EDMR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing )

Did you know that doing some simple eye movements can stop the emotional pain from bad memories? Called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), it’s a key treatment for trauma. Now this therapy is also offered using hand held tappers. You choose the method most comfortable for you.

If you are suffering from anxiety, grief, guilt, pain, stress, poor self image or distressing memories, nightmares, insomnia, abuse or other traumatic events you can now gain relief using EMDR therapy. It can also be used to enhance emotional resources such as confidence and self-esteem.

EMDR is rapid, safe and effective. EMDR does not involve the use of drugs.  It is a simple, non-invasive collaboration. EMDR is not a talking therapy, so there is no pressure to say what the memory is (although sometimes people choose to). It is all completely under your control while the therapist gently enables the process.

How does EMDR help?

EMDR is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr Francine Shapiro to help people heal from trauma. According to Dr Shapiro, when a traumatic event occurs it can get stuck in the brain along with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feelings and body sensations experienced at the time. Whenever we are reminded of this in any way those thoughts, feelings and sensations come back as though it is happening all over again and makes us feel just how we did the first time it happened.

In simple terms EMDR helps the brain digest all the mixed up thoughts and feelings inside so you can get rid of what is making you feel bad and keep what will make you feel stronger. With EMDR you can say whatever you see in your mind, whatever you think, and whatever you feel in your body. There is no right or wrong way to do EMDR.

Why bring up a painful memory?

The impact of a traumatic event can be physical, psychological or a mixture of the two.  Most people recover quickly, but sometimes specialist help may be needed. When painful memories are avoided, they keep their disturbing power. With EMDR, you can face the memory in a safe setting so that you do not feel overwhelmed. You are then able to move on and allow the memory and emotions to fade into the past and lose their power.

Does EMDR work?

EMDR has been shown to be effective for many issues. However, like any therapy, it doesn’t work for everyone and part of the therapist’s job in any initial meeting will be to explore each person’s particular difficulties and determine if EMDR is the best approach.

Your Therapist

My name is Lesley and I am a qualified and experienced practitioner and abide by professional Ethical Frameworks and codes of practice (MBACP)

I am an attachment and trauma specialist and an adult and child EMDR practitioner. All my qualifications are transferable to working with adults.

Qualifications: CQSW/Diploma in Social Work; BSc.Hons. Social Sciences; PGDip.(with merit) in Child forensic Studies; PQSW/PGDip.in Child Welfare; MA Child Welfare; PGDip in clinical child therapies; Certificate in clinical child assessment; Cert. in developmental attachment and trauma work; EMDR Adult parts 1,2,3; EMDR Child part 1and 2; Cert.in Psychotherapy for children with dissociation; Cert.in Child Counselling using the arts; PGDip.in child counselling using the arts

An EMDR session duration: 1-1.5hrs                   Cost per hour: £45

Number of sessions: varies, but the aim would be to resolve the issue speedily