Table of Contents
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps people recover from the effects of trauma and distressing life experiences.
It’s especially helpful when past events continue to affect your mental health in the present.
Trauma may include:
- One-off events (e.g. accidents, assaults)
- Long-term or complex experiences (e.g. childhood abuse, neglect, medical trauma)
EMDR helps your brain “reprocess” these memories so they lose their emotional intensity and stop interrupting your life.
EMDR is helpful for a wide range of challenges:
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression and low mood
- Low self-esteem
- Grief and bereavement
- Relationship or attachment issues
- Workplace stress or burnout
- Anger management
- Compulsive behaviours (e.g. bingeing, avoidance)
- Dissociation: depersonalisation, identity issues
- Eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating
- OCD-related issues: intrusive thoughts, hoarding
- Personality disorders: borderline, avoidant, antisocial
- Trauma disorders: PTSD, acute stress, adjustment disorder
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR is based on Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) — the brain’s natural ability to heal.
When trauma disrupts this process, memories can become “stuck” and trigger anxiety, flashbacks, or emotional overwhelm.
In a session, your therapist may use:
- Eye movements (side-to-side tracking)
- Tapping (on hands, knees, or shoulders)
- Gentle sounds or vibrations (via headphones or handheld devices)
This technique is called bilateral stimulation, and it supports your brain in reprocessing memories safely and effectively.
“The memory doesn’t go away—it just doesn’t hurt like it used to.” {RAM TO FIND PHOTO}
EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain fully in control and can stop at any time.
Why Might EMDR Be Recommended?
Sometimes, your brain stores traumatic experiences in a way that causes them to resurface unexpectedly—through flashbacks, nightmares, or overwhelming feelings.
This can happen because your brain didn’t finish processing the event—something it normally does during REM sleep.
EMDR helps “unlock” these stuck memories, allowing your brain to complete the healing process and reduce distress.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
- Proven effectiveness: EMDR is backed by numerous clinical studies.
- Faster results: Many people experience progress more quickly than with traditional talk therapies.
- Less homework: EMDR sessions focus on in-the-room processing; little is required outside of sessions.
- Lower emotional strain: Unlike some therapies, EMDR doesn’t require repeatedly reliving traumatic events.
Considerations
- Trauma-focused: EMDR is most effective for trauma-related issues. It may not be suitable for conditions caused by physical brain injuries or inherited disorders.
- Some people may experience temporary distress, vivid dreams, or emotional sensitivity between sessions. Your therapist will help you manage this.
Discover More
EMDR offers a structured and compassionate way to transform how past events affect your life.
It doesn’t erase memories—but it changes your relationship with them, helping you move forward with more peace and emotional strength.
With over 10,000 qualified EMDR therapists in the UK, and millions of people helped globally, EMDR is recognised and endorsed by:
· NICE (UK)
· World Health Organization (WHO)
· The NHS
· The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)
Watch: What is EMDR Therapy? – EMDR Association UK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIJZQAr9nQo&ab_channel=EMDRAssociationUK
Learn more from the official EMDR Association UK – the professional body for therapists and researchers in the UK.
Get in Touch
Thinking about EMDR? Wondering if it could help you or someone close to you?
We’re here to talk. Contact Us today to book an initial consultation or ask any questions. We’re committed to supporting your journey with compassion, skill, and care.
For 90 minutes – £130
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