What Is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychotherapy designed to help people recover from the effects of traumatic or deeply upsetting experiences. It is often used for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also be helpful when memories from the past continue to trigger anxiety, fear, shame or self-doubt in the present.

Sometimes an experience is processed naturally and fades into the background. At other times it can remain "stuck" in the nervous system, so that reminders of the event still feel highly distressing. EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess those memories so they feel less vivid, less overwhelming and less intrusive.

How a difficult memory can stay active

Upsetting experience → Memory feels "stuck" → Present-day triggers → Anxiety, avoidance or physical distress

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, usually guided eye movements, tapping or alternating sounds, while focusing briefly on a target memory. This seems to help the brain process the memory in a more adaptive way, so that the event is still remembered but no longer carries the same emotional intensity.

The EMDR process

Identify the target memory → Use bilateral stimulation → The memory becomes less distressing → A calmer, more balanced perspective develops

You remain awake, aware and in control throughout EMDR. The aim is not to erase memories, but to reduce the emotional distress attached to them and help you respond differently in the present.

What Does Therapy Involve?

Each EMDR session lasts for one hour. During that time we may focus on:

  • A careful assessment of the difficulties you are experiencing and whether EMDR is the right approach for you
  • Building coping strategies so that you feel grounded and safe before any memory processing begins
  • Identifying specific memories, images, beliefs or body sensations linked to the problem
  • Using brief sets of eye movements, tapping or other bilateral stimulation
  • Pausing regularly to notice what changes and monitoring your progress over time

What Problems Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR may be helpful for problems such as:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Traumatic memories
  • Panic linked to frightening events
  • Phobias
  • Health anxiety related to upsetting medical experiences
  • Bereavement and grief
  • Low self-esteem linked to earlier experiences
  • Social anxiety
  • Stress after overwhelming life events
  • Accidents or medical trauma
  • Relationship difficulties rooted in past experiences
  • Some forms of performance anxiety

Further Information About EMDR

If you would like to read more about EMDR from well-established clinical and professional sources, the following links may be helpful:

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

The number of sessions needed depends on the nature of the difficulty and how long it has been present. A single upsetting event may respond relatively quickly, whereas more complex or long-standing difficulties usually need a longer course of therapy. Following an initial discussion, we can consider whether EMDR, CBT, or a combination of approaches is likely to be most helpful for you.