What is EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

— A strange name for something surprisingly effective

EMDR is a therapy that helps people process and release distressing memories, emotions, and body sensations that are stuck — often long after the event has passed. It works by activating the brain’s natural processing system (usually through eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation), allowing painful or overwhelming memories to be “unstuck” and re-stored in a way that no longer causes the same level of distress.

I completed my formal EMDR training in July 2022 and am fully registered with the EMDR Association UK, which is part of EMDR Europe. This means I’m trained to deliver EMDR in a way that’s ethical, trauma-informed, and up to clinical standards.

Although EMDR was originally developed for post-traumatic stress, its use has broadened significantly. It’s now widely used — including in the NHS — to treat things like anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, and phobias, among other challenges. It’s recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) and is backed by a growing body of evidence.

EMDR isn’t about digging up your trauma and talking through every detail. In fact, many people are surprised by how gentle and contained it can feel. My job is to help you feel safe, resourced, and ready before we go anywhere near the difficult stuff — and to guide you through the process at your own pace.

In short: EMDR helps your brain do what it was always meant to do — heal. And while the idea of it might sound a bit odd at first (I get that!), it can be life-changing in the right hands, at the right time.

What actually happens in an EMDR session?

After some initial groundwork (which might take a few sessions), we’ll identify a memory or issue that’s causing distress. Using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation (like tapping or sound), your brain is gently supported to reprocess that memory. You stay in control the whole time, and I guide the process step by step. It’s not hypnosis, and you don’t have to “relive” anything in graphic detail.

Do I have to talk about my trauma?

Not in the way many people fear. You don’t need to share every detail of what happened. EMDR allows your brain to process internally, which means you can often work through something without needing to verbalise it fully. We focus more on the feelings, body sensations, and beliefs that are coming up now — and help them shift.

How long does it take?

That really depends on what you’re bringing to therapy. Some people notice change within a few sessions, while others may need longer-term support, especially if there’s complex trauma or multiple issues. We go at your pace, and we won’t start reprocessing until you feel resourced and safe.

Is EMDR safe?

Yes — when delivered by a trained and registered therapist, EMDR is safe, well-researched, and used widely across health services, including the NHS. It’s approved by NICE and the World Health Organization for trauma treatment, and increasingly used for other difficulties too.

What if I don’t feel “traumatised” enough?

Trauma isn’t about what happened — it’s about how your system responded. EMDR can be helpful even if you’re not sure what the original root is. We can use it for all sorts of stuck experiences — from accidents and bullying to sudden losses, relationship breakdowns, or patterns of anxiety that just won’t budge.