EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR Therapy for Trauma

EMDR or it to give the approach its full name is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a very specific evidence based trauma treatment which is used to treat symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Although commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR can also be used to treat other conditions in which disturbing memories play a part.

How does EMDR therapy work?

When a traumatic event happens, the strong emotions we experience can interfere with our ability to completely process the experience and that moment or experience can become “frozen in time.” When this happens recalling the traumatic event may feel as though we are reliving the event all over again because the images, smells, sounds, and feelings are still there and can be triggered in the present.

When triggered these memories cause a negative impact on our daily functioning and interfere with the way we see ourselves and our world, and how we relate to others. EMDR therapy directly affects the brain, helping to “unfreeze” the traumatic memories, and allowing you to resolve them. Over time the disturbing memory and associated beliefs, feelings, sensations become more integrated into our memory so when we think about the situation we don’t feel like we are reliving it. EMDR does not get rid of the memory, the memory is still there, but it is less upsetting.

EMDR uses left to right eye movements which help relieves the anxiety associated with the trauma so that the original event can be examined from a more detached perspective, somewhat like watching a movie of what happened. This enables you to access ways of thinking about the original trauma, or reprocessing the trauma, which allows your body to release stored negative emotional responses which reduce the bodies reaction to it, this is known in EMDR as desensitization.

How do I access EMDR Therapy?

The first step is to contact us so we can arrange a face to face appointment at My Sisters Place office on Borough Road where you will be greeted by a member of the counselling team. This is an opportunity for you to find out more about EMDR and ask any questions you may have that will put you at ease. Feel free to write down questions prior to the appointment if that helps.

You can arrange an appointment by contacting the Counselling Team directly on 01642 256036. Sometimes we may not be able to answer your call immediately but you can leave a voicemail message leaving your name and a contact number and a member of the team will contact you to arrange the appointment.

During the appointment we will explain in more detail what EMDR is and what you can expect during your EMDR therapy.

At the end of the appointment if you feel EMDR is the most appropriate therapy for you your request will be progressed and how you will be contacted when a start date becomes available. We know that taking the decision to address our past can feel daunting so there is no obligation to go ahead at this time, if you need time to think about it, that’s ok too, you can re-contact us at anytime and let us know. We appreciate that it has to feel like the right time for you.

Due to the demand for EMDR within the service waiting times may be longer however you will be given some indication at your face to face appointment.

Click here to find out more about EMDR

My Sisters Place Counselling and Therapeutic Services are a BACP Accredited Service.

As a BACP Accredited Service My Sisters Place Counselling and Therapeutic Services works within the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions