What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, it was initially developed to treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and this is where much of its evidence-base presently lies.  It uses eye movements (bi-lateral stimulation) to process distressing and traumatic memories.  However, EMDR is increasingly being used to treat other conditions in which disturbing memories play a part.

EMDR therapy can seem strange at first as processing memories is done by tracking your therapists fingers, buzzers, following a light bar or tapping. Once a memory or experience is agreed upon your therapist will ask you to hold that memory or thought in mind whilst the processing (bilateral stimulation) takes places.  The aim of EMDR therapy is to change the meaning of painful events and develop healthier psychological functioning.

What can I expect if I receive EMDR?

• You and your therapist will agree on key traumatic memories that you want to work on.
• There will be some repetition of this process in the room which is part of the reprocessing experience.
• Your therapist will continue to work with you and focus on specific memories until the intense affect associated with them has decreased.
• EMDR can be delivered as a therapy in its own right or sometimes you might receive it in conjunction with another therapeutic approach.