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Positive Outcomes Psychology
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EMDR Therapy:
How it works, Who it helps, and What to expect in sessions
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured psychological therapy developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is a widely researched treatment in psychology, and is recognised by The World Health Organisation as an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR helps individuals process distressing experiences, memories, and beliefs that may continue to affect how they feel, think, and respond in the present. During EMDR, the psychologist guides the client through specific eye movements to unblock emotional processes that have been stagnant due to distress. You can reprogram your brain in a sense, to begin to heal from the fear and pain associated with trauma and emotional distress.
EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of a distressing experience. The focus is on helping the brain and nervous system process experiences that may continue to feel emotionally or physically distressing, rather than simply talking through what happened.
While EMDR is widely recognised for its use in treating trauma and PTSD, it can also be used as part of treatment for a broader range of difficulties. This may include anxiety, phobias, depression, grief, chronic pain and distress associated with negative beliefs about ourselves.
EMDR and Negative Core Beliefs
Our experiences can shape the beliefs we develop about ourselves, such as "I'm not good enough", "I'm not safe", "I'm powerless" or "I'm unlovable". These beliefs can influence our thoughts, emotions, behaviours and relationships, sometimes long after the experiences that contributed to them have passed.
EMDR can be used to work with the experiences and beliefs underlying these patterns, helping people develop a different relationship with themselves and their experiences.
Why EMDR?
EMDR helps the brain process distressing experiences, unhelpful beliefs, and emotional patterns that contribute to psychological difficulties. Unlike traditional talk therapy alone, EMDR works directly with the way memories and experiences are stored in the brain, allowing emotional intensity to reduce and more adaptive beliefs to emerge. This structured approach can develop more helpful perspectives and beliefs, often helping clients move forward more efficiently and with greater emotional clarity. For many people, this can support greater confidence, self-esteem and a stronger sense of their own capabilities.
How EMDR Works?
EMDR helps your brain do what it is naturally designed to do, process experiences in a healthy way. Sometimes stressful events, strong emotions, or negative beliefs can feel 'stuck', continuing to trigger anxiety, low mood, or distress long after the situation has passed. In EMDR sessions, we gently identify the memories or patterns connected to your current difficulties and use guided eye movements to help your brain reprocess them. As this happens, the emotional charge reduces, unhelpful beliefs begin to shift, and many people find they feel calmer, clearer and more in control in everyday life.
Ready to explore whether EMDR is right for you?
Book an appointment today.
Who it Helps?
EMDR can help adults and adolescents experiencing a wide range of psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, phobias, stress, low self-confidence and persistent negative thoughts. It can also help when you feel stuck in repeating emotional or relationship patterns that may be connected to earlier experiences or deeply held beliefs.
By processing these experiences, EMDR can help reduce emotional distress, shift unhelpful beliefs and support healthier, more confident ways of responding.
What to Expect When Starting EMDR?
Starting therapy can feel easier when you know what to expect. Our EMDR treatment process is structured, with each stage designed to help you feel informed, prepared and comfortable with the work ahead.
We’ve created a short video series that walks you through what happens during the first, second and subsequent sessions, including how assessment, treatment planning and EMDR processing fit into the process.
For more in depth information about EMDR,
click on the links below: