EMDR involves using side to side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured format. It helps to process the negative images, emotions, beliefs and body sensations associated with distressing memories that are stuck and can contribute to a range of mental health problems. EMDR helps you to see things from a different perspective and relief from the symptoms you were suffering.

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What Can EMDR help with?

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EMDR is best known as a therapy for treating trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a treatment for PTSD. However, it can be used to help with a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioural difficulties, relationship issues and more serious mental illnesses such as psychosis and personality disorders.

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How does EMDR work?

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EMDR has a specific structure including assessment of your current symptoms and coping strategies, as well as understanding how your past has shaped your present.

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It is an information processing therapy that involves accessing the traumatic memories whilst experiencing bi-lateral stimulation. Bi-lateral stimulation involves stimulating either side of your brain alternately. This can be achieved by guided eye movements, listening to sounds, tapping or vibration. The eye movements simulate the rapid eye movements (REM) we naturally experience during processing as we sleep. This shifts unprocessed experiences that are dysfunctionally stored in implicit memory to the explicit memory where they are processed and desensitised.

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Is EMDR suitable for everyone?

 

Bi-lateral stimulation via eye movement is not recommended for people with some eye conditions or epilepsy. However, bi-lateral stimulation can also be achieved through sound or vibration.

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