What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy recommended by NICE guidelines for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in both adults and children. EMDR helps you heal from the emotional distress and symptoms caused by trauma, anxiety, and other distressing life experiences.

Many people spend years in traditional talk therapy trying to process trauma, but research shows that EMDR can achieve profound healing in a much shorter time. It works by retraining your brain’s natural healing process, much like how the body heals a physical wound.

How Does EMDR Work?

Think about how your body naturally heals when you get a cut—it works to close the wound unless something, like an infection, prevents it. The same concept applies to psychological trauma. When traumatic memories get “stuck” in the brain, they continue to cause emotional pain and distress. EMDR therapy helps to remove those blocks, allowing the brain to process and heal naturally.

With the guidance of a trained EMDR therapist, you’ll work through distressing memories in a safe and controlled environment, allowing your mind to make new, healthier connections. Over time, the emotional charge associated with trauma lessens, and you can begin to move forward without being weighed down by past experiences.

What Are the Benefits of EMDR Therapy?

• Reduced emotional distress – Feel less overwhelmed by past events.
• Revised negative beliefs – Shift self-limiting thoughts into more positive, empowering ones.
• Decreased fight-or-flight symptoms – Reduce anxiety, panic, and physical stress responses.

Why Choose EMDR Over Other Exposure Therapies?

EMDR offers unique advantages over traditional trauma therapies:

• You process traumatic material in short, manageable doses while staying focused on an external stimulus.
• No homework required – Unlike some therapies that require daily assignments, EMDR works within the session.
• Fast and effective – Many clients experience some relief within just a few sessions.

What Does the Research Say?

EMDR has been extensively studied, with impressive results:

• 84-90% of single-trauma (Type 1) survivors no longer met PTSD criteria after just three 90-minute EMDR sessions.
• 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma survivors were PTSD-free after six 50-minute EMDR sessions (Kaiser Permanente study).
• 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD symptoms after just 12 sessions.

Given its global recognition as an effective trauma treatment, it’s easy to see why EMDR is also useful for addressing everyday challenges, such as:

• Low self-esteem
• Feelings of powerlessness
• Anxiety, phobias, and stress-related issues

Are There Any Side Effects?

Like any therapy, EMDR may temporarily bring up strong emotions or memories, but this is part of the healing process. Some clients experience:

• Increased emotions or physical sensations during a session.
• Vivid dreams or emerging memories between sessions as the brain continues to process.

This is completely normal and I will guide and support you every step of the way, ensuring you feel safe and equipped with soothing techniques before moving into trauma processing.

Between Sessions: What to Expect

Healing doesn’t stop when the session ends—your brain continues to process in the background. Some people notice memories, dreams, or emotions surfacing between sessions, which is a sign that the brain is actively integrating the experience. Keeping a journal to track your thoughts and feelings can be helpful, and I am there to support you through it all.

Ready to Heal? Take the Next Step with EMDR Therapy

Trauma doesn’t have to define your life. EMDR therapy offers a powerful way to move forward, feel lighter, and regain control of your emotions. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, reach out today to learn more about how EMDR can help.

Reference EMDR Institute, Inc www.emdr.com