EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

It is an evidenced based therapy used to help people process and recover from distressing events and the problems they have caused, like flashbacks, upsetting thoughts or images, depression or anxiety.

Originally it was developed in 1987 by Dr Francine Shapiro and was used to support clients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and psychological trauma.  Along with this, it is also used to support conditions that are not directly caused by trauma, such as:

  • Negative self-beliefs: Thoughts like "I am not good enough" or "I am powerless".

  • Distressing memories: Painful social interactions, embarrassments, or losses.

  • Current triggers: situations that cause sudden panic or anger.

Please note that whilst it’s called Eye Movement – if a client is unable to move their eyes, there are other bilateral stimulation techniques we can use.

Introduction to EMDR Therapy

How does it work?

EMDR is different from other forms of therapy - you will not be required to talk in detail about the the distressing experience. EMDR helps the brain reconnect and integrate emotional material that may be stuck in a loop using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. These mimic processes similar to REM sleep, helping integrate emotional material and reduce reactivity. Through structured, supportive and contained sessions, EMDR can ease the emotional charge of old memories, reduce reactivity, and create space for new insights, responses, and self-perception to emerge.

What can it help with?

If there is something you feel stuck with, this may be a memory from the past, or a negative pattern you find yourself in, or a negative self-belief you hold about yourself. These are likely to contribute to negative images, feelings, emotions or beliefs about yourself. EMDR supports the brain to naturally process these memories or beliefs.

EMDR therapy is extremely versatile and has been shown to be highly effective for a range of psychological issues, including:

  • PTSD / CPTSD

  • Adverse Childhood Experiences

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Phobias

  • Addictions

  • Negative self beliefs

  • Complex Grief and difficult life transitions

  • Low self-esteem

  • Performance anxiety

Fees:

Face to Face & Zoom:

Initial assessment, planning & evaluation sessions - £60 (50 min session)

Processing sessions - £90 (60 - 70 min session)

More information…

Introduction video: https://youtu.be/bIJZQAr9nQo

General information: https://emdrassociation.org.uk/

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If you would like to find out more about EMDR sessions, please contact me