EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye-Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique type of therapy that helps people heal from distressing experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR uses guided techniques, such as eye movements or tapping, to help the brain process and resolve difficult memories. These memories might involve past traumatic events or present-day challenges that cause unwanted negative reactions. Following EMDR, the emotional intensity of these traumatic memories is reduced and it loses its ability to trigger disturbing thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations.
Why consider EMDR Therapy?
Life can be challenging, and we all develop ways to cope with stress and adversity. But sometimes, those coping mechanisms or responses don’t truly reflect who we are or how we want to handle situations. We might feel stuck in patterns of behaviour or emotional reactions that don’t make sense or are hard to change.
EMDR therapy suggests these challenges stem from unresolved distressing or traumatic experiences. Trauma doesn’t always have to be a major event, it can be any experience that leaves a lasting, negative impact on how we see ourselves or interact with the world, even if it happened long ago.
When we experience trauma, our brain’s capacity to cope can become overwhelmed. This overwhelm can interrupt the brain’s ability to process the experience, leaving the memory “stuck” in its raw form. These unprocessed memories can resurface as emotional triggers, both consciously and unconsciously, when something reminds us of the original event. As a result, our ability to stay present and respond in ways aligned with who we are can becomes inhibited.
By working through these unresolved experiences, EMDR allows you to respond to situations with greater clarity, authenticity, and resilience, empowering you to live in the present more fully and confidently.
"That was then and this is now. The past is over and I am living in the present. I can learn from what happened without being trapped in what happened or terrorised by what happened."
Francine Shapiro
What can EMDR Therapy treat?
While EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it has been proven to be highly effective for addressing a wide range of challenges including, but not limited to:​​
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Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
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Depression and mood related issues
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Grief and loss
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Disordered eating
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Trauma and complex-trauma
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Relationship challenges
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Personality disorders
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Low self-esteem and worth
What to expect?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to meet your unique needs. It can be a short-term, focused approach or part of a longer therapeutic journey.
The process begins with a thorough assessment to ensure you’re prepared and supported every step of the way. During a processing session, you will be guided to focus on a specific memory while also experiencing bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds. This stimulation helps your brain process the memory in a new way. As the session unfolds, you may notice shifts in how you perceive or feel about the memory. Over time, the emotional distress tied to the memory diminishes, allowing it to become a neutral experience from your past rather than an overwhelming trigger in the present.
EMDR is often described as a transformative tool for healing. It empowers you to let go of the past, reconnect with your authentic self, and move forward with a renewed sense of confidence, strength, and resilience.
More about EMDR and FAQ's