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EMDR Therapy

EMDR image.jpeg

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help the brain process distressing or traumatic experiences that feel “stuck”.

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When something overwhelming happens, the brain can store the memory in a fragmented way, including the emotions, body sensations and beliefs we held at the time. Years later, a current situation can trigger the same emotional or physical reaction, even when logically we know we are safe.

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EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories, so they feel resolved rather than raw. The memory remains, but it no longer carries the same emotional charge.

A Brief History

EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. She noticed that certain eye movements appeared to reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts. This observation led to a structured therapeutic approach which has since been extensively researched.

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EMDR is now recognised internationally and recommended in treatment guidelines for trauma and PTSD, including by organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

What Can EMDR Help With?

Although originally developed for trauma and PTSD, EMDR is helpful for a wide range of issues where past experiences are influencing present difficulties, including:

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  • Single incident trauma (accidents, assaults, medical events)

  • Childhood trauma or attachment wounds

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Phobias

  • Low self-esteem rooted in earlier experiences

  • Grief and complicated loss

  • Performance anxiety

  • Distressing memories that still feel vivid or intrusive

 

If something from your past still feels emotionally charged, even years later, EMDR may be appropriate.

Single Incident Traumas
Childhood Trauma
Anxiety &
panic
Phobias
Self-Esteem
Grief
Performance
Anxiety
Distressing
Memories

How I use EMDR in my Practice

EMDR is one of the approaches within my therapeutic toolkit. It is never imposed. We discuss together whether it feels appropriate and whether you would like to try it.

Bilateral stimulation (left-right stimulation of the brain) can be done in several ways:

  • Following moving lights

  • Hand-held pulsators

  • Headphones with bilateral music or tones

  • The “butterfly” self-tapping technique

 
Originally EMDR was conducted using the therapist’s finger moving backwards and forwards across the visual field. As the therapy has evolved, these additional methods have been developed, and many clients find them more comfortable and easier to use.

The Eight Phases of EMDR

EMDR is a structured process. Each phase has a clear purpose, and we only move forward when you feel ready.

1. History Taking

This is where we explore:

  • Your current difficulties

  • Relevant past experiences

  • Patterns that may be repeating

  • Triggers in the present

  • What you would like to feel or believe instead


We identify possible “target memories” that may be contributing to your current symptoms. Not every memory needs to be processed, and we work collaboratively to decide what is appropriate.

2. Preparation

Preparation is essential. EMDR is not about diving into trauma without support.

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During this phase we:

  • Explain the EMDR process clearly

  • Obtain verbal consent

  • Ensure you understand what to expect

  • Develop emotional regulation resources

 

These resources may include:

  • Safe or Calm Place imagery

  • Container exercises (for safely storing distressing material between sessions)

  • The Butterfly self-soothing technique

  • Grounding and breathing techniques

  • Other calming strategies tailored to you

 

You need to feel stable and equipped before any trauma processing begins.

3. Assessment

In this phase we identify:

  • The specific target memory

  • The most distressing image within that memory

  • The negative belief attached to it (e.g. “I am not safe”, “I am not good enough”)

  • The emotions connected to it

  • The body sensations linked to it

  • How distressing it feels currently

 

We also identify a positive belief you would prefer to hold (e.g. “I am safe now”, “I am enough”).

4. Desensitisation

This is the processing phase.

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Using bilateral stimulation (lights, pulsators or headphones), I guide you to notice what arises as your brain begins to process the memory. You are not asked to analyse or explain everything in detail. The brain does the work.

 

Memories, thoughts, emotions or body sensations may shift. The intensity of the distress gradually reduces.

 

You remain in control throughout. We pause whenever needed.

5. Installation

Once the distress associated with the memory has reduced significantly, we strengthen the positive belief identified earlier.

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For example, shifting from “I am powerless” to “I can cope now.”

 

Bilateral stimulation is again used to help this new belief feel more emotionally true and embodied.

6. Body Scan

Trauma is often stored in the body.

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In this phase you mentally scan your body while thinking of the original memory and the new positive belief. If any residual tension or discomfort remains, we process that until your body feels settled.

7. Closure

Each session ends carefully and deliberately.

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If processing is incomplete, we ensure you feel grounded and stable before leaving. We may use calming techniques, safe place work, or container exercises so that you leave feeling regulated.

8. Re-evaluation

At the start of the next session, we review:

  • How the memory feels now

  • Whether distress has remained low

  • Whether new material has emerged

  • Whether further processing is needed

 

EMDR is a phased and paced approach. Some memories resolve quickly; others require more time. There is no pressure to move faster than feels safe.

What to Expect

EMDR is not hypnosis and you are not out of control. You remain fully aware and able to speak throughout.

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Many clients describe the experience as allowing the brain to “digest” something that has been stuck for years. The memory becomes something that happened in the past, rather than something that feels as though it is still happening now.

 

If you are curious about whether EMDR may be helpful for you, we can discuss this within your initial sessions and decide together whether it is the right fit.

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

Laura – Age 41

I recently underwent EMDR with Jayne, and the results have been nothing short of life-changing. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been held back by something that affected every part of my life, but EMDR has finally helped me break free.

 

Since the treatment, I feel happier, more confident, and lighter. It’s like a weight I didn’t realise I was carrying has been lifted. This therapy has not only allowed me to move forward personally, but it’s also had a significant impact on my business. I’ve found the clarity and confidence to make my new venture more successful than I could have imagined.

 

I can’t thank Jayne enough for guiding me through this process. It’s truly transformational, and I highly recommend it.

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