What Is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed to help people process and heal from traumatic and distressing life experiences. It's recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

But EMDR isn't just for PTSD. It can be effective for anxiety, depression, grief, phobias, and other conditions where distressing memories are contributing to current difficulties.

How Does It Work?

When we experience something traumatic, our brain can struggle to process the memory properly. Instead of being filed away as a past event, the memory stays "live" — easily triggered, emotionally charged, and sometimes accompanied by vivid sensory flashbacks.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically guided eye movements) while you focus on the distressing memory. This helps your brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less emotionally intense and more integrated into your life narrative.

What Happens in a Session?

EMDR follows an 8-phase protocol:

• History taking: Understanding your background and identifying target memories
• Preparation: Building coping resources and ensuring you feel safe
• Assessment: Identifying the specific memory, associated beliefs, and emotions
• Desensitisation: Processing the memory using bilateral stimulation
• Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs about yourself
• Body scan: Checking for any remaining physical tension
• Closure: Ensuring you leave the session feeling stable
• Re-evaluation: Reviewing progress at the next session

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you find yourself stuck in patterns that seem connected to past experiences, or if certain memories still carry a strong emotional charge, EMDR may be worth exploring. It's a collaborative process, and we always work at your pace.