EMDR Therapy – Overview
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences. Traumatic events can sometimes feel “stuck” in the mind, replaying in ways that affect your thoughts, feelings, and daily life.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they feel like they belong in the past, rather than continuing to impact the present.
Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping) to safely support your brain in processing memories.
How trauma affects us
Trauma can result from a single distressing event or from ongoing stressors such as abuse, neglect, or illness. It can overwhelm your natural coping system, leaving you with:
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Intense emotions linked to past events
- Difficulty trusting or connecting with others
- Persistent anxiety, low mood, or stress
When trauma occurs, the brain sometimes stores memories without a clear “time stamp.” This can make them feel as if they are happening right now, rather than in the past. EMDR helps to restore this sense of perspective and safety.
How EMDR can help
EMDR guides you through a structured process to safely process distressing memories:
- Assessment: Understanding your difficulties and preparing for therapy
- Stabilisation: Learning coping strategies to manage strong emotions
- Processing: Reprocessing memories so they feel less vivid, less distressing, and more in the past
- Integration: Supporting your sense of safety and helping you move forward
The memories themselves don’t disappear, but their emotional intensity reduces, allowing you to feel more in control of your life.
EMDR is always delivered at a pace that feels manageable for you. Therapy begins with building resources and safety, so you feel supported before processing difficult memories. Throughout, I integrate EMDR within a broader trauma-informed approach, drawing on other therapeutic strategies as needed.
Working with an accredited EMDR therapist
Accredited EMDR therapists have been through a rigorous process of supervised practice to ensure high-quality, effective therapy. I am an accredited EMDR Practitioner and can help you explore whether EMDR is right for you.
If you would like to discuss EMDR therapy and how it might help, please contact me.
