EMDR
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is an approach created for working with distressing and traumatic memories. To understand how EMDR works, we must understand how our brains process information. Our daily experiences are processed by the brain by being converted from short term to long term memory. However, when we experience difficult and distressing life events, these experiences are often not processed correctly and memories can become stuck in short term memory. It is this that can lead to flashbacks, intrusive vivid memories, nightmares, physical pains and other trauma symptoms. EMDR is one approach to processing these traumatic memories correctly.
How can EMDR help me?
EMDR uses bilateral brain stimulation. Stimulating both hemispheres of the brain at the same time has been proven to support the processing of traumatic memories and their processing from short term to long term memory. While thinking of a traumatic or difficult memory, you will be guided by your therapist to use left to right eye movements and follow your thought process. This side to side eye movement is similar to the movements our eyes make in deep sleep.
What to expect
Step 1
Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment of your past traumatic and difficult life events. Together you will explore whether you are a good candidate for EMDR or whether other approaches might suit you better.
Step 2
Your therapist will start by building up your therapeutic relationship and focusing on your coping strategies. You will learn and practice strategies for managing any difficult feelings that arise during the sessions.
Step 3
Your therapist will guide you through the difficult memory, while using bilateral stimulation to reduce the distress associated with that memory. This may take a few sessions, depending on the severity and number of traumas.
Step 4
Your therapist will check for any lingering emotions or physical sensations associated with the difficult memories using a body scan technique. They will support you to return to a calm state before the end of each session. Each new session starts with a reevaluation process.
In person or online?
EMDR works well in person or online. In person, your therapist may use their hand movements or a light to create bilateral stimulation. Online, your therapist will use their hand movements or a graphic of a circle moving on a screen. Both forms of therapy have been found to have positive outcomes. The most important thing is which form of therapy feels most comfortable for you. If you are unsure whether in person or remote EMDR sessions will work best for you, you can talk this through with your therapist.
Our EMDR practitioners
Dr Charlotte Airey
Dr Rebecca Woolley
Dr Bianca Nardini