Understanding EMDR

Have you ever felt like your mind understands something, but your body hasn’t got the message yet?

Perhaps a memory keeps replaying uninvited. A tightness in your chest appears when you least expect it. Or there’s a quiet belief about yourself — I’m not safe. I’m not good enough. It was my fault — that simply won’t shift, no matter how much you’ve talked about it or how hard you’ve tried.

You’re not broken. What you’re experiencing is a sign that your nervous system is holding onto something that hasn’t yet had the chance to fully process.

That’s where EMDR can help.

What is EMDR?

EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing — is a structured, gentle, and deeply researched therapy that works with the brain’s own natural capacity to heal.

When we experience something traumatic or overwhelming, the memory can become stored in a raw, frozen form — almost as though it is still happening right now. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (most commonly guided eye movements) to help the brain unlock that memory and reprocess it, so it can finally settle into the past where it belongs.

The memory doesn’t disappear. But it loses its grip. It becomes something that happened to you, rather than something that still defines you.

What does EMDR look like in practice?

One of the things I value most about EMDR is that you don’t need to recount every detail of what happened. You remain awake, present, and fully in control throughout the entire process.

We also don’t move into the most difficult material straight away. In the earlier stages of our work together, we focus on building your inner resources and grounding tools — so that you feel safe and steady before we begin. Then, at a pace that genuinely respects where you are, we work through the memories, beliefs, and body sensations that have been keeping you stuck.

Healing isn’t about erasing your story. It’s about helping your mind and body finally know that the difficult chapter has ended — and that you get to write what comes next.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR was originally developed for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and is now used more broadly across a range of presentations. It may be helpful for:

  • Single-event trauma, such as accidents, assaults, or natural disasters
  • Childhood abuse, neglect, or developmental trauma
  • Grief and loss
  • Anxiety and panic
  • Phobias
  • Disturbing memories that continue to feel emotionally charged
  • Persistent negative beliefs about yourself that feel resistant to change

Is EMDR right for me?

EMDR is one approach among several I draw on. In our initial sessions, we’ll take the time to explore your history, your current needs, and what feels right for you — and together we’ll determine whether EMDR, or another therapeutic approach, is the most appropriate fit at this point in your journey.

I also integrate Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems, mindfulness, and other modalities, so your treatment can be thoughtfully tailored to you as a whole person.

If you have questions about EMDR, or would like to explore whether it might be a good fit for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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