EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing is a highly effective form of psychotherapy used in the treatment of trauma including PTSD, anxiety, phobias, depression, and addiction.
When someone experiences a trauma of some kind the brain normally processes the experience, and all is well. However, sometimes, fragmented memories of the trauma can remain unprocessed meaning that although the trauma is over and the threat has gone, that it still feels very current, and you may experience the same physical responses that you felt at the time of the initial trauma.
Using EMDR we are able to process the trauma so that the brain is no longer in a state of high alert and in addition to this, we are able to shift the brain into a state of rational rather than emotional thinking. By being able to think rationally about an event you are able to let go of unnecessary feelings of guilt, sadness, anger; feelings of being overwhelmed, or other negative associated emotions.
How does it work?
EMDR works by using a variety of structured eye movements led by the therapist to enable the client to correctly process memories of traumatic events that have been previously incorrectly processed. This is done in a very gentle way and each therapy session is tailored to the client meaning that there is no risk of re-traumatisation or increased feelings of anxiety, depression, or other trauma responses.
What else can EMDR be used to treat?
As well as helping with PTSD, anxiety, phobias, depression, and addiction, EMDR can be used in the treatment of eating disorders, pain and the associated distress caused by pain, insomnia and sleep disorders, performance anxiety, social anxiety, and grief, amongst other things.
How long will it take to work?
The number of sessions can vary depending on the issue involved. In the case of dealing with a craving for example, the desired result is often achieved in just one session. For PTSD, depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, and other disorders, more sessions will be necessary although this may vary from person to person.
What if I struggle to talk about my experiences?
One of the biggest benefits of EMDR is that it does not require the client to talk about the trauma or distressing experience for it to be effective. By focusing on changes in sensation and emotion whilst focusing on a series of directed eye movements, the client is able to process the trauma and the associated emotion in a healthy way, so that it even though it’s something that they experienced or that happened to them, they are no longer traumatised by it.
What can I expect in an EMDR session?
EMDR is an 8-step process. During the initial session, the therapist will take a full case history, and each session thereafter is adapted to treat the individual to achieve the best possible outcome. Generally, therapy is an opportunity for clients to talk openly and honestly about their experiences and their feelings regarding them, so combined with EMDR, they can move past the trauma and no longer be affected or defined by their experiences.
Each session is very much focused on the clients’ needs and the desired outcome. The therapist will lead them through the process using a range of directed eye movements which allows the client to reprocess the trauma and create a shift in perspective.
Is EMDR suitable for everybody?
EMDR is not suitable for those with epilepsy or certain mental health or neurological conditions. This can be discussed prior to booking your session.
The following testimonial is for a client who I worked with recently using EMDR for the treatment of PTSD
“Louise, I knew I wasn’t good but didn’t realise how bad it was until you did EMDR with me. I literally went from numb, no internal feelings, no emotion and just existing to being present in the room, feeling and seeing happiness / emotion in things. How on earth that happened in one session is beyond me – but I felt it shifting right there, right then. I can’t do it justice in explaining it but I can’t thank you enough.”