EMDR

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and is a form of therapy that uses the brain’s ability to heal itself by mimicking the process we naturally use to do this during REM sleep. Research has shown it to be an extremely effective treatment for trauma related issues and phobias and is recommended as the front line treatment for PTSD by both NICE and the World Health Organisation.

What will the sessions be like?

After an assessment we will work together to form a treatment plan, working through significant life events and what you hope to get out of the therapy. During the subsequent sessions you will be asked to hold a particular memory in mind while moving your eyes back and forth following a light (a form of bi-lateral stimulation). Alternatively we may use headphones or hand buzzers instead if more comfortable. This taps into your mind’s natural processing ability and after repeated sets you may find that recalling the event loses its intensity and becomes a neutral memory of the past. Often other associated memories then begin to heal at the same time and you may see dramatic improvement in many aspects of your life.

How is it different to traditional talking therapies?

Recalling traumatic events in detail can be extremely distressing and one benefit of EMDR is that this process doesn’t require you to talk about those experiences in depth to be effective. The use of the eye movements (or other forms of bi-lateral stimulation) can help those painful memories become ‘unstuck’ and feel in the past, rather than present. You are fully awake, in control and conscious throughout the process. EMDR is not in any way a form of hypnosis and you are able to stop the processing at any time. Throughout the sessions you will be guided and supported as new connections and insights are spontaneously brought to light, while I will intervene as little as possible to allow this to naturally happen.

Is EMDR right for me?

EMDR is highly effective in rapidly helping to lessen the impact of past traumas and fully more fully present in your life. However, it is not suitable for everyone as, although it is a relatively fast process it does involve recalling experiences that may generate intense thoughts and feelings and therefore requires a willingness to go there.

What can EMDR be used for?

It was initially used to treat Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and traumatic experiences. However, research has shown EMDR is also successful in the treatment of:

  • anxiety and panic attacks

  • phobias

  • complex grief

  • addictions

  • pain management (including phantom limb)

  • sleep problems

For more information about EMDR and research into its effectiveness please visit www.emdr-europe.org