EMDR THERAPY
EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, and much of its research base lies in this area. However, it has since been found to be effective for a wide range of issues, including:
- Eating Disorders
- Stress
- Anxiety, including social anxiety and specific phobias
- Depression
- OCD
- Grief
- CPTSD
At TRC, we understand that past experiences, trauma and childhood wounding can profoundly affect our lives and disrupt our day-to-day functioning. One aspect of this is distressing memories from the past; the other aspect is how our system has responded and reacted to events and experiences from the past that we might not even realise are still affecting us now.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps clients deeply heal using something called bilateral stimulation (such as activating the body from side to side), with the aim of processing distress still associated with any conscious or unconscious memories that are causing present day havoc on the system.
How does it work?
When we experience intense or overwhelming emotions, the brain’s ability to process those experiences can be disrupted – causing the memory to become “stuck” or “frozen in time”. Without being properly processed or “filed away”, these memories can resurface and disrupt your day with their vivid detail, often causing significant distress.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (engaging both sides of the brain) to support the reprocessing of such memories. This might include playing sounds in alternating ears, moving the eyes from side to side, or gently tapping alternating shoulders or knees.
While EMDR is supported by rigorous research, the exact way in which it works remains something of a mystery. Many experts believe it is linked to the same processes that occur during REM sleep – when the brain naturally processes emotional experiences through eye movements and dreaming.
The original EMDR protocols have been adapted in recent years as a natural evolution. Our therapists are trained in Laurel Parnel’s Attachment Focussed EMDR, Mark Brayne’s Attachment Informed EMDR, and, more recently, some of them incorporate Internal Family Systems (IFS) which is a beautiful therapeutic approach developed by Richard C. Schwartz. All of these approaches can be especially helpful with more complex issues and with those where there are stuck patterns of behaviour or thinking, and when the past memories are held more deeply in the unconscious.
What can I expect from EMDR?
EMDR therapy follows eight distinct phases – or a variation of, which your therapist will guide you through:
- History taking: At this stage, your therapist will get to know you and your presenting concerns. Together, you’ll identify the issues you want to work on in therapy.
- Preparation: Your therapist will explain how EMDR works and begin building a strong, trusting relationship with you. You’ll also develop coping strategies and grounding techniques to manage distress during the process.
- Assessment: You and your therapist will select a specific memory to target. You’ll identify the associated images, beliefs, feelings, and body sensations.
- Desensitisation: This is when bilateral stimulation begins (via eye movements, tapping, or sounds). While recalling the memory, the stimulation helps to reprocess the experience and reduce associated distress.
- Installation: Once the negative emotions linked to the memory have been processed, you’ll replace them with positive beliefs and work to strengthen and reinforce these.
- Body scan: Holding the memory in mind, you’ll scan your body for any lingering tension or discomfort. If any remains, you and your therapist will continue processing until it’s resolved.
- Closure: Each session that involves reprocessing will end with closure, helping you return to a calm, grounded state – regardless of whether the memory has been fully processed.
- Reevaluate: At the beginning of your next session, you’ll revisit the previously processed memories to make sure distress levels remain low and that the positive beliefs are still strong.
By the end of the EMDR process, memories should feel like they belong to the past and should no longer be triggered by situations in our current life.
FAQs
How many sessions are normally required?
The number of sessions varies depending on your needs. A typical course of EMDR may involve six to twelve sessions, though more complex cases may require more sessions. How ready you are to engage with traumatic memories will also influence the process. At TRC, our EMDR specialists will work closely with you to figure out how many sessions you might need to reach your therapeutic goals.
Can EMDR be delivered in combination with other therapies?
Absolutely. EMDR is highly effective as a standalone treatment, but it can also be integrated with other types of therapy. At TRC, we take a holistic approach – designing bespoke treatment plans that draw on the expertise of our multidisciplinary team to meet your unique needs.
Is EMDR suitable for everyone?
EMDR can be helpful for many people, but it may not be the right fit in every case. For those experiencing active crisis, severe dissociation, or lacking internal coping strategies, preparatory work may be needed first. At TRC, we always carry out a thorough assessment to ensure EMDR is introduced safely and appropriately, based on where you are in your therapeutic journey.
Will I have to talk about traumatic memories in detail?
Unlike some other therapies, EMDR does not require you to talk through the full details of distressing events. The focus is more on what you notice internally (thoughts, images, emotions, and body sensations) while the memory is being processed. This can make EMDR more accessible for people who find it difficult to verbalise their experiences.
OUR SPECIALISTS
Giulia Sciannandrone
CBT Therapist, EMDR Therapist, BSc, MSc, PGDip CBT, (Reg BABCP)
What Our Clients Say
ADDITIONAL READING
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