EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a treatment method that helps people come to terms with traumatic or distressing experiences. Sometimes you may be able to come to terms with an event on your own, but it may also be the case that memories continue to have a significant impact on how you feel, think or react.
EMDR supports the natural processing process, which often makes memories less emotionally charged. This creates more space to look ahead and experience less distress in daily life.
When can EMDR help?
EMDR can help if you find that a past event is still affecting how you feel, think or behave. This does not always have to be a traumatic event; even experiences that seem less traumatic can have a lasting impact.
EMDR may, for example, be suitable for:
- unpleasant or traumatic memories;
- anxiety symptoms;
- nightmares;
- irritability;
- concentration problems;
- sleep problems;
- physical symptoms associated with stress;
- negative beliefs about yourself;
- support for self-image issues.
How does EMDR work?
During the sessions, you and your therapist will explore a memory or experience that still has a significant impact on you. The memory is then triggered whilst you simultaneously carry out a task that divides your attention, such as following hand movements or other forms of alternating attention.
This combination means that the memory is processed in a different way and the emotional impact gradually diminishes.
With EMDR, you can work on, amongst other things:
- processing traumatic memories;
- reducing stress associated with experiences;
- to look at past events in a different light;
- creating space for new experiences and perspectives;
- experience less influence from memories in their daily lives.
EMDR is tailored to your situation and can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as part of a broader treatment programme.
Together, we will look at which approach best suits your needs and what you require.
