What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based psychological treatment designed to help people recover from traumatic or distressing life experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR doesn’t require you to describe your trauma in minute detail. Instead, it focuses on how your brain stores those memories.
When we experience a traumatic event, our brain’s natural processing system can become overwhelmed, leaving the memory “stuck” in its raw, emotional form. EMDR helps the brain “reprocess” these memories so they become less distressing and more like ordinary memories of the past.
How EMDR Works.
During a session, you will be asked to briefly focus on a specific distressing memory while experiencing bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements, but sometimes rhythmic taps or tones.
This process mimics the natural memory processing that happens during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep. By stimulating both sides of the brain while focusing on the memory, the intensity of the emotion begins to fade, and more helpful, positive thoughts begin to take its place.
The Benefits of EMDR
EMDR is widely recognised for its efficiency and effectiveness. In the UK, it is one of the primary treatments recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for PTSD.
Rapid Results: Many clients find that EMDR works faster than traditional talking therapies because it addresses the physiological storage of the memory.
No “Homework”: Unlike CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), EMDR generally doesn’t require written assignments or journals between sessions.
Emotional Relief: It reduces the “sting” of painful memories, helping to stop flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
Improved Self-Esteem: By reprocessing negative beliefs (e.g., “I am unsafe”) into positive ones (e.g., “I am safe now”), it builds a stronger sense of self.
Versatility: While famous for treating PTSD, it is also highly effective for anxiety, phobias, grief, and performance anxiety.
What Does an EMDR Session Entail?
An EMDR journey typically moves through eight distinct phases. Here is what you can expect when working with a qualified practitioner:
History & Planning: We discuss your history and identify the specific “target” memories to work on.
Preparation: I will teach you specific relaxation techniques (like the “Safe Place” exercise) to ensure you feel grounded and in control.
Assessment: We identify the visual image, negative belief, and physical sensations associated with the memory.
Desensitisation: This is the core “eye movement” phase where we reduce the emotional distress of the memory.
Installation: We “strengthen” a positive belief to replace the old negative one.
Body Scan: We ensure there is no lingering physical tension related to the memory.
Closure: Each session ends with you feeling better than, or as good as, you did at the start.
Re-evaluation: At the start of the next session, we check your progress to ensure the results are lasting.
Note: EMDR is a collaborative process. You are always in the driver’s seat, and we only move at a pace that feels safe for you.