What is EMDR Therapy?
How Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Works to Heal Trauma
Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, or PTSD, EMDR offers a rapid, non-invasive approach that can bring relief and promote emotional healing.
How EMDR Helps You Heal
EMDR is an effective, evidence-based treatment developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. It targets traumatic memories that are “stuck” in the brain, preventing individuals from moving forward emotionally. The therapy helps reprocess these memories, allowing you to neutralize their negative impact and reduce the emotional pain they cause.
Key Benefits of EMDR:
- Relief from Traumatic Memories: EMDR targets the emotional charge attached to distressing memories, allowing you to let go of negative emotions.
- Enhanced Emotional Resources: It also helps build positive emotional traits, such as increased confidence and self-esteem.
- No Talking Required: Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to relive the trauma verbally. You control what you choose to share, and the therapy works without the need for lengthy discussions.
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The Science Behind EMDR: Why It Works
Traumatic experiences can cause emotions and memories to become trapped in the brain. These experiences may resurface whenever we’re reminded of them, triggering intense feelings and reactions, as if the event is happening again.
How Does EMDR Reprocess These Memories?
When a traumatic event occurs, it can overwhelm the brain’s ability to process it properly. EMDR works by stimulating both sides of the brain through eye movements (or tapping) while you focus on the memory. This helps your brain process and “digest” the trauma in a way that reduces its emotional hold on you.
- Digesting Mixed Thoughts & Feelings: EMDR clears away the negative emotions and retains the empowering aspects, allowing you to move forward.
- Your Control: The process is gentle, completely under your control, and there’s no pressure to revisit or discuss memories you don’t want to.
Why Facing Painful Memories Is Key to Healing
Many people instinctively avoid painful memories, hoping that ignoring them will make the pain go away. However, avoiding these memories can give them more power over your emotional health. EMDR helps you confront the memories in a controlled and safe environment, so you don’t feel overwhelmed by them.
- Processing Memories Safely: By bringing up painful memories in therapy, you allow them to fade into the past, losing their emotional grip.
- Overcoming Trauma: EMDR helps you release the hold trauma has on your mind and body, allowing you to regain control and emotional stability.
Does EMDR Work for Everyone?
While EMDR has been shown to be effective for many people, it’s important to note that therapy is highly individualized. What works for one person may not be the best option for another. During an initial consultation, the therapist will discuss your unique situation and determine if EMDR is the best approach for your needs.
- Tailored to You: The therapist will assess your specific emotional challenges and recommend the most suitable therapeutic method, whether it’s EMDR or another treatment.
Meet Our EDMR Therapist
Lesley
MBACP - Full list below
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 ...
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about our treatments below. Click on each question to reveal the answer. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Use the “Ask a Question” button to submit your own — we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
Is EMDR safe and non-invasive?
Yes. EMDR is drug-free, rapid, and non-invasive. You remain in control throughout the process, and you only focus on what you feel comfortable addressing. It is a safe therapy for adults and can be adapted to your personal needs.
How does EMDR therapy work?
EMDR works by helping the brain process traumatic memories that are “stuck.” Through guided eye movements or handheld tappers, the therapy reduces the emotional charge of past events, allowing you to heal and regain control over your emotions.
What conditions can EMDR help with?
EMDR can help with trauma, anxiety, stress, grief, nightmares, poor self-esteem, and other distressing memories or emotional difficulties. It can also be used to enhance confidence and emotional resilience.