EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy, is a form of psychotherapeutic treatment recommended by NICE guidelines as a specialist treatment for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
When we experience a traumatic event, our brain can sometimes struggle to adequately process what we have experienced due to the high levels of emotional distress.
When this occurs, our brain becomes ‘stuck’ in processing the event and is unable to shelve it within our memory network like normal every-day experiences.
With it being historic, if the memory is not adequately processed, it can trigger a range of emotions and difficulties in the present – such as anxiety, panic, fear, low mood, low self-esteem and poor sleep.
For some, it can feel as though the threat is very real and they are reliving the traumatic event over and over, despite the event being in the past.
MDR therapy involves identifying specific, unprocessed, traumatic memories and associated images that may require help to fully process.
By exploring the memory, imagery and negative cognitions alongside utilising bilateral sensory input movements (e.g. side to side eye movements), this stimulates and supports your brain in processing the traumatic event fully within the brain’s memory network.
By processing the traumatic event in this way, the psychological distress and associated symptoms experienced improve significantly. NICE recommends 8-12 sessions of EMDR for a single event trauma.
During EMDR sessions, one of our therapist guides you to recall distressing memories while simultaneously focusing on a type of bilateral stimulation — most commonly side-to-side eye movements, but sometimes taps or sounds.
This bilateral stimulation is believed to help your brain process and reframe traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and helping you develop healthier perspectives.
Originally developed for PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), EMDR is now also used for:
Anxiety
Depression
Phobias
Panic attacks
Grief and loss
Other emotional difficulties linked to trauma or distressing experiences
We specialise in EMDR therapy to support you in healing from past trauma and emotional distress. Our trained therapists guide you through a safe and compassionate process that helps your brain reprocess difficult memories, reducing their impact on your daily life.
Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, or other challenges, EMDR can help you move forward with greater peace and resilience. We’re here to walk alongside you on your journey to emotional well-being.
