What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique and powerful type of psychotherapy that helps reduce the distress linked to difficult or traumatic memories.
It works by enabling the brain to process these memories in a healthier way, so they no longer feel as overwhelming or disruptive.
What I love about EMDR is that it is recognised by the NHS and World Health Organisation not only as a highly effective treatment for PTSD and single incident trauma (e.g. a car accident, sexual assault etc.), but has also proven successful with people with general anxiety or panic, phobias or specific fears, addictions, OCD, psychosis, traumatic bereavement, depression, low self-esteem and unhelpful patterns in relationships. You might not think of your experiences as traumatic because you picture something catastrophic. But it can also be the quieter, repeated moments of being criticised, made to feel “too much” or “not enough,” or left to cope on your own. It might have been growing up feeling like your needs were inconvenient, that love had to be earned, or that you had to change to keep the peace.
I also love that EMDR takes a holistic approach, integrating both body and mind - supporting deep, lasting change and meaningful healing.
How does it work?
EMDR therapy has a specific structure, and I would walk you through this, step by step. This includes an assessment of your current symptoms, identification of the memories you want to work on and your readiness for EMDR. I would also make sure that you have the necessary resources before accessing any traumatic material. This might include teaching you some calming techniques to help manage overwhelming emotions during and after the sessions.
We would then begin the process of accessing the traumatic memories, whilst stimulating both sides of your brain. Depending on whether we are working in person, online or upon your individual needs, we would do this either through rapid bilateral eye movements, listening to sounds or by tapping each side of your body.
Once the memory has become less distressing, I would help you focus on positive beliefs about yourself, like "I am safe" or "I can handle this." I would then ask you to notice any physical sensations in your body related to the memory. If any tension or discomfort remains, I would guide you through more bilateral stimulation to release it.
At the end of each session, I would help you return to a calm and stable state, even if the memory had not been completely processed.
In future sessions, I would check in with you to see how the memory and associated feelings are doing, and whether any new memories or feelings had come up.
It can take as few as six sessions to make a noticeable difference, for others with complex issues, it can require significantly more.
How can I find out more?
Watch this animated video
For more information go to www.emdrassociation.org.uk or www.emdr-europe.org
