What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a recognised psychological therapy commonly used to help people process traumatic or distressing experiences.

After trauma, we can sometimes know that something happened in the past while our mind and body continue to respond as though the danger is happening now. A memory, situation, smell, sound or other trigger can bring back powerful emotions, physical sensations or automatic responses that can feel difficult to control.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, which may include guided eye movements, alternating sounds or tapping, alongside therapeutic processing. The aim is to help the brain process distressing experiences so that memories can begin to feel more like something that happened in the past, rather than something you are continuing to relive in the present.

EMDR does not mean forgetting what happened. The memory remains, but for many people the emotional and physical distress connected to it can reduce.

EMDR and Trauma

I have particular experience working with trauma and attachment and understand that trauma work needs to happen at the right pace for each individual.

We would not simply begin processing difficult memories because you have come for EMDR. We first spend time understanding what you are experiencing, your history, how you currently cope and whether EMDR is an appropriate approach for you.

For some people, preparation and stabilisation are an important part of the work before trauma processing begins. Therapy should move at a pace that feels manageable for you.

I offer EMDR therapy face-to-face from my practice in Stockton-on-Tees and can also discuss whether online EMDR may be appropriate for you.

If you are unsure whether EMDR is the right approach, you don't need to work that out before contacting me. We can talk about what is happening for you and decide together what might be most helpful.