EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy designed to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to affect them in the present.
What happens during EMDR?
EMDR involves identifying experiences or memories that cause you distress and may be contributing to your current difficulties. During the processing phase of therapy, you will be asked to briefly focus on aspects of the distressing memory or experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation, most commonly through guided eye movements or alternating tapping.
You remain awake, aware and in control throughout the process. EMDR does not erase memories or require you to forget what happened. Instead, the aim is for the memory to become less distressing and to feel more like something that happened in the past rather than something that continues to be vivid and cause you current distress.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR has been extensively researched and shown to be a highly effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related difficulties. Depending on your circumstances and treatment needs, EMDR may also be incorporated into therapy for anxiety, grief and loss, panic, depression, and negative self-beliefs.
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR is not a technique that is started straight away, and might not be suitable for everyone immediately.
Sarah will generally begin with an assessment to understand your current difficulties and history. Together you will identify appropriate goals and targets for EMDR, and ensure you have adequate strategies for managing distress. The pace of therapy is tailored to your needs, and you can pause or stop EMDR processing at any time.
