Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — an evidence-based therapy for trauma and emotional distress.
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured therapy that helps process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact.
It works by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, while you focus on a distressing memory, allowing the brain to reprocess it.
The therapy is proven to be effective for PTSD, but can also help with issues like anxiety, phobias, and depression. While EMDR is considered safe when performed by a trained professional, it can temporarily intensify emotions during sessions.
You don't always need to talk extensively about the trauma, as the focus is on the associated physical sensations, emotions, and negative thoughts—making it helpful for those who find it difficult to discuss their experiences verbally.
A therapist uses guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds to help your brain reprocess memories. This bilateral stimulation activates both hemispheres of the brain.
The goal is to make distressing memories feel less overwhelming by helping the brain reprocess them in a healthier way, reducing their emotional charge.
You'll focus on disturbing images, negative thoughts, emotions, and body sensations related to the memory—allowing processing without extensive verbal discussion.
EMDR is one of the most researched treatments for trauma.
EMDR is one of the most researched and effective treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It's recommended by organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the NHS.
EMDR can also be helpful for anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and depression by addressing the underlying memories that contribute to these conditions.
It is effective for both recent and past trauma, including childhood experiences. Many clients experience significant relief within a relatively short treatment period.
A structured approach guiding you from preparation through processing to evaluation.
The therapist collects your history, develops a treatment plan, builds a therapeutic relationship, and establishes safety.
Building coping skills and resources to manage the emotions that may arise during treatment.
Identifying a specific target memory, vivid image, negative self-belief, and associated feelings and sensations.
Using bilateral stimulation while focusing on the target memory to reduce the disturbance associated with it.
Strengthening a positive belief you want to associate with the memory, replacing negative self-beliefs.
Scanning your body while holding the memory and positive belief, processing any lingering physical sensations.
Returning to a calm, present state with guidance on handling any continued processing between sessions.
Assessing whether the reprocessing has been successful and whether relief from the memory has been sustained.
A typical session lasts about one hour, though some clients request longer sessions for deeper processing work.
This varies based on individual needs and the complexity of the trauma. Guidelines suggest 8-12 sessions for a single incident trauma, but more complex trauma will take longer. Processing can continue between sessions, so effects can be ongoing.
You may experience a temporary intensification of emotions as you process past experiences, especially in initial sessions. Some people report vivid dreams or sudden memories after a session, which can be a positive shift as your brain continues processing.
EMDR may not be suitable for those in a crisis, with unstable living situations, or with certain untreated mental health conditions. We'll discuss your individual circumstances during your initial consultation to determine if EMDR is appropriate for you.
Up to 1 hour session
Contact us for a free consultation to discuss whether EMDR is right for you.
Contact Leicester Therapy