EMDR

(Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

EMDR is a specialist therapy which helps to quieten memories which feel too loud and to heal the emotional echo of what you’ve already survived.

My video above is quite in-depth and explains the whole process.    In summary;

When EMDR Can Help

When we go through something overwhelming or traumatic, the brain can struggle to process the experience in the usual way. Instead of becoming a normal memory, it can feel “stuck,” and we may re‑experience parts of it very intensely — what we saw, heard, felt, or sensed. Many people try to avoid thinking about the event to escape these feelings.

EMDR is recommended in the NICE guidelines for PTSD, but it can also help with any distressing memory that continues to affect your wellbeing.

How EMDR Works

EMDR uses gentle left‑right stimulation (eye movements, sounds, or taps) to help the brain process memories that feel frozen or blocked. Over time, the memory becomes less vivid and less upsetting, and begins to feel more like an ordinary memory.

This process is thought to be similar to what happens naturally during REM sleep, when the eyes move rapidly from side to side.

Although EMDR uses simple techniques, it is a structured and well‑researched therapy with clear protocols to support safe and effective processing.

What to Expect

We begin by exploring your history, the difficulties you’re experiencing, any physical health concerns, medication, and the support you have around you.

Before working on specific memories, we spend time building your resources — this may include grounding exercises, breathing techniques, guided imagery, or creating a “safe place” you can return to when needed.

When you feel ready, we choose a memory to target. You’ll be asked to bring an image of the event to mind, notice any thoughts or feelings that arise, and pay attention to where you feel the distress in your body.

While you hold the memory in mind, I guide the bilateral stimulation. After each set, I check in with you about what you noticed or what changed.

The aim is to help the brain move the memory from the alarm system (the fight‑flight‑freeze centre, the amygdala) to the part of the brain that stores memories more calmly (the hippocampus). Over sessions, people usually notice a reduction in distress and intensity.

We end each session with grounding or calming techniques, and I may encourage you to practise these between sessions.

Between EMDR Sessions

You may think about the memory a little more for a day or two afterwards — this is a normal part of processing. Some people also notice an increase in dreams.

You’re welcome to keep notes about anything that comes up so we can talk about it next time. As processing continues, the distress linked to the memory usually decreases.

Many people find that by the end of EMDR therapy, they can recall the event without feeling overwhelmed.

Sessions

EMDR works best when you can commit to regular weekly sessions. Around 12 weekly sessions may be enough for a single traumatic event, though more may be needed for multiple or complex experiences. Every person’s story is unique, so the length of therapy varies.

During the early sessions, we explore your priorities and agree on a realistic plan. We continue to review and adjust this together as the work progresses.