EMDR TREATMENT
How EMDR Helps
Many people come to therapy knowing that something from the past is still affecting them, even if they cannot fully explain how or why. You may notice strong emotional reactions, anxiety, self-doubt, or patterns that do not make sense logically. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy approach that helps reduce the emotional intensity of painful or overwhelming experiences.
When something distressing happens, the brain does not always fully process the experience. Instead, it can become “stuck,” and present-day situations may trigger old feelings as if the past is happening now. EMDR helps the brain process and integrate these memories in a healthier way, so they no longer feel as overwhelming or intrusive. You remain in control throughout the process. We move at a pace that feels safe and manageable. Preparation and stabilisation are always established before any memory processing begins. You do not need to share every detail of your experience for EMDR to be effective.
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol developed by Francine Shapiro and is widely used in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, and distress linked to adverse life experiences. My approach to EMDR is always relational and carefully paced, grounded in the belief that healing happens not through force, but through safety, attunement, and respect for each person’s unique process.
At its core, EMDR supports the brain’s natural capacity to heal — allowing past experiences to feel like something that happened then, rather than something you are still living in now.
EMDR with Children and Adolescents
Children and teenagers often struggle to articulate the impact of difficult experiences. Trauma may show up as anxiety, mood changes, behavioural shifts, sleep difficulties, or a drop in functioning at school.
EMDR can be adapted developmentally and delivered in ways that feel safe and appropriate for younger clients. With children, the process may include drawing, storytelling, or other age-appropriate methods alongside bilateral stimulation. With adolescents, the work is collaborative and paced carefully to ensure emotional safety. Parental involvement, where appropriate, forms part of the stabilisation process, ensuring that the child or teenager feels supported both in and outside of sessions.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR may be helpful if:
You feel emotionally “triggered” by situations that logically should not feel as intense.
You are aware of past experiences that still carry emotional weight.
You struggle with recurring negative beliefs about yourself (for example, “I’m not good enough,” “I’m not safe,” or “It was my fault”).
Anxiety, panic, or avoidance patterns feel connected to earlier experiences.
You would like a structured, evidence-based approach to processing trauma.
EMDR is not about reliving the past. It is about helping your nervous system update it. During an initial consultation, we would explore whether EMDR is appropriate for your current needs and ensure that sufficient stabilisation and coping resources are in place before beginning any trauma processing.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
Is EMDR safe?
Yes. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy used internationally in the treatment of trauma and anxiety. Safety and stabilisation form an essential part of the process. Before any memory processing begins, we ensure that you have the internal and external resources needed to feel contained and supported. The work is always collaborative and paced appropriately.
Will I have to relive my trauma?
No. EMDR does not require you to retell every detail of a painful experience. While you will briefly bring a memory to mind, the focus is on helping your brain reprocess it in a way that reduces its emotional intensity. The goal is not to re-experience the event, but to allow your nervous system to recognise that it is no longer happening.
How long does EMDR take?
The length of EMDR therapy varies from person to person. Some single-incident traumas may be processed relatively efficiently, while more complex or developmental trauma requires a longer period of stabilisation and phased work. We would discuss your individual needs and expectations during the assessment process and review progress regularly.
Can EMDR be used for anxiety or issues not related to “big trauma”?
Yes. EMDR is not only for major traumatic events. It can also be effective for anxiety, panic, phobias, negative self-beliefs, performance anxiety, and distress linked to relational or developmental experiences. Often, symptoms that feel disproportionate in the present are connected to earlier experiences that have not been fully processed.
Is EMDR suitable for children and teenagers?
Yes. EMDR can be adapted developmentally and used safely with children and adolescents. The approach is modified to suit the child’s age and emotional capacity, and parental involvement is included where appropriate to ensure support beyond the therapy room.
Closing
If you are wondering whether EMDR may be helpful for you or your child, we can explore this together in an initial consultation. Therapy is not about rushing into difficult material, but about creating a space where safety, trust, and readiness guide the process. Should EMDR form part of your therapeutic journey, it will be approached thoughtfully, collaboratively, and at a pace that honours your capacity and needs.
