Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence based psychotherapy that enables people to recover from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. There is considerable evidence to show that people who use EMDR therapy experience benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.  When you cut your hand, your body works to close the wound.  If a foreign object or repeated injury irritates the wound, it festers and causes pain.  Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  EMDR therapy demonstrates that a similar sequence of events occurs with mental processes.  The brain’s information processing system naturally moves towards mental health.  If the system is blocked or imbalanced by the impact of a disturbing event, the emotional wound festers and can cause intense suffering. Once the block is removed, healing resumes.  A therapist has to be specifically trained in EMDR to qualify to use it and continue to attend specialised supervision.

EMDR is an evidence based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. However, it is also used within longer term individual psychotherapy for anxiety, phobias, grief and low self esteem. For the most part, your therapist might offer it if it is clear that negative memories are having an impact in the here and now for the person.

EMDR for PTSD we would recommend 20 sessions, with the processing sessions being 1hr 30mins. If you are incorporating EMDR into your individual psychotherapy sessions then the number of sessions focused on EMDR processing would need to be discussed with your therapist.

To talk to us please complete the form and we aim to get back to you within 24 hours to arrange an initial consultation.