EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful and effective therapy that offers relief from distressing symptoms relatively quickly. It is best known as an innovative treatment for trauma and is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for resolving Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
EMDR draws upon a number of psychotherapeutic influences including CBT, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis and Person-Centred Therapy. It has been widely researched and is now known to be effective in treating a wide range of issues that have their roots in disturbing memories, such as anxiety problems, panic attacks, OCD, depression, grief and mourning, body dysmorphia and chronic pain.
How does EMDR work?
Sometimes when we have disturbing or difficult experiences, our minds and brains are unable to process the related memories normally. This interrupts our ability to heal and move on from the experience. When this happens, the disturbing event can feel like it has become ‘frozen’ so that we experience the memory of it and associated feelings over and over again. This is known as traumatic memory. Symptoms can include nervousness, hyperarousal, depression, irritability, tearfulness, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.
EMDR is a way of freeing up the natural system of processing so that memories are no longer ‘frozen’. The technique used to help reprocess the disturbing event is called bi-lateral stimulation, which is done through guided eye movements, tactile stimulation or listening to sounds. No drugs or invasive procedures are involved. Many people report EMDR to be an engaging experience, with long-lasting relief from disturbing symptoms.
My experience
EMDR is only practised by qualified therapists who have done additional, specialised training in this therapy. I am a fully qualified EMDR therapist, having completed a training accredited by EMDR UK. EMDR can form all or part of a course of therapy, depending on what you might require.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful and effective therapy that offers relief from distressing symptoms relatively quickly. It is best known as an innovative treatment for trauma and is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) for resolving Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
EMDR draws upon a number of psychotherapeutic influences including CBT, Gestalt Therapy, Psychoanalysis and Person-Centred Therapy. It has been widely researched and is now known to be effective in treating a wide range of issues that have their roots in disturbing memories, such as anxiety problems, panic attacks, OCD, depression, grief and mourning, body dysmorphia and chronic pain.
How does EMDR work?
Sometimes when we have disturbing or difficult experiences, our minds and brains are unable to process the related memories normally. This interrupts our ability to heal and move on from the experience. When this happens, the disturbing event can feel like it has become ‘frozen’ so that we experience the memory of it and associated feelings over and over again. This is known as traumatic memory. Symptoms can include nervousness, hyperarousal, depression, irritability, tearfulness, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.
EMDR is a way of freeing up the natural system of processing so that memories are no longer ‘frozen’. The technique used to help reprocess the disturbing event is called bi-lateral stimulation, which is done through guided eye movements, tactile stimulation or listening to sounds. No drugs or invasive procedures are involved. Many people report EMDR to be an engaging experience, with long-lasting relief from disturbing symptoms.
My experience
EMDR is only practised by qualified therapists who have done additional, specialised training in this therapy. I am a fully qualified EMDR therapist, having completed a training accredited by EMDR UK. EMDR can form all or part of a course of therapy, depending on what you might require.