Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR helps the brain to reprocess memories, so they can become part of your past rather than continuing to feel like a present threat.
EMDR is a psychological therapy that helps people process difficult,
distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to affect them.
When something overwhelming happens, our brain doesn't always process the experience in the usual way. The memory can remain “stuck”, meaning that reminders of
what happened may continue to trigger the same thoughts,
emotions, physical sensations or reactions as if the event is happening now.
EMDR helps the brain to reprocess these memories, so they can become part of your past rather than continuing to feel like a present threat.
During EMDR, you will usually focus briefly on a difficult memory, thought, image or feeling while using bilateral stimulation. This might involve following my fingers with your eyes, listening to alternating sounds through headphones, or using gentle tapping.
The exact way EMDR works is still being researched, but it is thought that bilateral stimulation helps the brain's natural information-processing system to work with memories that have become stuck. As processing takes place, the memory can become less emotionally charged and your responses to it can change.
EMDR isn't about erasing memories or making you forget what happened. Instead, the aim is for you to be able to remember the experience without feeling overwhelmed by it, and to develop a more helpful understanding of yourself and what happened.
You remain in control throughout the process, and we will always work at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
If you think EMDR therapy is the right choice for you please contact me or if you'd like to find out about EMDR in more detail, continue reading below.
What to expect from EMDR treatment
If you've never experienced EMDR before, you may be unsure what to expect. You might have heard about the eye movements and wonder what they involve, or perhaps you're worried that you'll have to talk in detail about something difficult.
EMDR is more than just eye movements. Treatment usually involves several stages, and *we won't begin processing difficult memories until you're ready.
What an EMDR session looks like
At the beginning of treatment, we'll spend time understanding what has brought you to therapy and identifying what you would like to change.
We'll also spend time developing strategies to help you manage difficult emotions and feel more grounded. This preparation is an important part of EMDR and can take as long as you need.
When you're ready to begin processing, I may ask you to focus briefly on a particular memory, thought, image or feeling while following a series of movements or another form of bilateral stimulation. This might involve following my fingers with your eyes, listening to sounds through headphones or using gentle tapping.
Your brain then has an opportunity to process the memory differently. You may notice thoughts, feelings, images or physical sensations arising during this process. There is no “right” way to experience EMDR.
We'll regularly pause and check in with how you're doing. **You remain in control throughout the session**, and we can slow down or stop whenever needed.
EMDR can sometimes bring up emotions or memories between sessions, so we'll make sure you have strategies to manage this and understand what to expect.
How long will EMDR take?
This varies from person to person. The number of sessions depends on what you're experiencing, the experiences you want to work on and how you respond to treatment.
We'll regularly review your progress together and make sure treatment continues to feel appropriate and helpful.
What EMDR can help with
•Anxiety
•Trauma & PTSD
•Low Self-Esteem
•Depression
•Stress & Burnout
•Panic Attacks
•Social Anxiety
•Health Anxiety
•Workplace Stress
•Perfectionism
I also offer CBT therapy.
If you have any further questions, check out the FAQ page.