Therapeutic approach
Healing trauma through the body's natural processing system.
EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with the brain's natural ability to process and integrate difficult memories.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It was developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is now recognised as a leading treatment for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and a wide range of distressing experiences.
During EMDR, your therapist guides you through a series of bilateral stimulation — typically side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds — while you briefly focus on a traumatic memory. This activates the brain's natural information processing system, allowing the memory to be 'digested' and stored in a way that no longer causes distress.
EMDR is highly effective for trauma and PTSD, but is also used for anxiety, panic attacks, grief, phobias, depression, childhood trauma, and negative beliefs about the self. Many clients notice significant shifts after just a few sessions.
Sessions begin with stabilisation and resourcing — building your capacity to feel safe and grounded. Your therapist will then gently guide you through the processing phases at your own pace. You are always in control, and the pace is led entirely by you.