EMDR FAQs

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people process traumatic memories, negative beliefs, and overwhelming emotions. It uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess "stuck" experiences so they no longer feel distressing or define how you see yourself.

EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, but it's now used to treat a wide range of issues, including:

* Trauma (both single-event and complex)

* Sexual trauma and betrayal trauma

* Anxiety, panic, and phobias

* Imposter syndrome and low self-esteem

* Grief, heartbreak, and loss

* Shame and chronic self-doubt

* Childhood emotional neglect or abuse

While talk therapy focuses on insight and discussion, EMDR targets how experiences are stored in the brain and body. You don’t have to go into full detail about painful events. Instead, EMDR works with your brain’s natural capacity to heal—processing old memories so they stop triggering distress in the present.

EMDR intensives are extended sessions—half-day, full-day, or multiple days—designed to accelerate healing. They're ideal if you want to work through something quickly and deeply, or if weekly therapy doesn’t suit your lifestyle or needs. Many clients make significant progress in just a few sessions.

An intensive might be a good fit if you:

* Have a specific issue you want to work through

* Prefer to go deeper without the stop-start of weekly therapy

* Are stable and resourced enough to tolerate more focused emotional work

* Want to supplement ongoing therapy with another therapist 

We’ll always have a consultation beforehand to assess if this format suits you.

No. One of the benefits of EMDR is that it doesn’t require you to relive every detail. You’ll identify a “target memory,” but most of the work happens internally as your brain processes and re-integrates the experience. You’ll be supported and in control throughout.

This varies. Some clients feel significant relief after just a few sessions; others benefit from longer-term work, especially if there’s complex trauma or multiple issues. We’ll discuss your goals and decide together what feels manageable and meaningful for you.

Yes—EMDR is a safe, evidence-based treatment used worldwide. That said, it’s important to work at your own pace. If at any point the process feels overwhelming, we slow down, return to safety, and adjust the approach. Preparation and grounding are key parts of the work.

Sessions are structured around phases:

* Establishing safety and understanding your goals

* Identifying target memories or beliefs

* Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tapping) to process stuck experiences

* Integrating the shifts and strengthening positive beliefs

Some sessions involve active processing, others focus more on preparation or reflection.

Absolutely. EMDR can be a standalone treatment or used alongside other therapeutic approaches. Many clients work with EMDR in addition to ongoing talk therapy or coaching.

Yes, EMDR is highly effective online using secure video platforms and remote bilateral stimulation tools. Clients report strong outcomes and convenience with remote sessions, especially when in-person access is limited.

You can get in touch via the form below to book a free initial consultation. This is a chance for us to meet, explore your goals, and see if EMDR—or an intensive format—feels like the right fit for you.

EMDR is a highly effective therapy for a wide range of emotional, psychological, and relational difficulties. It’s best known for treating trauma, but its benefits go far beyond PTSD.

Here are some of the issues EMDR can support:

Trauma & PTSD

• Single-incident trauma (e.g. accidents, assaults, medical trauma)

• Complex trauma (repeated or prolonged exposure to distress)

• Childhood abuse and neglect

• Domestic or sexual violence

• Witnessing or surviving a traumatic event

Emotional Struggles

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Social anxiety

• Phobias and specific fears

• Health anxiety

• Grief and complicated bereavement

• Shame and guilt

Self-Esteem & Identity

• Low self-worth and chronic self-doubt

• Imposter syndrome

• Perfectionism

• People-pleasing and difficulty setting boundaries

• Inner critic and self-sabotage

Relationship & Attachment Issues

• Betrayal trauma (e.g. infidelity, emotional affairs)

• Attachment wounds and intimacy fears

• Fear of abandonment or rejection

• Relationship breakdowns and heartbreak

• Repeating unhealthy relationship patterns

Sexuality & Body

• Sexual trauma and violation

• Body image shame and self-consciousness

• Dissociation or disconnection during intimacy

• Difficulties with consent, safety, or desire

• Medical trauma related to sexual/reproductive health

Performance & Life Transitions

• Creative or performance blocks

• Fear of public speaking or visibility

• Exam or interview anxiety

• Career-related stress or burnout

• Navigating life changes (divorce, relocation, new roles)

Other Issues

• Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks

• Nightmares and sleep disturbances

• Emotional numbness or dissociation

• Anger, irritability, or emotional dysregulation

• Recovery from bullying or toxic environments