EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is now widely used to support people experiencing a range of psychological difficulties, particularly where past experiences continue to affect how they feel, think, and relate to others.
EMDR is thought to work in a similar way to the natural processing that occurs during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, when the brain processes experiences and integrates memories. EMDR therapy works by re-creating these eye movements and bilateral stimulation manually.
When something distressing happens, particularly if it feels overwhelming at the time, the brain may not be able to fully process the experience. As a result, the memory can become “stuck” or unprocessed. This can mean that when something in the present triggers that memory — sometimes in ways that are not immediately obvious — you may feel as though you are re-experiencing aspects of the original event. Some report that they re-experience certain smells, tastes or flashbacks and this can be quite intense. People will often try to avoid certain situations or thinking about the distressing event in order to avoid these overwhelming feelings.
EMDR helps to unlock and reprocess these stuck memories so they can be stored in a more adaptive and less distressing way.
During EMDR therapy, bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping) is used while you focus on aspects of the memory. This process supports the brain’s natural ability to process information, allowing the memory to become less emotionally intense and more integrated.
Rather than erasing memories, EMDR helps them to feel like something that happened in the past, rather than something that continues to affect you in the present.
Many clients also find that, as the distressing memories seem to lose their emotional intensity and they stop having nightmares, flashbacks and do no longer feel constrained and affected by the experiences in a negative way. Instead, they are able to access new ways of making use of their experience and remember other aspects, develop a greater sense of self-understanding, and move forward with more freedom and resilience.
EMDR is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) as an effective treatment for PTSD.
For more information about EMDR, visit the EMDR Association UK website.
What Does EMDR Feel Like?
Everyone experiences EMDR slightly differently, but many clients notice a deepened connection with their thoughts and feelings during the process. You may find that your mind begins to make spontaneous links between different experiences, or become aware of shifts in physical sensations, tension, or energy within the body.
This all takes place in a safe and contained way, with your therapist supporting you throughout. Many people are surprised by how change and insight can emerge naturally — often in ways they had not expected.
Being accompanied through this process can help you feel deeply understood, supported, and less alone in your experience. I am an accredited EMDR practitioner with extensive experience supporting clients with trauma and complex presentations.
You can watch the videos below to see a simple animation explaining EMDR, along with a demonstration of how EMDR therapy works in practice.
Online Therapy is not suitable for you if you are in crisis.
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