Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
(EMDR)

EMDR Therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach primarily used to help people recover from trauma, PTSD, and other distressing life experiences. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer feel as intense or overwhelming. It enables people to shift how they relate to past events, reducing the emotional charge while supporting healing and resilience.

Rather than focusing heavily on talking about the trauma in detail, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—while recalling specific memories. This process is thought to help the brain "unstick" and reprocess the memory in a more adaptive way.

EMDR has been found effective for a wide range of issues beyond trauma, including anxiety, phobias, grief, low self-esteem, and chronic stress. EMDR can be a transformative therapy for those who feel "stuck" in past experiences, offering a way forward without needing to relive every detail of the event.

  • EMDR is based on the understanding that traumatic or highly distressing experiences can become "stuck" in the brain’s information processing system, leading to ongoing emotional and psychological distress. During EMDR, bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements) is used while the client recalls aspects of the traumatic memory. This process is thought to facilitate the brain’s natural adaptive information processing (AIP) system, allowing the memory to be reprocessed and integrated in a healthier, more adaptive way. Research suggests that this can reduce the emotional intensity and negative beliefs associated with the memory, helping individuals feel less triggered and more resolved over time.

  • EMDR therapy begins with several preparation sessions where you and your therapist build a strong foundation for the work ahead. This includes getting to know your history, identifying target memories, learning grounding techniques, and ensuring you're emotionally ready for reprocessing. Once you’re well prepared, the therapist will guide you through sets of bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while you recall aspects of the memory. This helps the brain process the experience in a more adaptive way, reducing its emotional impact.

  • EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, but it’s also effective for anxiety, phobias, grief, abuse, chronic stress, performance anxiety, and low self-worth. It can be used alone or alongside other therapies.

  • Yes, EMDR is a well-researched and effective treatment when delivered by a trained and accredited therapist. However, it can be an emotionally intense process, especially when working with traumatic or distressing memories. It’s important to take care of yourself between sessions and give yourself space to process what comes up. Your therapist will help you pace the work appropriately and ensure you have strategies to stay grounded. EMDR may not be ideal if you’re currently in a highly unstable or chaotic life situation, as it requires a certain level of emotional stability and support to engage safely in the reprocessing phase.