By: Suki O Huallachain, MA, CCC | Port Coquitlam | Serenity Counselling

Key Points

Why talk therapy does not always reach the root cause of anxiety, self-doubt, or people-pleasing
How the body stores trauma and stress, and why this matters for healing
What EMDR therapy is and how it works differently from talk therapy
Who might benefit from EMDR instead of only talk therapy
How to begin EMDR therapy in Port Coquitlam

Why Talk Therapy Does Not Always Get to the Root Cause

“I’ve tried talk therapy… but it never really got to the root.”
This is something many people say after months or years of trying to feel better.

Talk therapy is valuable. It gives you tools to cope, new perspectives, and a safe place to be heard. But for some people, it only goes so far.

That is because patterns like anxiety, people-pleasing, or self-doubt are not just thoughts. They also live in the body. You might understand why you feel a certain way but still notice the same tight chest, restless nights, or need to shrink yourself.

When healing happens only in the mind, the body can still hold on to what it remembers.

How the Body Stores Trauma and Stress

Think about a time you felt nervous. Did your stomach drop or your heart race? That was your body reacting, not just your thoughts.

Over time, stressful or painful experiences can train the nervous system to stay on guard. Even if life feels calm, the body may act as though danger is still present.

This is why so many people leave therapy saying: “I understand my patterns, but I still feel the same.” The mind has insight, but the body has not released the stress.

If you want to learn more about how anxiety affects both body and mind, Anxiety Canada offers accessible information and resources.

What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy that helps the brain and body heal together. Instead of only talking about memories, EMDR uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess old experiences.

By doing this, the nervous system finally gets a chance to let go of what it has been holding. Research shows EMDR can be highly effective for trauma, anxiety, and other concerns where people feel stuck.

The Canadian Mental Health Association highlights EMDR as one of several evidence-based therapies for people living with the effects of trauma and stress.

To explore more, see our page on EMDR therapy.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy Compared to Talk Therapy

Talk therapy often teaches coping strategies such as reframing thoughts, setting boundaries, or calming the mind. These are important skills. But when the deeper issue is stored in the body, it can feel like pushing against a wall.

EMDR works differently. By helping the body release stored stress and emotional memories, EMDR allows people to feel lasting change instead of only managing symptoms. Clients often notice:

Less physical tension and anxiety symptoms
Lower pressure to please others
A softer inner voice and reduced self-doubt
A greater sense of calm and confidence

Rather than stopping at coping, EMDR helps you move into true healing.

Who Should Consider EMDR Therapy for Anxiety or Trauma?

EMDR may be helpful if you:

Feel like talk therapy has helped but you are still stuck
Notice body tension or restlessness connected to stress
Understand your patterns but cannot seem to change them
Have a history of painful experiences, big or small, that still affect you
Struggle with ongoing anxiety, people-pleasing, or self-doubt

If this sounds familiar, our trauma counselling page has more details on how we support deeper healing.

EMDR Therapy FAQ: What People Often Ask

Does EMDR replace talk therapy?
No, EMDR does not replace talk therapy. Talk therapy helps you build coping skills and understand patterns. EMDR works alongside it by helping the body release what it has been holding.

Is EMDR only for trauma?
No, EMDR is not only for trauma. While it is often used to process traumatic memories, EMDR can also help with anxiety, self-doubt, and people-pleasing. If you have ever said, “I know why I feel this way but I can’t stop it,” EMDR may be a good fit.

How is EMDR different from regular therapy?
EMDR is different from regular therapy because it does not rely only on talking. Regular therapy focuses on thoughts and behaviours, while EMDR uses eye movements or other techniques to help the brain reprocess experiences. This allows both the mind and body to let go.

What if I have already tried therapy and it didn’t work?
If you have already tried therapy and it did not work, EMDR may be a new option. It was designed for people who still feel stuck even after traditional therapy.

How to Start EMDR Therapy in Port Coquitlam

Healing does not have to stop where talk therapy leaves off. If you are ready to go deeper, EMDR and other body-based approaches can help you move past coping and into lasting change.

Learn more about how therapy can help and take the first step with a free consultation.

Stuck After Talk Therapy? How EMDR Works With the Mind and Body