EMDR?
EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) uses bilateral stimulation—such as following a therapist’s finger—to help your brain reprocess distressing memories. It’s highly effective for PTSD and trauma, with scientific and NICE support.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) uses bilateral stimulation—such as following a therapist’s finger—to help your brain reprocess distressing memories. It’s highly effective for PTSD and trauma, with scientific and NICE support.
What is EMDR?
What is EMDR?
The treatment involves sessions in which you focus on a troubling experience. While thinking about the experience, you follow the therapist’s fingers (or a light bar) from left to right with your eyes. These back-and-forth movements are referred to as Bilateral Stimulation. It is not hypnosis—you remain fully conscious throughout. Other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping from side to side or listening to alternating sounds, may also be used. The therapist will discuss these options to find the method that suits you best.
By focusing on the distressing experience and engaging in bilateral stimulation, the intensity of the troubling memory gradually diminishes. Although the memory is not forgotten, it ceases to be as distressing—in other words, it has been desensitised and reprocessed.
The treatment involves sessions in which you focus on a troubling experience. While thinking about the experience, you follow the therapist’s fingers (or a light bar) from left to right with your eyes. These back-and-forth movements are referred to as Bilateral Stimulation. It is not hypnosis—you remain fully conscious throughout. Other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping from side to side or listening to alternating sounds, may also be used. The therapist will discuss these options to find the method that suits you best.
By focusing on the distressing experience and engaging in bilateral stimulation, the intensity of the troubling memory gradually diminishes. Although the memory is not forgotten, it ceases to be as distressing—in other words, it has been desensitised and reprocessed.
Who is EMDR for?
Who is EMDR for?
EMDR is designed for individuals experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or trauma in various contexts. This means that a highly disturbing past event may replay as if it's still happening, manifesting through:
Flashbacks or nightmares
Unwanted thoughts, images, and sensations
These recurring experiences can make you feel anxious, constantly on guard, and may even lead you to avoid situations that trigger these memories.
EMDR is designed for individuals experiencing symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or trauma in various contexts. This means that a highly disturbing past event may replay as if it's still happening, manifesting through:
Flashbacks or nightmares
Unwanted thoughts, images, and sensations
These recurring experiences can make you feel anxious, constantly on guard, and may even lead you to avoid situations that trigger these memories.
How does it work?
How does it work?
Traumatic events that are overwhelming are not stored like typical memories—they remain active and intrusive. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR involves a dual focus of attention:
Present Focus: You concentrate on a stimulus in the present (for example, following the therapist’s fingers).
Past Focus: Simultaneously, you think about the traumatic event from your past.
This dual focus enables your brain to process and store the memory correctly, reducing its intensity and intrusive nature.
Traumatic events that are overwhelming are not stored like typical memories—they remain active and intrusive. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR involves a dual focus of attention:
Present Focus: You concentrate on a stimulus in the present (for example, following the therapist’s fingers).
Past Focus: Simultaneously, you think about the traumatic event from your past.
This dual focus enables your brain to process and store the memory correctly, reducing its intensity and intrusive nature.
How effective is EMDR?
How effective is EMDR?
Scientific trials have shown that EMDR is highly effective, and it is recommended by NICE as a treatment for PTSD.
What is an EMDR Session Like?
Initial Assessment:
The first sessions involve an assessment of the issues that are troubling you at the moment, including aspects of your past experiences that may be contributing to the problem.Preparation for Desensitisation:
Subsequent sessions focus on preparing you for desensitisation and reprocessing. During this phase, you are taught techniques to manage any distress that arises during the processing.Post-Session Techniques:
At the end of each session, the therapist uses calming techniques and provides information on what to expect between sessions. For instance, you might be advised to keep a log if you notice additional aspects of the memory resurfacing.Ongoing Review:
At the beginning of each new session, the therapist reviews your progress over the past week and assesses the remaining processing work.
Scientific trials have shown that EMDR is highly effective, and it is recommended by NICE as a treatment for PTSD.
What is an EMDR Session Like?
Initial Assessment:
The first sessions involve an assessment of the issues that are troubling you at the moment, including aspects of your past experiences that may be contributing to the problem.Preparation for Desensitisation:
Subsequent sessions focus on preparing you for desensitisation and reprocessing. During this phase, you are taught techniques to manage any distress that arises during the processing.Post-Session Techniques:
At the end of each session, the therapist uses calming techniques and provides information on what to expect between sessions. For instance, you might be advised to keep a log if you notice additional aspects of the memory resurfacing.Ongoing Review:
At the beginning of each new session, the therapist reviews your progress over the past week and assesses the remaining processing work.
Who can provide EMDR?
Who can provide EMDR?
EMDR should be practised by therapists who:
Have a core mental health qualification.
Have undergone formal training in EMDR.
Meet the competences outlined in the UCL competence framework or adhere to the standards set by recognised EMDR accreditation bodies.
This ensures that EMDR is delivered safely and effectively by professionals with the necessary expertise and ethical grounding.
EMDR should be practised by therapists who:
Have a core mental health qualification.
Have undergone formal training in EMDR.
Meet the competences outlined in the UCL competence framework or adhere to the standards set by recognised EMDR accreditation bodies.
This ensures that EMDR is delivered safely and effectively by professionals with the necessary expertise and ethical grounding.
