EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing — an evidence-based trauma therapy recommended by NICE and the NHS. Available in Knebworth, Hertfordshire and online.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Developed in the late 1980s, it has become one of the most extensively researched treatments for trauma and is recommended by the NHS and World Health Organization.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to talk in detail about distressing events or complete homework assignments. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but sometimes tapping or sounds) to help your brain process stuck memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge.
How Does EMDR Work?
When we experience something traumatic or deeply distressing, our brain's natural processing system can become overwhelmed. The memory gets stored along with the emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs from that time – which is why trauma can feel so present, even years later.
EMDR appears to help the brain resume its natural healing process. During sessions, while you briefly focus on a disturbing memory, I'll guide you through sets of bilateral eye movements (or other forms of stimulation). This seems to help the brain "unstick" and reprocess the memory, so it can be stored as a normal memory rather than continuing to cause distress.
Many people find that after EMDR, they can still remember what happened, but it no longer carries the same emotional intensity. They feel differently about themselves and the experience.
What Can EMDR Help With?
While EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research has shown it can be effective for many other issues:
- – Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- – Complex trauma and childhood abuse
- – Anxiety and panic attacks
- – Phobias and fears
- – Grief and loss
- – Performance anxiety
- – Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs
- – Distressing memories that feel "stuck"
What to Expect in EMDR Sessions
Phase 1: History and Preparation
We'll begin by understanding your history and what you'd like to work on. I'll explain EMDR in detail and ensure you have coping strategies in place. We won't rush into processing – building a foundation of safety and trust is essential.
Phase 2: Resourcing
Before processing distressing material, we'll develop your internal resources – techniques for calming yourself and managing any distress that arises. This might include creating a "safe place" or "calm place" visualization.
Phases 3-6: Assessment and Processing
When you're ready, we'll identify a specific memory to work with. You'll hold that memory in mind while following my fingers (or another form of bilateral stimulation) back and forth. You'll notice what comes up – thoughts, feelings, body sensations – and we'll continue until the memory feels less disturbing.
Phases 7-8: Closure and Re-evaluation
Each session ends with ensuring you feel stable and grounded. We'll check in at the start of subsequent sessions to see how you've been and whether additional processing is needed.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR can be powerful, but it's not suitable for everyone or every situation. During our initial consultation, we'll discuss your history, current circumstances, and therapy goals to determine whether EMDR would be appropriate and beneficial for you.
EMDR works best when you have some stability in your current life and can tolerate bringing up difficult material. If you're in crisis or experiencing severe dissociation, we may need to focus on stabilization work first.
EMDR as Part of Integrative Therapy
I offer EMDR as part of my integrative, trauma-informed approach. This means we can combine EMDR with other therapeutic approaches as needed. Some clients use EMDR alongside regular counselling sessions, while others focus primarily on EMDR for specific issues.
We'll work together to find the approach that best suits your needs and pace.
Fees for EMDR Sessions
Extended 75-minute sessions are often recommended for EMDR to allow sufficient time for processing and grounding.
Getting Started
If you're interested in exploring whether EMDR might help you, I offer a free 20-minute consultation where we can discuss your situation and answer any questions you have. There's no obligation – it's simply a chance to see if this approach feels right for you.
Process Difficult Memories
EMDR helps your brain naturally process traumatic or distressing memories that have become 'stuck'.
Reduce Emotional Distress
Many clients experience significant reduction in the intensity of emotions tied to past experiences.
Build Inner Resources
Develop greater resilience and new, healthier beliefs about yourself and your experiences.
Faster Results
EMDR can sometimes achieve results more quickly than traditional talk therapy alone.
In-person & online
EMDR in Hertfordshire
I offer EMDR in Hertfordshire from my therapy room in Knebworth. The location is convenient if you are travelling from Stevenage, Hitchin, Hatfield, Welwyn, Welwyn Garden City, Letchworth, Baldock, St Albans, Hertford or nearby areas, with parking available close by.
Online EMDR is also available across Hertfordshire and the rest of the UK, so you can access specialist trauma support even if you cannot make it to Knebworth in person. Many clients find online EMDR sessions just as effective and appreciate the flexibility.
EMDR is a NICE-recommended treatment for PTSD and can help with trauma, anxiety, phobias, and distressing memories. If you would like to explore whether EMDR is right for you, I offer a free 20-minute consultation.