Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Available in Cheshire and online throughout the UK
What is EMDR?​
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals recover from distressing events and trauma. It works by reducing the intensity of emotional and physical responses linked to painful memories, allowing you to process them in a healthier way.
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy recommended by the NHS and other professional organisations, including NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence), for treating trauma-related conditions.
​
How Does EMDR Work?
Traumatic memories can become stuck in the brain, almost as if they were frozen in time. This means that they get triggered frequently leading to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, distress or avoidance. EMDR helps the brain process these memories by using bilateral stimulation (typically side-to-side eye movements) while you recall the distressing experience with the support of your therapist. The aim is not to relive or retraumatise people but to allow them to connect with the memory enough to process it, whilst also knowing that they are safe in the here and now in the therapy room with us. This process helps to unstick the memory and reprocess it, reducing its emotional charge and allowing clients to genuinely move on from past events.
Key Features of EMDR
Focus on traumatic memories: Helps address distressing experiences that continue to affect your life.
Uses bilateral stimulation: Eye movements, tapping, or vibrations stimulate both sides of the brain, aiding in memory processing.
Doesn’t require detailed discussion: You don’t have to share every detail of your trauma, making it suitable for those who find it hard to talk about their experiences.
Structured and time-limited: EMDR follows an eight-phase model, often providing relief in fewer sessions compared to some other therapies.
The 8 Phases of EMDR
History taking: Your therapist will gather information about your history and current concerns to develop a treatment plan.
​
Preparation: You’ll learn coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, to manage any distress that arises during the process.
​
Assessment: Together, you’ll identify specific memories, images, emotions, and beliefs to target during therapy.
​
Desensitisation: Using bilateral stimulation, the therapist will guide you through processing the memory, reducing its emotional charge.
Installation: Positive, empowering beliefs are strengthened to replace negative ones associated with the memory.
​
Body Scan: You’ll check for lingering physical tension and address any remaining distress.
​
Closure: Each session ends with a focus on grounding and emotional stability.
​
Reevaluation: Progress is reviewed in subsequent sessions, and any remaining issues are addressed.
​
Is EMDR right for you?
EMDR can be transformative for those struggling with the effects of trauma or distress. If you feel overwhelmed by past experiences or find that painful memories continue to affect your daily life, EMDR may offer relief.
​
EMDR is a powerful and effective therapy for processing trauma and moving forward from distressing experiences. If you’d like to learn more about how EMDR could help you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can explore whether this approach is right for you and begin your journey towards healing and empowerment.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is particularly effective for trauma-related conditions but can also help with other challenges, including:
-
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
-
Anxiety and panic attacks
-
Depression
-
Phobias
-
Grief and loss
-
Chronic pain
-
Stress and performance anxiety
Benefits of EMDR
-
Quicker results: Many clients experience relief after fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapies
​
-
Empowering: Helps you process and move forward from difficult experiences
​
-
Non-Invasive: No need to relive every detail of the trauma or spend extensive time discussing it
​
-
Holistic Healing: Addresses both emotional and physical symptoms of distress
​
Who is EMDR Suitable For?
EMDR is appropriate for adults, adolescents, and children who have experienced distressing or traumatic events. However, your therapist will assess your individual needs to ensure EMDR is the right approach for you.
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
Your therapist will guide you in recalling a distressing memory while simultaneously performing bilateral stimulation (e.g., moving their fingers side to side for your eyes to follow or tapping).
​
You may notice changes in how the memory feels, such as reduced emotional intensity or a shift in perspective.
​
Sessions are collaborative, with your therapist ensuring you feel safe and supported throughout.
​
Speak to us today
​
Write to us
Queens House
Queens Road
Chester
CH1 3BQ​
​