EMDR Therapy - What is it and how does it help?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps you process trauma without reliving it.
Using alternating bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping), it allows the brain to reprocess distressing memories so they no longer trigger intense emotions. This well-researched, safe therapy has helped many people process and heal from trauma or distressing experiences.
Originally created by Francine Shapiro, PhD for single trauma incidents (like emergency services responders or road accident victims), EMDR has now been researched and adapted for other traumatic experiences like relational and attachment trauma (ie. developmental trauma, abusive relationships, experiencing chronically high stress situations).
Changing the memories that form the way we see ourselves also changes the way we view others. Therefore, our relationships, job performance, what we are willing to do or are able to resist, all move in a positive direction.
— Dr. Francine Shapiro
EMDR is effective for:
- PTSD + cPTSD
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Self-worth issues
- Chronic Pain related to traumatic events
Trauma isn’t just about ‘big’ events - it’s also the small, unresolved experiences that shape how we see ourselves and how we show up in life and in our relationships every day.
And don't worry - it’s not hypnosis and it doesn’t erase memories; it simply helps your brain store past experiences in a way that feels safer and less overwhelming.
So how does it work in session with psychotherapist Christine?
EMDR is available for my psychotherapy clients to help resolve symptoms from PTSD, anxiety, phobias and persistent stress. We begin by getting to know each other, understanding your history, your symptoms and your goals over several sessions. Then we start building resources; these are images or tools you can use to keep yourself grounded, safe, and in control during the EMDR processing. From here we can move into EMDR protocol, processing specific events in a structured, slow and very safe way and always within your window of tolerance. There is no 'homework' needed after an EMDR session, and it is more time efficient, less confronting, and easier to complete than traditional talk therapies, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Want to find out if it's right for you?
Book a complimentary call with Christine Davies - Psychotherapist here.
