What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It's a therapy that helps people to recover from distressing experiences that are still affecting them, sometimes many years later.
EMDR is recommended for PTSD by the World Health Organization, and by NICE, which sets health guidelines in the UK.
How does it work?
Usually, when something upsetting happens, the brain processes it over time. It becomes a memory that belongs in the past. You can still remember it, but it no longer feels as raw.
Sometimes, especially when an experience is overwhelming, that processing doesn't happen. The memory gets stuck in its original form, with the same images, thoughts, feelings and body sensations it had at the time. Something in the present can bring it all back, as if it were happening again.
In EMDR, you bring the memory to mind for a short time while following a light with your eyes as it moves from side to side. Tapping, or sounds that alternate between left and right, can be used instead of eye movements. This is called bilateral stimulation.
This seems to help the brain to finish processing the memory. The memory doesn't disappear, but it becomes less distressing, and it starts to feel like something that happened in the past rather than something that's still happening. Researchers are still studying exactly why it works, but it has been widely researched.
What happens in EMDR sessions?
EMDR doesn't start with memories. First, we'll talk about your history and what you'd like to work on, and we'll make sure you have ways to help yourself to feel calm and settled.
We only move on to working with memories when you're ready. You don't need to describe a memory in detail if you don't want to.
You're in control throughout, and you can stop at any time.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is suitable for a wide range of issues, including PTSD, developmental trauma (childhood trauma), phobias, OCD and other issues too.
If you'd like to try EMDR, I'll help you to decide whether it's suitable for you.
I have EMDR Levels 1, 2 & 3 certification, and I'm a fully accredited psychotherapist with the IACP.
Send me a message
I'll reply to arrange a time for a phone chat. You'll have the chance to ask any questions before we arrange an appointment.
I work with adults aged 21 and over. I don't work with people in active addiction.
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