EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
Some experiences stay with us long after they are over.
A sudden accident. A distressing memory. A period of abuse or loss. Even events that happened years ago can still feel close to the surface.
EMDR therapy is designed to help the brain process those experiences in a way that reduces their emotional intensity and allows people to move forward with greater stability.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.
It is a recognised form of psychotherapy originally developed by psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. The approach was designed to help people process traumatic memories that remain stuck in the nervous system.
Unlike traditional talking therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, often through guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones, while you recall specific memories or emotions.
This process helps the brain reprocess difficult experiences so they feel less overwhelming.
The memory does not disappear.
But the emotional charge around it often changes.
A different way of processing difficult experiences
Most memories naturally settle over time.
The brain gradually stores them in a way that allows us to remember events without reliving the distress attached to them.
Trauma can interrupt this process.
Instead of being stored as a past event, the memory may continue to feel immediate and emotionally intense. People might experience flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or a constant sense of being on edge.
EMDR helps the brain complete that interrupted processing.
It allows the experience to become something that happened in the past rather than something that still feels present.
How EMDR works
Past experiences
Past events that have laid the groundwork for dysfunction
Present triggers
Present circumstances that elicit distress
Future responses
Future templates dealing with potentially distressing situations in a more adaptive manner
What EMDR therapy can help with
EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma. Over time it has also been used to help people experiencing a range of emotional difficulties connected to past experiences.
Often the issue is not simply what happened, but how the memory continues to affect the present.
Some people find certain memories still trigger intense emotional reactions long after the event itself.
EMDR therapy may support people experiencing:
- Trauma from accidents or distressing events
- Post traumatic stress
- Anxiety connected to past experiences
- Panic attacks
- Phobias
- Performance anxiety
- Low self esteem connected to earlier experiences
Not every difficulty requires EMDR. Sometimes traditional psychotherapy is the better place to begin.
Part of the initial work is understanding what approach will be most helpful for you.
What happens during EMDR therapy
EMDR sessions follow a structured process designed to help you feel stable before working with difficult memories.
01
Preparation and stability
Before any memory processing begins, we focus on building emotional stability and understanding the experiences you want to work with.
This stage may involve:
- identifying current triggers
- developing grounding strategies
- understanding how memories affect your present reactions
For some people this stage is brief.
For others it takes longer.
Both are completely normal.
02
Identifying the memory network
Many emotional difficulties connect back to earlier experiences that shaped how we see ourselves or the world.
Together we identify memories that still carry emotional intensity or influence current behaviour.
Sometimes people are surprised by how early some of these experiences began.
03
Processing the memory
During EMDR processing you briefly bring the memory to mind while following a form of bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping.
The goal is not to relive the experience.
Instead the brain gradually reprocesses the memory so it becomes less emotionally overwhelming.
Over time people often notice the memory feels more distant and less reactive.
04
Integration
As the emotional charge of the memory reduces, new insights and perspectives often emerge.
People sometimes find that beliefs about themselves shift naturally during this stage.
For example a belief such as:
"I am not safe"
may begin to change into something more balanced and grounded.
How EMDR feels during therapy
People often expect EMDR to feel intense.
In practice it is usually calmer than expected.
Memories may feel vivid at first, but the process is designed to help the brain gradually settle the emotional response attached to them.
Many clients describe the experience as the memory becoming more distant.
Almost like a chapter in a book rather than something happening in the present moment.
That shift can bring a noticeable sense of relief.
Is EMDR therapy right for you
EMDR can be highly effective, but it is not always the first step in therapy.
Some people benefit from building emotional stability and understanding patterns through traditional psychotherapy before moving into memory processing.
This depends on:
- the nature of the experiences involved
- current emotional stability
- how safe it feels to approach certain memories
Therapy always begins with a conversation about what feels manageable for you.
There is never pressure to move faster than you are comfortable with.
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FAQ'S - EMDR Therapy
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.
It is a form of psychotherapy designed to help people process distressing memories that continue to affect their emotional wellbeing. The therapy uses forms of bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones while recalling certain experiences.
This process helps the brain reprocess memories so they feel less emotionally overwhelming.
What problems can EMDR therapy help with?
EMDR was originally developed to treat trauma, particularly Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
It is now also used to support people experiencing:
- trauma from accidents or distressing events
- childhood abuse or neglect
- anxiety linked to past experiences
- panic attacks
- phobias
- low self esteem connected to earlier experiences
The goal is not to erase memories, but to reduce the emotional distress connected to them.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR helps the brain process memories that have become “stuck” in the nervous system.
During therapy you briefly focus on a memory while following a form of bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping. This appears to activate the brain’s natural information processing system.
Over time the memory becomes less emotionally intense and easier to think about without distress.
Many people describe the memory as feeling more distant after processing.
How many EMDR sessions are usually needed?
The number of sessions varies depending on the experiences being worked through.
Some people notice changes within a small number of sessions, particularly when focusing on a single event. More complex experiences, especially those connected to earlier life events, may require longer term work.
Before beginning EMDR processing, time is always taken to ensure you feel stable and supported.
Is EMDR therapy safe?
Yes. EMDR is widely recognised and used internationally as a trauma therapy approach.
Sessions are structured carefully and move at a pace that feels manageable. Preparation and stabilisation are always part of the process before working with difficult memories.
You remain in control throughout the therapy.
Will I have to relive traumatic memories?
No.
You may briefly bring a memory to mind during EMDR processing, but the goal is not to relive the event in detail. The therapy is designed to help the brain process the memory while keeping you grounded in the present.
Many clients find the experience less intense than they initially expected.
Is EMDR different from talking therapy?
Yes, although the two approaches often complement each other.
Traditional psychotherapy focuses primarily on exploring thoughts, emotions, and patterns through conversation.
EMDR includes that understanding but also introduces bilateral stimulation to help the brain process memories in a different way.
For some people this allows emotional shifts that talking alone has not achieved.
How do I know if EMDR therapy is right for me?
The best way to find out is through an initial conversation.
Some people come to therapy specifically seeking EMDR. Others are unsure what approach might help. During an initial session we can explore what you have been experiencing and whether EMDR would be appropriate.
Sometimes EMDR begins straight away.
Sometimes we start with supportive psychotherapy first.
Both approaches can be valuable.