Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed to help people process traumatic or distressing experiences. When overwhelming events are not fully processed at the time they occur, memories can remain stored in a way that continues to trigger anxiety, fear, shame or other intense reactions long after the event has passed.

EMDR supports the brain’s natural capacity to process these memories so they become integrated as part of your past rather than something that continues to feel present and emotionally charged. This approach follows an eight-phase protocol, including careful preparation and stabilisation before any memory processing begins.

A distinctive feature of EMDR is the use of bilateral (left–right) stimulation while briefly focusing on aspects of a memory. This may involve guided eye movements, or alternating hand taps. Many people notice shifts occurring relatively quickly; for others, change unfolds more gradually across sessions.

EMDR can be used as a standalone treatment or integrated into ongoing therapy. For recent or single-incident trauma, it can sometimes lead to relatively rapid relief. When working with more complex or developmental trauma, a longer preparation phase may be needed to ensure the work proceeds safely and at an appropriate pace.

Importantly, you do not need to describe traumatic events in detail in order to benefit from EMDR.

Sessions are typically 90 minutes to allow sufficient time for preparation and processing.

Sessions are charged at £120.