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EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing is an evidence-based process, used to re-process memories and traumatic material that are causing someone distress. EMDR seeks to promote the optimum conditions for the mind to move through 'stuckness' and into a state of flow. 

EMDR is endorsed by the NHS, the World Health Organisation, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

A wide variety of challenges, including:

  • Trauma

  • PTSD

  • Anxiety & Depression

  • Phobias

  •  Stress Reduction

  • Addiction and Substance misuse

  • Relationship issues

  • Grief

How does it work?

EMDR used bilateral stimulation (BLS), which means experiences that move left and right rhythmically, at varying speeds. This can be eye tracking with a light bar or following a hand, holding buzzers, tapping your shoulders, or listening to sounds that move from ear to ear.  

There are a few theories about why BLS works, and it’s likely to be a combination of all of them. It enables the brain to process information deeply by mimicking REM sleep. BLS alone has been shown to reduce bio-markers associated with stress, so it has a physiological calming effect. It taxes working memory, thereby giving more free access to divergent modes of thinking. BLS creates a sort of mental noise that makes it smoother and easier to do deeper processing. I take all of this to mean that EMDR enables someone to do what they are already naturally capable of doing, it just facilitates and accelerates it. 

A Typical EMDR session involves

Identifying and targeting mental blocks, memories, and imagined scenarios in your future, present, or past.

Apply BLS to instigate novel processing

Notice what happens and what emerges 

Think of it like removing stones from a blocked river. 

Past

Present

Future

Towards the end of the session there will hopefully be new insights and novel perspectives that emerge naturally. The river will be naturally flowing again.

 

It’s my job to attune to you, hold the structure, and then get out of the way of the brain and body's natural processing!

  • I offer a free 20 minute call to explore questions and to get to know one another.

  • In the initial session you can expect to discuss your presenting issues, and discuss your history, all whilst building a rapport with me as the therapist. 

  • EMDR works on a session by session basis.

  • It can be a short term intervention, or be a part of a longer psychotherapy process.

  • Sessions are usually 50 mins or 75mins for longer processing sessions.

  • EMDR requires preparation, in varying degrees depending on what you're struggling with. So it might be that we can start EMDR processing from session 2, but sometimes a slower approach is safer. Everyone's case is unique and different. 

  • My office is in Y Felinheli, or we can work on Zoom/Facetime.  I can also visit your workplace but this will incur extra expense.

  • Sessions fees are £60 for 50 minutes and £90 for 75 minutes.

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