EMDR
EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people recover from the effects of trauma and other distressing life experiences. It is recognised as one of the most effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is recommended by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the NHS for the treatment of trauma-related difficulties.
Since its development in the late 1980s, EMDR has been extensively researched and shown to reduce the emotional impact of traumatic memories, helping people experience lasting improvements in their emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
How does EMDR work?
Sometimes, overwhelming experiences are not fully processed by the brain at the time they happen. Instead, they remain stored in a way that keeps them emotionally and physically "alive." This is why memories can continue to trigger anxiety, fear, shame, physical tension or a sense of danger, even years later.
EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they become integrated into your life story rather than continuing to feel as though they are happening in the present. The memory itself does not disappear, but the emotional distress associated with it becomes significantly reduced. Many people find they can remember what happened without feeling overwhelmed by it.
Why can EMDR feel so powerful?
Clients sometimes tell me that EMDR feels "almost like magic" because the changes can be surprising. A memory that once felt overwhelming may suddenly feel more distant, less emotionally charged or simply become part of the past.
Although these experiences can feel remarkable, there is nothing mysterious about EMDR. It is grounded in decades of scientific research into how the brain processes memories and recovers from trauma. Rather than changing who you are or erasing your memories, EMDR helps your brain do what it naturally wants to do: process difficult experiences so they no longer remain emotionally stuck.
Why I love working with EMDR
EMDR is much more than simply moving your eyes from side to side. Effective EMDR begins with building safety, trust and understanding. Before we begin processing traumatic memories, we work together to develop emotional regulation skills, strengthen your sense of stability and ensure you feel ready for the process.
I work at a pace that feels safe and manageable, tailoring therapy to your individual needs. My aim is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself, reconnect with your strengths and move towards lasting emotional wellbeing.
