Catherine Sullivan, RSW, MSW. Online EMDR Therapist Ontario

Catherine Sullivan, RSW, MSW. Online EMDR Therapist in Ottawa, Ontario.

I help people in Ontario heal from the intense pain of trauma or the overwhelming feelings of anxiety. Book a free consultation to learn how EMDR or CBT can help.

Trauma (PTSD) and Anxiety Psychotherapist in Ottawa

Are you looking for an online EMDR therapist in Ontario? Look no further than Catherine Sullivan, RSW, MSW. She offers EMDR via secure video (online or virtual) to adults in Ontario. Catherine lives in the Ottawa area.

Catherine has had a variety of jobs. From child protection to community mental health to EAP counselling and private practice. She has a Bachelor of Honours in Psychology from Western University. Catherine also has a Master's of Social Work from Carleton University.

She uses an eclectic mix of therapeutic techniques to suit your needs. She has training in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Inference Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Response (EMDR).

Her approach to therapy is warm, empathetic and client-centred. She works through trauma-focused, feminist and anti-oppressive lenses. She uses humour in her sessions to help lighten the mood.  She is also not afraid to call people out on their behaviour if necessary.

You’ll likely find her on a yoga mat or reading a book when she's not working. She's a single parent to a 12-year-old child and a 4-year-old cat. 

Therapist’s Specialties

Therapy Modalities

Population Served

  • Adults

  • Teens (16-years-old and older)

  • Ontario residents

Appointment Availability

  • Evenings

  • Days

Therapy Fees

See our therapy fees

Therapist Endorsements

“Catherine is an amazing therapist who truly cares about her clients. She makes you feel heard and understood with her warm and empathetic approach. She focuses on you and your needs, making sure you feel supported every step of the way.”

“Catherine is a fantastic therapist with lots of experience in different areas, like helping kids, community mental health, and employee counselling. She uses different methods to help you, like CBT and EMDR, so she can find what works best for you.”

Celissa Vipond. Online trauma therapist in Ontario.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It's a type of therapy that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences.

Imagine your brain as a big filing cabinet. When something really upsetting happens, like an accident or a loss, your brain might not store the memory properly. It can get stuck, causing you to feel stressed or anxious even long after the event.

EMDR helps your brain process and store these memories in a healthier way. Learn more about the benefits of EMDR.

Prince Harry Opens Up About EMDR Therapy (Source: Good Morning America)

Here’s how EMDR works

In an EMDR session, your therapist will ask you to think about the troubling memory. At the same time, you'll follow their hand movements with your eyes, or sometimes you'll use other forms of bilateral stimulation like tapping or sounds. This process helps your brain reprocess the memory, making it less intense and easier to handle.

People often find relief from their symptoms after just a few sessions. It’s like giving your brain a way to heal itself. EMDR is especially helpful for those who have experienced trauma, but it can also be effective for anxiety, depression, and other issues.

If you think EMDR might help you, we can talk more about it and see if it’s a good fit for you.

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful tool for helping people deal with many psychological issues.

Think of EMDR as a way to help your brain heal from tough experiences. It's especially good for treating things like trauma, anxiety, and depression.

During an EMDR session, you focus on a troubling memory while following your therapist's hand movements with your eyes. This helps your brain process the memory in a healthier way.

EMDR is backed by a lot of research and has helped many people feel better and move forward in their lives. It promotes healing, builds resilience, and supports personal growth.

If you're struggling with tough memories or emotions, EMDR could be a great option to consider.

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  • EMDR is widely used in the treatment of PTSD, particularly in cases where the traumatic event has led to distressing memories, flashbacks, and hypervigilance (Bisson & Andrew, 2007).

  • EMDR therapy can effectively target the emotional distress stemming from various forms of trauma, including childhood abuse, neglect, assault, accidents, and betrayal trauma (Shapiro, 2018; Cloitre et al., 2010).

    Learn more about betrayal trauma and EMDR.

  • EMDR has shown efficacy in treating various anxiety disorders, such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder (Strack & Witt, 2012).

  • EMDR may be beneficial for individuals struggling with depression, especially when depression is linked to unresolved trauma or negative life experiences (Wampold & Imel, 2015).

  • EMDR techniques, including desensitization and reprocessing, can be utilized to address specific phobias and irrational fears by targeting underlying traumatic memories or experiences (Strack & Witt, 2012).

  • EMDR may help individuals struggling with performance anxiety in various domains, such as public speaking, sports performance, or academic achievement, by addressing underlying triggers and negative beliefs (Wampold & Imel, 2015).

  • EMDR therapy can be incorporated into treatment programs for addiction and substance abuse to address underlying trauma and facilitate recovery (Hase et al., 2008).

  • By targeting negative beliefs and self-perceptions rooted in past traumatic experiences, EMDR can promote improvements in self-esteem and self-confidence (Shapiro, 2018).

  • EMDR may assist individuals in processing unresolved trauma that impacts their relationships, fostering healthier interpersonal dynamics and communication patterns (Shapiro, 2018).

Treatment Components of EMDR Therapy

At its core, EMDR is a type of psychotherapy aimed at easing the emotional distress linked to traumatic memories. This approach blends aspects from different therapy methods, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and bilateral stimulation.

The key feature of EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation (BLS), often through guided eye movements, to aid in processing traumatic memories and promoting adaptive resolution.

Other forms of BLS include auditory, tactile, and self-directed methods, like the butterfly tap. Additionally, BLS can be conducted virtually through online applications where the therapist manages the number and types of movements.

Learn more about the differences between CBT and EMDR as psychotherapies.

8 Treatment Phases of EMDR

Emily MacQuarrie. Online Trauma Psychologist (Qualifying) in Ontario.

  • We start by getting to know each other and figuring out what needs to be worked on. Then, we create a plan that's just right for you.

  • Next, we make sure you're prepared for what's ahead. We'll explain how EMDR works and teach you ways to handle tough feelings.

  • Together, we pinpoint the memories or issues you want to tackle during therapy. Your input is super important here!

  • Now, we dive deep into those difficult memories. Using special techniques, we help you process and deal with the emotions they bring up.

  • As you make progress, we focus on building up positive thoughts and feelings to replace the negative ones.

  • We take a moment to check in with how your body and mind are feeling, making sure everything's okay.

  • Before we finish each session, we make sure you feel okay and have ways to cope if things get tough before we meet again.

  • Finally, we talk about how things are going, what progress you've made, and what we'll tackle next time. It's all about moving forward step by step.

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Get Started with an EMDR Therapist in Ontario

If you want to learn more about how EMDR can help you find mental well-being, book a free consultation by clicking the tab below. Catherine Sullivan, RSW, MSW, will meet with you to see if EMDR would be a good fit. * Must be Ontario youth or adult(16-years-old and older).

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  • Yes, EMDR therapy can be conducted online. While traditionally delivered in-person, advancements in technology have facilitated its adaptation to virtual platforms, making it accessible to individuals who may face barriers to in-person therapy.

    Research suggests that online EMDR can be as effective as face-to-face sessions, particularly for individuals who struggle with transportation, mobility issues, or live in remote areas.

    However, it's essential to ensure that therapists providing online EMDR are appropriately trained and adhere to ethical guidelines for teletherapy. A study by Amano, Toichi, and Katsuki (2021) found promising outcomes for online EMDR therapy, supporting its viability in remote settings.

    Learn the pros and cons of virtual versus in-person EMDR therapy.

  • During a session, you'll discuss a painful memory with your therapist and follow their hand movements with your eyes. This process helps your brain work through the memory.

  • Some people might feel a bit more emotional after a session, but this usually fades quickly. It's just your brain processing things.

  • The number of sessions varies, but many people see improvement after a few sessions. Your therapist will work with you to find the right pace.

  • You can look online, ask your doctor, or check with local mental health organizations to find a qualified EMDR therapist.

  • The cost can vary, but your therapist can give you a clear idea of the fees. Some insurance plans cover EMDR, so check with your provider.

    At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, our fees start at $170/50 minute session.

    Learn about our counselling fees.

  • Several studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of EMDR in treating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), various anxiety disorders, and different types of trauma. EMDR serves as evidence of the innovative progress made in the psychotherapy field.

    Being client-centered and grounded in evidence, EMDR continues to empower individuals to confront their past traumas, fostering healing and resilience. It offers a distinct and promising path for those seeking relief from trauma and anxiety, highlighting the transformative potential of the mind's inherent ability to heal.

References:
Amano, T., Toichi, M., & Katsuki, H. (2021). Effectiveness of online EMDR therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: A preliminary report. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15(4), 239–247.
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Bisson, J., & Andrew, M. (2007). Psychological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3(3). 
Bisson, J. I., & Andrew, M. (2007). Psychological treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 3, CD003388. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub3
Cloitre, M., Cohen, L. R., & Koenen, K. C. (2010). Treating survivors of childhood abuse: Psychotherapy for the interrupted life. Guilford Press.
Hase, M., Schallmayer, S., & Sack, M. (2008). EMDR reprocessing of the addiction memory: Pretreatment, posttreatment, and 1-month follow-up. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(3), 170-179. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.3.170
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Strack, J. W., & Witt, A. A. (2012). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for panic disorder: A case series. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 26(1), 68-74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2011.08.016
Wampold, B. E., & Imel, Z. E. (2015). The great psychotherapy debate: The evidence for what makes psychotherapy work (2nd ed.). Routledge.

Helping Ontario Residents Overcome Trauma with Online EMDR

Our therapists are from all over Ontario including Ottawa, Kanata, Mississauga, and Toronto. We offer psychology services to all of Ontario.