What is EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing ?

EMDR is a unique evidence based therapy that has been proven to be very effective in treating symptoms of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or the impact of traumatic experiences, such as car accidents, assaults, childhood trauma, for example.

Common symptoms associated with PTSD include having nightmares, flashbacks (feeling like being back there reliving what happened), and being hyper aware or on edge in particular situations. It can lead to people feeling like they are a shadow of their former selves, no longer taking part in activities that would usually be enjoyed, and instead, avoiding places, people or anything that acts as a reminder of what happened. 

If the above sounds like something you are struggling with, or can relate to, then you may benefit from EMDR. 

 The basic theory behind this approach is that traumatic memories have not been fully processed like other normal or non-traumatic memories- they still contain all the emotional and physical distress which can be triggered by reminders of what happened. It can feel like they are frozen in time; although we know it happened in the past, the body can still react like it is happening now, i.e. it can still feel like it is in the present.

Our brains have a natural healing system to help recover from trauma, similar to how our bodies heal naturally from a cut or a wound. EMDR helps tap into this healing system, by using specific techniques such as tapping and side-to-side eye movements.  The memories are re-processed, helping to reduce, and often eliminate, the emotional and physical reactions. 

Subsequently, the trauma will feel like it is truly in the past, lifting the weight of its burden and allowing the person to be able to live their lives fully.

This is less of a talking therapy and more of an 'experiential' therapy, where the majority of the therapy work is completed in the session.

If this sounds like something you may benefit from, or would like to find out more, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

• Session fees are £100 - £120
• Sessions are 60-80mins
• The length of therapy can vary according to individual need