EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
EMDR is different
Many people think therapy means talking through their problems over and over.
It works on the understanding that, just as the body naturally heals a physical wound, the mind also has an innate capacity to heal after emotional injury. Sometimes, however, a traumatic or overwhelming experience interrupts this natural healing process. The memory becomes "stuck", continuing to trigger distress long after the event has passed.
EMDR helps restart that natural healing process, allowing the memory to be processed in a healthier way.
The event isn't erased—you'll still remember what happened—but it no longer carries the same emotional intensity or controls your life.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and experiences that have become "stuck". Rather than simply talking about the past, EMDR helps the brain reprocess these experiences so they become less emotionally overwhelming and no longer have the same impact on your present life.
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EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma and PTSD, but research has shown it can also help with many other difficulties, including:
Anxiety and panic
Childhood trauma and neglect
Low self-esteem
Phobias
Grief and loss
Stress following difficult life events
Relationship difficulties rooted in past experiences
If your current struggles feel connected to painful experiences—whether recent or long ago—EMDR may be an effective treatment option.
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EMDR is always tailored to your pace. We begin by understanding your difficulties and making sure you feel safe and prepared before any trauma processing takes place.
During processing, you'll briefly focus on a distressing memory while following a form of gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping). You remain fully awake, in control and able to pause at any time. Between sets, we'll simply notice what comes up and allow your brain to continue processing naturally.
You never have to describe every detail of what happened if you don't want to.
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Yes. EMDR is a well-researched therapy recommended by organisations including NICE for the treatment of PTSD when delivered by a properly trained therapist. Before beginning, we'll carefully assess whether EMDR is the right approach for you and ensure you have the resources and coping strategies needed to feel safe throughout the process. Treatment always progresses at a pace that feels manageable.
How EMDR Works: Step by Step
Phase 1 – History Taking
Getting to know you and your goals.
We'll talk about your current difficulties, your background and what you'd like help with. Together, we'll identify the experiences we'd like to work on and decide whether EMDR is the right approach for you.
Phase 5 – Installation
Strengthening positive beliefs.
As the emotional distress reduces, we'll help strengthen a more helpful, realistic belief about yourself—for example, changing "I'm powerless" to "I can cope".
Phase 2 – Preparation
Building confidence and coping skills.
Before processing any difficult memories, we'll make sure you feel safe and prepared. You'll learn techniques to manage emotions and understand how EMDR works, so you feel comfortable throughout therapy.
Phase 6 – Body Scan
Checking how your body feels.
We'll notice whether any physical tension or discomfort remains when thinking about the memory. If needed, we'll continue processing until your body also feels calmer.
Phase 3 – Assessment
Choosing a memory to work on.
We'll identify a specific memory, along with the thoughts, emotions and physical sensations connected to it. This gives us a clear starting point for processing whatever it is that has been causing you suffering.
Phase 7 – Closure
Ending the session safely.
Every session finishes with grounding and stabilisation techniques, so you leave feeling settled, whether or not the memory has been fully processed that day.
Phase 4 – Desensitisation
Processing the memory.
Using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping), you'll briefly focus on the memory while allowing your brain to process it naturally. Over time, the memory usually becomes less and less distressing.
Phase 8 – Re-evaluation
Reviewing progress.
At the start of the next session, we'll check how you're feeling, review any changes since your last appointment and decide together on the next steps.
Celebrities on the benefits of EMDR
(By the way I didn’t treat these people! These are their public endorsements on this mode of therapy. I am however available to offer EMDR to any celebs who wish to work with me 😁)
