Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based form of psychological therapy that helps people work through distressing memories that may still affect how they think, feel, and behave. For example, someone who has experienced criticism or rejection in the past may find themselves worrying about being judged in everyday situations. Even when they are not in danger of being criticised, these earlier experiences may continue to influence how they see themselves and interact with others.

The aim of EMDR is to help these memories become less distressing. Rather than trying to forget what happened, the goal is to be able to remember an experience without feeling overwhelmed by the emotions or physical reactions associated with it. Unlike other forms of talking therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe a distressing experience in detail. Instead, it combines focusing on a memory with guided eye movements, or other forms of gentle, back-and-forth stimulation, known as bilateral stimulation.

EMDR follows a structured process, beginning with understanding your difficulties and helping you prepare for treatment. Your therapist will work with you to develop ways of managing difficult emotions so you feel supported before exploring distressing memories.

As part of this preparation, your therapist may guide you through a relaxation exercise, sometimes called a safe place or calm place exercise. This involves imagining a place where you feel safe, calm, or comfortable, using your senses to bring the experience to life. For example, you might picture your surroundings, imagine the sounds you would hear, or recall the feeling of warmth from the sun on your skin. The aim is to develop a calming technique that you can return to if you begin to feel overwhelmed during therapy. 

Once you feel ready to begin processing distressing memories, your therapist will guide you through the next stage. You will be asked to focus on a particular memory, thought, or feeling, whilst using bilateral stimulation. This usually involves following your therapist’s hand movements with your eyes from side to side, although alternating sounds or gentle taps may also be used. EMDR is thought to help the brain work through memories that remain distressing. As treatment progresses, some people find that these memories begin to feel less

intense and that the emotions and physical reactions associated with them become easier to manage.

EMDR can also help you explore how past experiences may be connected to the difficulties you face today. For example, someone who was repeatedly criticised or embarrassed in the past may develop a fear of being judged, making social situations feel particularly difficult. Depending on your needs, treatment may also involve preparing for future situations that you currently find challenging. This can help you develop more helpful ways of responding to these situations, with your therapist will support you throughout the process.

EMDR is commonly used to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it is not limited to these difficulties. It can also be helpful when current emotional difficulties appear to be linked to past experiences.

EMDR may be considered for people experiencing difficulties such as:

•  Accidents, abuse, or assault
•  Bereavement
•      Distressing life experiences
•  Anxiety, including social anxiety
•  Phobias
•  Low self-esteem or persistent feelings of shame

For example, someone experiencing social anxiety may worry about saying the wrong thing, feeling embarrassed, or being rejected by others. If these fears are linked to previous experiences of criticism, bullying, or rejection, EMDR can help them work through these experiences and reduce their influence on present-day situations.

EMDR can also be explored if you have tried another form of therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), but feel that some difficulties remain. Different approaches suit different people, and an assessment can help determine whether EMDR may be suitable for your needs.

Before beginning treatment, your therapist will spend time getting to know you, understanding your experiences, and discussing what you hope to achieve. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and learn strategies to help you manage difficult emotions if they arise.

If EMDR is considered appropriate, your therapist will explain each stage and guide you through the process at a pace that takes your individual needs and circumstances into account. You will be able to communicate how you are feeling, ask for a pause, and work with your therapist to ensure you feel supported throughout your sessions.

Remember, EMDR is not about erasing memories, but about changing how they affect you in the present.

Deciding which type of therapy is right for you can feel difficult, but EMDR may be worth exploring if you feel that past experiences continue to affect your emotions, confidence, relationships, or responses to everyday situations.

An initial assessment with one of the professionals at The Mind Remedy can help you explore your difficulties and whether EMDR, or another form of psychological therapy, would be most appropriate for you.

If you have been impacted by anything you have read in this blog, please contact one of the team at The Mind Remedy via the website www.themindremedy.co.uk to book a 15-minute chat, or call us on 07931 903310.

The cost of a 50 minute session is £150. However when at the reprocessing stage of the treatment, we would recommend 90 minute sessions to allow sufficient time to work through the trauma.