Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach for working with traumatic and distressing memories. It allows you to reprocess trauma and heal the brain of the negative beliefs about yourself (e.g. I am a bad person), others (e.g. I can’t trust anyone) and the world (e.g. The world is a scary place), created by the trauma.
Why I like using EMDR:
It is an effective way of helping someone to feel grounded and safe in their body again
It allows clients to process what’s been weighing on them without having to retell every painful detail in comparison to traditional talking therapies
EMDR respects your privacy and your pace, you never have to share more than you’re comfortable with.
EMDR is recommended by NHS and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for trauma.
EMDR
What can EMDR help with?
Trauma and PTSD
Anxiety and panic
Grief and loss
Relationship or attachment wounds
Childhood trauma or neglect
Emotional flashbacks or body tension that feels “stuck”
It is appropriate for all ages and is suitable for neurodivergent individuals.
EMDR uses side-to-side (bilateral) stimulation (visual, auditory, or tactile). This activates both sides of the brain while you process a memory, helping your system integrate and release distress. What matters most is using a form of stimulation that feels comfortable and safe for you.
It’s normal to experience temporary emotional or physical sensations after processing, such as vivid dreams, tiredness, or increased awareness. These are signs that your brain is integrating new information. We’ll review coping tools and grounding skills so you always feel supported.
EMDR Association has lovely videos for adults and for children explaining what EMDR is and how it helps.
