EMDR
EMDR is a proven therapy that eases trauma and stress.
How It Works
EMDR helps process trauma through guided eye movements or tapping to utilise your brains natural ability to adaptively process information.
Session Info
Sessions are online, priced at £60, with free consultation.
EMDR FAQ
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a psychological therapy designed to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to feel emotionally “stuck” in the present.
Rather than simply talking about what happened, EMDR helps the brain process memories so that they can become less vivid, less emotionally overwhelming and easier to think about.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is best known as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it may also be helpful where past experiences continue to influence how you think, feel or behave in the present.
This can include traumatic events, distressing memories, fears, shame, guilt or difficult experiences that continue to feel unresolved.
We can discuss whether EMDR is appropriate for you during an initial consultation.
How does EMDR work?
When something overwhelming happens, the memory can sometimes remain stored in a way that causes parts of the original experience to feel as though they are still happening now.
During EMDR, we carefully bring aspects of the memory to mind while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping.
This appears to help the brain process the experience and connect it with more adaptive information, allowing the memory to become something that happened in the past rather than something that continues to dominate the present.
Do I have to describe my trauma in detail?
No.
Unlike some forms of talking therapy, EMDR does not require you to provide a detailed account of everything that happened.
I will need enough information to understand the experiences we are working with and to ensure that treatment is safe and appropriate, but you remain in control of what you choose to disclose.
Will we start processing traumatic memories straight away?
Usually not.
Good EMDR therapy involves preparation before memory processing begins. Early sessions may focus on understanding your current difficulties, your history, identifying relevant memories and developing strategies to help you remain grounded and emotionally regulated.
We only move into trauma processing when we both feel sufficiently prepared.
What happens during an EMDR session?
Once we have agreed on a memory to work with, I will ask you to briefly notice different aspects of the experience, such as the image, thoughts, emotions and physical sensations associated with it.
You will then follow short sets of eye movements or another form of bilateral stimulation while noticing what comes to mind.
There is no “correct” response. Memories, thoughts, emotions, sensations or new perspectives may emerge naturally as processing takes place.
I will guide you throughout the session.
Will I lose control during EMDR?
You remain awake, aware and in control throughout EMDR. It is not hypnosis and you can stop the process at any point.
One of the most important parts of therapy is ensuring that you feel able to tell me if you need to pause, slow down or change what we are doing.
Can EMDR make me feel worse?
Working with difficult memories can understandably bring up emotions or physical sensations.
Some people feel tired or notice memories, thoughts or dreams emerging between sessions as processing continues. For this reason, we will discuss ways of managing distress and ensure there is time at the end of sessions to help you feel settled before finishing.
EMDR should be challenging when necessary, but it should not feel uncontrolled or unsafe.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number.
Some people may be working with a single traumatic event, while others have experienced repeated or complex trauma over many years.
The amount of therapy needed therefore varies depending on your history, current circumstances and treatment goals.
We will regularly review progress together rather than committing you to a predetermined number of sessions.
Are EMDR sessions available online?
Yes. I currently provide EMDR remotely.
Online EMDR follows the same structured therapeutic approach as face-to-face therapy, with bilateral stimulation adapted for remote sessions.
Before beginning, we will make sure you have a suitable private space, reliable internet connection and an agreed plan for managing any difficulties that may arise during the session.
Is online EMDR effective?
EMDR can be delivered successfully online when it is clinically appropriate and when both therapist and client are comfortable working remotely.
During your consultation and assessment, we can discuss whether online EMDR is the right option for your particular circumstances.
How long is each session?
Standard EMDR sessions are approximately 50–60 minutes.
In some circumstances, longer sessions may be useful, particularly when working with trauma processing. This would always be discussed and agreed beforehand.
How much does EMDR cost?
EMDR sessions are £60 per session.
There is no requirement to purchase a block of sessions in advance.
Can I have a consultation before deciding?
Absolutely.
Choosing a therapist — particularly for trauma therapy — involves trust and feeling comfortable with the person you are working with.
I offer a free initial consultation call where we can discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you are hoping to achieve and whether EMDR may be suitable for you.
There is no obligation to book therapy afterwards.
What if EMDR is not right for me?
That is completely fine.
As a CBT therapist as well as an EMDR therapist, I can consider your difficulties from more than one therapeutic perspective.
Following assessment, we can discuss whether EMDR, CBT or another approach may be the most appropriate way forward. If I do not believe I am the right person to help, I will be open about that and discuss other options with you.
How do I get started?
You can contact me to arrange a free consultation call.
We can talk through your difficulties, answer any questions you have about EMDR and decide together whether working together feels like the right next step.
EMDR helps process trauma safely.
