EMDR Therapy
Working with memories and experiences that continue to affect the present.
What is EMDR?
EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing — is a structured form of therapy developed for working with distressing memories and the ways they continue to affect the present.
During some phases, the client is invited to briefly attend to a memory, emotion, or physical sensation while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This may involve guided eye movements, alternating sounds, or taps.
The strongest research evidence for EMDR currently relates to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Whether EMDR is suitable for someone depends on their needs, circumstances, and a professional assessment.
What might the EMDR process look like?
EMDR follows an eight-phase framework that is not necessarily completed in a single session. The time spent in each phase varies from person to person.
Understanding and planning
You and your therapist discuss what is happening, relevant history, and what you hope to address in therapy.
Preparation
Your therapist explains the EMDR process and works with you to develop ways of managing emotional activation before reprocessing begins.
Reprocessing
When you feel ready, you are guided to attend to part of an experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation. You remain awake, can communicate, and may pause at any time.
Closure and review
Each session includes a closing phase to help you return to a settled state. Changes and responses after the session are reviewed at the next meeting.
A few things to know
- ✓You remain fully awake and in control throughout EMDR; it is not hypnosis. You can speak, ask to adjust the process, or stop at any time.
- ✓You do not necessarily need to describe the whole experience in detail.
- ✓Not every session includes eye movements or another form of bilateral stimulation.
- ✓Memories, emotions, or dreams may sometimes arise between sessions. Your therapist will discuss ways to notice and respond to these experiences.
- ✓EMDR is not a quick fix or a shortcut. Preparation and reprocessing may take time and several sessions, depending on each person’s history, current stability, and needs.
Could EMDR be right for you?
Not every difficulty requires EMDR, and not everyone needs to begin reprocessing straight away. Before deciding, you and your therapist consider your current stability, available support, therapeutic goals, and what you feel ready to approach.
In some circumstances, preparation may need more time, or another therapeutic approach may be more appropriate.
References
The information on this page has been prepared with reference to the professional guidance and resources below. It is not a substitute for an assessment of your individual circumstances.
You can get in touch and share a little about what you are experiencing. Together, we can consider a therapist and format that may suit your needs.