such as an accident or assault. More often, it develops from a buildup of challenging life experiences over time. Even if these experiences do not seem like “big” traumas, they can still influence how you think, feel, and respond to the world. EMDR can help process and heal these experiences.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related disorders, alongside therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
In our practice, EMDR is combined with hypnocoaching to create personalized therapy paths tailored to each client.
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Most people experience the memory in a much less intense way than the original event.
Some may only sense a faint impression of the experience, while others feel it more clearly—but unlike many therapies, EMDR does not require you to relive the trauma in detail or discuss it at length.
If strong emotions arise, they typically last only briefly and begin to decrease naturally. Your therapist is trained to help reduce distress, and you will also learn techniques to manage and regulate your emotions safely.
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EMDR is not traditional talk therapy, so conversation is not the main focus of the session.
You will discuss your situation and identify what you want to work on with your therapist, but you do not need to go into extensive detail about your experiences.
During the session, there are brief check-ins and guidance moments, but most of the work focuses on guided eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) and the brain’s natural reprocessing of memories.
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EMDR therapy follows a structured eight-phase process:
1. History-Taking & Treatment Planning
Your therapist learns about your background and identifies key memories to work on.
2. Preparation
You are taught grounding and coping techniques to help you feel safe and supported throughout the process.
3. Assessment
You select a specific memory, along with related thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations.
4. Desensitization
Using guided eye movements or tapping, your brain begins to reprocess the memory and reduce its emotional intensity.
5. Installation
A positive belief (e.g., “I am strong and capable”) is strengthened in relation to the memory.
6. Body Scan
You check for any remaining tension or discomfort in the body.
7. Closure
The session ends with grounding so you feel calm and present.
8. Reevaluation
At the next session, progress is reviewed and next steps are planned.
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Yes — it is normal to notice sensations or changes.
Because EMDR stimulates both hemispheres of the brain, you may experience:
A light or floating sensation
Subtle physical feelings (e.g., warmth or mild vibration)
Emotional shifts
Increased clarity
Temporary tiredness
These responses are a natural part of the brain processing and integrating the experience. Your therapist will always ensure you feel grounded before leaving.
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After your first EMDR session, the memory may feel less intense or emotionally charged.
In the following days, it is common to experience:
New insights or memories
Dreams related to the process
Emotional shifts
A sense of relief or clarity
These are normal signs that your brain is continuing to process and integrate the work. Your therapist will guide you in managing these experiences.
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EMDR can help a wide range of people who have experienced trauma or distressing life events.
This includes individuals dealing with:
PTSD or complex PTSD
Depression
Birth-related trauma
Grief and loss
Anxiety or emotional distress
Other challenges linked to difficult experiences
Anyone whose past experiences are affecting their current well-being may benefit from EMDR.
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EMDR is most effective when you are able to stay present with your thoughts and emotions.
If you feel easily overwhelmed or tend to shut down emotionally, other therapies may be recommended first to build stability and coping skills.
Your therapist will help assess your readiness and guide you toward the best approach for your situation.
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The number of sessions varies depending on your individual situation.
Research suggests that a single traumatic memory can often be processed in as few as 3 sessions for many people. For more complex cases, 6–12 sessions is common.
However, everyone is different, and your therapist will work with you to determine the right plan.
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EMDR is typically done once per week.
Most people benefit from 6–12 sessions, but some may need fewer or more depending on their needs.
In certain situations, sessions may be scheduled closer together for more intensive support.
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You can simply come as you are.
However, building supportive habits can make the process smoother, such as:
Regular exercise
Meditation or mindfulness
Breathwork
Hypnotherapy
These practices can improve emotional regulation and resilience.
Your therapist will also guide you with specific techniques to help you feel prepared and supported.
Why choose Con tè
A calm and cozy therapy space – a safe environment where it’s easy to be present.
Use of tools - In our sessions, we use concrete tools that help put feelings into words, identify deeper needs, and gain a better understanding of oneself.
No long wait times – available appointments immediately.
Free introductory visit – meet the therapist/coach and get to know their methods without any commitment.
Evening and weekend appointments – flexible times for a busy schedule.
Relaxed and approachable atmosphere – no stiff conversations, rather a 'living room-like' comfort even though the topics may be challenging or tearful.
Convenient booking calendar – you can book, reschedule, and cancel appointments easily online.
Therapy on your terms – with us, you’re not committed to a set number of sessions; the work is adapted to your needs and life situation. Regular session intervals are, however, key to the success of therapy/coaching. Visits are not recorded in Kanta.