EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people process distressing memories and experiences so they no longer exert the same emotional or psychological hold in the present. It was originally developed to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but research has shown that EMDR is also highly effective for a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and low self-esteem.

How does EMDR work?
When something overwhelming happens, our brains sometimes struggle to process the experience in the usual way. Memories can remain “stuck” — stored with the same vividness, sensations, and emotions as when the event occurred. As a result, reminders of the experience can trigger intense distress, even years later.

EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they can be integrated into the wider memory network. This is done through bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements, or sometimes alternating taps or sounds. While engaging in these movements, clients recall aspects of the distressing experience in a safe and contained way. Over time, the memory becomes less intrusive, loses its emotional intensity, and is stored in a more adaptive, less disruptive way.

EEffectiveness of EMDR
A large body of clinical research has shown EMDR to be highly effective in reducing symptoms of trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Many studies also suggest that EMDR can bring about meaningful change in fewer sessions compared to some traditional forms of talk therapy. Importantly, its benefits are not limited to trauma alone — EMDR has been found to help with a wide range of difficulties, including phobias, grief, and self-esteem issues.

Consequenly, EMDR is a flexible, evidence-based approach that can be integrated into wider therapeutic work or used to target specific issues directly.

Online or in-person — both effective
In my practice, EMDR is available online or in person, and both formats are effective. Recent research supports the use of EMDR in online therapy, demonstrating outcomes comparable to in-person sessions. Many clients value this flexibility, especially when distance, mobility, or scheduling makes attending in person difficult.

How I use EMDR in practice
For some clients, EMDR is used to work directly on specific problems — such as a traumatic memory, phobia, or recurring anxiety. For others, EMDR is woven into the broader therapeutic process, complementing talking therapy to support deeper emotional healing and integration. My approach is always tailored to each individual, ensuring EMDR is used in a way that feels safe, supportive, and aligned with your goals for therapy.

References

  • Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. 3rd Edition. Guilford Press.
  • Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing for patients with posttraumatic-stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS ONE, 9(8).
  • Watts, B. V., Schnurr, P. P., Mayo, L., Young-Xu, Y., Weeks, W. B., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). Meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. J Clin Psychiatry, 74(6), e541–e550.