Theraputic Options

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured therapeutic approach that can be used when difficult or overwhelming experiences continue to affect you.

You do not necessarily need to talk through every detail of what happened. Once we have spent time getting to know one another and making sure you have ways of managing difficult feelings, we can gently begin to work with aspects of an experience that are still troubling you.

The intention is to help you process what happened so that it may feel less overwhelming or intrusive in the present.

What can EMDR be used for?

EMDR is particularly associated with working with traumatic or distressing experiences. It may also be considered when something from the past continues to affect how you feel, think or respond now.

This might include:

• upsetting memories or experiences
• unwanted thoughts or images
• strong emotional or physical reactions connected to past events
• anxiety or fear linked to particular experiences
• feeling stuck with something that has happened
• difficulties with confidence or beliefs about yourself following a distressing experience.

EMDR is not suitable for everyone or every situation, so we will consider your circumstances carefully before deciding whether it is the right approach.

What happens in an EMDR session?

Before we begin any processing, we will spend time getting to know you and making sure you have appropriate ways to feel grounded and supported.

When you are ready, I may ask you to focus briefly on an aspect of a memory, thought, feeling or physical sensation while using what is known as bilateral stimulation. This might involve following movements with your eyes, listening to sounds or using gentle tapping.

You remain awake, aware and in control throughout. You can pause, stop or ask to change what we are doing at any time. You do not have to work on anything you are not ready to approach.

People respond to EMDR differently. Some people notice changes during or after sessions, while for others the process takes longer. No particular outcome can be guaranteed.

EMDR can form part of our wider counselling work and may be combined with talking therapy, grounding, mindfulness or other approaches where helpful.

Because working with difficult experiences can sometimes bring up strong emotions, we will make sure you feel sufficiently prepared before beginning any processing. We will take the work at a pace that feels manageable for you.

EMDR is a psychological therapy and is not a substitute for medical, psychiatric or emergency care. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, I may encourage you to speak with your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

We will never rush the process. The work will be guided by what feels manageable for you, and you can stop or pause whenever you need to.