What happens during EMDR?

Traumatic experiences can continue to affect us long after the event itself has passed. You might experience distressing memories, nightmares or flashbacks, feel constantly on edge, avoid reminders of what happened, or notice changes in how you think and feel about yourself and the world around you.

For some people, these difficulties develop into Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Others may not have a diagnosis but still find that a difficult or traumatic experience is having a significant impact on their everyday life.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy designed to help people process traumatic and distressing experiences so that they have less impact in the present.

Why can traumatic memories feel so different?

Most memories become part of our past. We can remember what happened without feeling as though we are experiencing it all over again.

Following trauma, however, memories can sometimes remain highly distressing. Sights, sounds, smells, physical sensations or situations can trigger strong emotional and physical reactions, even when you know logically that you're safe now.

This can leave you feeling as though part of your brain still hasn't recognised that the danger has passed.

EMDR aims to help the brain process these experiences so that they can become memories of something that happened in the past, rather than something that continues to feel as though it is happening now.

What happens during EMDR?

EMDR is more than simply moving your eyes from side to side.

Therapy begins with understanding what you've experienced, how it is affecting you now and what you would like to change. We also spend time preparing for the processing work and developing strategies to help you manage difficult emotions.

When appropriate, we then work with particular memories while using bilateral stimulation. This commonly involves guided eye movements, although other forms of alternating stimulation can also be used.

You may notice thoughts, emotions, images, memories or physical sensations arising during this process. Rather than trying to force yourself to think differently, EMDR allows the brain to make connections and process the experience in a different way.

Over time, the memory itself doesn't disappear, but it can become considerably less distressing and have less influence over how you feel and respond in the present.

Do I have to talk about everything that happened?

This is a common concern, particularly when someone has experienced something they find extremely difficult to discuss.

EMDR does involve identifying and working with traumatic memories, but you do not necessarily have to describe every detail of an experience in the same way you might imagine when thinking about traditional talking therapy.

We work collaboratively and at a pace that takes account of your individual needs. An important part of therapy is ensuring you understand the process and feel appropriately prepared before beginning trauma processing.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR is particularly well established as a treatment for PTSD and trauma-related difficulties.

People may seek EMDR following experiences such as accidents, assault, abuse, traumatic loss, medical experiences or other events that have left them struggling with distressing memories or emotional reactions.

Trauma can also be more complex. Some people have experienced repeated or prolonged difficult experiences, including those occurring earlier in life. In these circumstances, assessment, preparation and treatment may need to be adapted to the individual's needs.

EMDR isn't automatically the right treatment for every person or every difficulty, which is why a thorough assessment is important.

Can EMDR be provided online?

Yes. EMDR can be delivered online where this is clinically appropriate.

Online therapy can provide greater flexibility and allows you to access specialist treatment from the privacy and comfort of your own space, without needing to travel to appointments.

Before beginning EMDR, we'll consider whether online treatment is appropriate for you and discuss how sessions will work, including the form of bilateral stimulation we'll use.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

There isn't a single answer.

The number of sessions needed depends on factors including what you've experienced, whether there is one particular traumatic event or multiple experiences, how the difficulties are affecting you now and your individual circumstances.

Some people may be working with a relatively contained traumatic experience, while others have more complex or longstanding difficulties that require a longer period of therapy.

Following assessment, we'll develop a treatment plan together and regularly review how therapy is progressing.

Is EMDR the same as CBT?

No, although both are evidence-based psychological therapies that can be used in the treatment of trauma and PTSD.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including trauma-focused CBT, helps us understand the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviours and the patterns that may be keeping difficulties going.

EMDR focuses particularly on helping the brain process distressing memories and experiences.

As a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist who is also trained in EMDR, I can consider your individual difficulties and help determine which therapeutic approach may be most appropriate for you.

Finding EMDR therapy for trauma or PTSD

If traumatic experiences are continuing to affect your life, you don't have to wait until things become unbearable before seeking support.

I am a BABCP-accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with over 15 years' experience, offering CBT and EMDR therapy to adults online across the UK. I specialise in working with trauma and PTSD, alongside OCD and anxiety disorders.

I offer a free 15-minute consultation where we can briefly discuss what you're experiencing, answer any initial questions and consider whether I may be the right therapist for you.

Get in touch with Clear Head Therapy to arrange a free 15-minute consultation.