EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a powerful and effective form of psychotherapy supported by extensive research. It is recommended by both the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the treatment of trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

EMDR helps people to heal from the emotional distress and symptoms that can result from disturbing or overwhelming life experiences.

Most disturbing events are naturally processed by our brain and resolved without the need for therapy; they become memories of difficult events. However, sometimes this processing can be incomplete, particularly when an experience is overwhelming, involves intense emotions, or includes dissociation. When this happens, the memory may be stored in a way that is not fully integrated with more adaptive information held elsewhere in the brain.

Person using EMDR light bar with support dog

When memories are stored in this unprocessed way, they can be easily triggered by reminders in the present, leading to intrusive thoughts, strong emotions, physical sensations, and a feeling of re-living the experience.

EMDR works by helping the brain to reprocess these memories so they can be integrated more adaptively, reducing their emotional charge and impact on everyday life. It's important to note that EMDR does not remove the memory but the memory loses its ability to horrify and disturb and becomes a normal bad memory.

When a difficult memory has been processed often positive memories become more accessible. For example, when dealing with traumatic bereavement it's often the disturbing memory that remains at the forefront

and blocks other memories of the person. Once the disturbing memory has been processed then positive memories can be accessed and come to the fore.

What happens during EMDR?

EMDR is a comprehensive, structured therapeutic approach with clearly defined principles, protocols and procedures. It is not simply the use of eye movements, and it is not a form of hypnosis. You remain conscious, present, and in control throughout the process.

The first sessions focus on information-gathering and assessment, ensuring that EMDR is the most appropriate approach for you. Time is spent getting to know you and helping you develop techniques for relaxation, grounding and self-soothing. A good therapeutic relationship is important so that you can feel confident and safe working with your chosen therapist.

Once you and your therapist feel that you are sufficiently prepared, you will begin working with a specific distressing memory. If requested Molly, our therapy dog, can be in the room to offer support and grounding.

The processing part involves bilateral stimulation, which may include eye movements, sounds, tactile stimulation or all three. In the photos you will see clients using an EMDR light bar, this can also combine sounds (via headphones) and tactile sensations held in the palms of your hands. Before the session ends, time is given to help you feel calm and grounded in the present again.

What happens after an EMDR session?

EMDR processing often continues in the background of your mind inbetween sessions. You may notice new thoughts, memories, insights or dreams, or you may notice nothing at all — everyone’s experience is different.

It is recommended that you take good care of yourself after a session. You can make use of the grounding and self-soothing techniques that you have been shown, and it is generally best to avoid highly stressful activities immediately afterwards, such as sitting an exam or making major decisions. EMDR can be tiring so prioritise rest wherever possible.

Fee: £120 per full hour. For some people, a more concentrated approach may be helpful. You can find out more about Intensive EMDR here, which involves longer or more frequent sessions over a shorter period of time.

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WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Thank you for the huge changes you have enabled with your expertise, kindness and patience. I am really glad to have embarked on this EMDR journey with you as I feel that I am finally who I am meant to be with greater confidence and resilience and capacity to manage anxiety.

Thank you so so much. My whole world has changed for the better and I can now see a future. In fact I'm looking forward to a bright and positive future!

I'm forever grateful to EMDR therapy that my issue will no longer be a struggle in my life. All the healing that was needed has been accomplished and for this I cannot thank Christine enough. A difficult part of my life which had been hard to manage for years, is now not even a thing!