top of page

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based, eight-stage psychotherapy method using bilateral stimulation to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life events.

​

EMDR has proven to be effective in reducing the chronic symptoms which follow a traumatic event. 

EMDR helps the two sides of the brain to communicate with one another, to process trauma in a way that leads to a peaceful resolution.

EMDR was initially developed in the late 1980s by psychologist

Francine Shapiro to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

​

EMDR therapy enables people to recover from symptoms caused by past traumatic experience.

​

There are two types of trauma, big 'T' trauma - for example combat, rape, loss a of child - and little 't' trauma - daily negative childhood messages leading someone to grow up believing they will never be good enough.

Image by Hal Gatewood

EMDR can help you realise that the event is over, returning your body and mind to a less distressed state. EMDR focuses less on the source of stress or the traumatic event that precipitated it and more on the distressing emotions and symptoms associated with it.

Image by Jr Korpa

EMDR can help with

sleep disorder

self-esteem

eating disorders

depression

chronic pain

panic attacks

PTSD

negative thinking

anxiety

anger management

phobias

...and more

What to expect?

EMDR treatment follows a structured eight-step protocol which include resourcing, processing and installation. 

​

EMDR is a non-drug, non-hypmosis procedure, that focuses on a troubling memory or emotion while moving the eyes rapidly back and forth.

​

Processing trauma requires a brief history taking which might trigger some emotional distress and discomfort. But since EMDR is not a traditional talk-therapy and does not require you to talk about the trauma in details, you might find it less overwhelming than other approaches used to treat trauma.

Throughout the sessions, I facilitate and monitor safety and stabilisation as your brain attempts to heal. This often means learning healthy coping skills and emotion regulation strategies. 

​

How often do I need EMDR therapy?

The number of sessions is dependent on the trauma that needs to be processed and whether EMDR is being used as a stand-alone treatment or as part of another therapy.

​

Are there side effects?

Please note that any form of effective therapy can potentially have side effects. Surfacing of upsetting memories, an increase in distressing memories, heightened emotions and physical sensations during sessions, feeling emotionally drained and vulnerable after a session. These symptoms will typically be addressed and resolved as treatment continues. You will also be given grounding and self-relaxation exercises to use during and outside of sessions.

We are not changing what happened -
We are changing the way it lives in us.

What are the benefits?

Effective for trauma recovery

Helps reduce anxiety, phobias and distress

Changes negative thinking

Improves confidence and self-esteem

Improves relationships

Improves focus and concentration

Improves sleep quality

Helps cope with grief

Does not require much talking

Fast results

You don’t have to keep feeling stuck in beliefs and feelings that don’t reflect who you are. 

bottom of page