Allene Hatherell
Psychotherapy & Counselling
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured form of psychotherapy originally developed to help people process traumatic experiences.
When something distressing happens, memories of the experience can sometimes remain associated with intense emotions, physical sensations and beliefs about ourselves. Situations in the present can then trigger responses that feel connected to something that happened in the past.
EMDR aims to help the brain process these experiences so that memories can become less distressing and have less influence over how you feel and respond in the present.
What happens during EMDR?
EMDR involves more than eye movements. We begin by understanding what has brought you to therapy, exploring relevant experiences and making sure you have ways of managing distress before processing work begins.
When we are ready, you will be guided to focus on aspects of a memory or experience while using bilateral stimulation. This means alternating stimulation between the left and right sides of the body and can involve guided eye movements or other methods.
You remain awake, aware and in control throughout. You also don't necessarily need to describe every detail of a difficult experience for EMDR work to take place.
Is EMDR only for trauma & PTSD?
EMDR is strongly associated with trauma and PTSD because this is where the approach was originally developed and has a substantial evidence base.
Its use has since expanded, and EMDR may be incorporated into therapy for other psychological difficulties where distressing memories or past experiences are contributing to what someone is experiencing in the present.
Whether EMDR is appropriate depends on the individual rather than simply on a diagnosis. We will consider your experiences, needs and circumstances before deciding whether EMDR should form part of your therapy.
Is EMDR right for me?
You do not need to decide whether you need EMDR before contacting me.
Our initial assessment gives us time to understand what has brought you to therapy, your experiences and what you would like support with. We can then consider whether EMDR or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate.
I work integratively, so therapy does not have to follow one approach throughout. We can review how the work is progressing and adapt where appropriate.
Starting EMDR therapy
EMDR is a structured approach, and assessment and preparation form an important part of the therapeutic process.
1
Initial assessment
We begin by discussing what has brought you to therapy, your experiences and what you would like support with.
2
Agree an approach
We consider whether EMDR is appropriate for you and discuss how it may form part of your therapy.
3
Work at your pace
Therapy progresses at a pace appropriate to you, with time to review how the work is going and discuss any concerns.
You don't have to choose EMDR before contacting me. I work integratively and can draw on different therapeutic approaches according to what is appropriate for you.