Eye movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

What is eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR)?

EMDR stands for ‘eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing’ and it is a form of psychotherapy that helps to overcome memories of past traumas or upsetting experiences that are negatively impacting your mental health and wellbeing.

It involves using side to side eye movements combined with talk therapy in a specific and structured format.

EMDR addresses issues involving the past, present, and future by targeting past experiences, current triggers, and future potential challenges.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR therapy is best known to help with:

• Trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

EMDR can also be used to treat a variety of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioural challenges, and sometimes more serious mental health issues as well.

What are the benefits of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy?

 There are several benefits to EMDR that have been reported by both patients and mental health professionals.

One of the key benefits of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is its ability to help individuals process traumatic memories in a safe and controlled environment. This type of therapy can help to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and decrease the emotional distress associated with them.

By helping individuals to process and reframe negative experiences, EMDR can reduce feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and anxiety. This can lead to improved self-esteem, greater emotional stability, and better overall mental health.

How EMDR is delivered

In an Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) session, your therapist will invite you to remember the upsetting event while you move your eyes from side to side, usually to follow the movement of your therapist’s finger, or in time to small sounds.

Your therapist will ask you to notice what comes to mind after each noise. This process will be repeated, until the memories of the traumatic event become less upsetting to you.

Although this sounds unusual, you will remain fully in control and alert during the sessions. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is not a form of hypnosis, and you can choose to end a session at any time. Your therapist will give you the support you need.