Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
A Structured, Evidence-Based Path to Trauma Recovery
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy recommended by NICE guidelines for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults and children. It supports healing by helping the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing emotional distress, and restoring psychological balance.
How EMDR Supports Healing
EMDR draws on the brain’s natural ability to heal. Just as the body recovers from a physical wound, the brain seeks to resolve emotional pain. When traumatic memories block this healing, distress persists. EMDR helps remove those blocks by linking distressing memories to more adaptive beliefs and emotional responses.
EMDR facilitates accessing the traumatic memory network, so that processing of those memories is enhanced, with new associations forged between the trauma memory and more adaptive memories or information. These new associations are believed to lead to complete information processing, new learning, elimination of emotional distress, and the development of cognitive insights.
Key components include:
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Bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, taps)
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Memory reprocessing in a structured, therapist-guided format
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Integration of new insights and reduced emotional charge
What Makes EMDR Unique
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No Homework: All processing occurs within the session.
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Supports the Whole Brain: Connects cognitive and emotional processing.
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Adaptable Pace: Tailored to your needs — not rushed, and grounded in safety.
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Highly Researched:
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Some studies have shown that 84–90% of single-trauma clients no longer met PTSD criteria after only 3 sessions.
- Another study, funded by the HMO Kaiser Permanente, found that 100% of the single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple trauma victims no longer were diagnosed with PTSD after only six 50-minute sessions. In another study, 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD in 12 sessions.
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What to Expect
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Before Processing: You’ll learn calming and grounding skills with your therapist.
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During Sessions: You’ll revisit the trauma in brief intervals while focusing on an external stimulus.
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Between Sessions: You may notice dreams, memories, or feelings surfacing — this is your mind continuing to process. You can journal and share insights in future sessions.
Potential Reactions
As with any trauma therapy, temporary emotional discomfort or unexpected reactions may occur. These are normal parts of the process. Your therapist will guide you through them safely, ensuring emotional stability at every stage.
EMDR is not about forgetting trauma — it’s about reprocessing painful memories so they no longer control your present.
Reference: EMDR Institute, Inc – www.emdr.com
For more information on EMDR please see the video below: