The EMDR Process and Its Scientific Foundation
When a person is involved in a traumatic event, their brain may be unable to fully process what is going on, and this can lead to the memory of the event becoming stuck. The memory can be easily triggered, and they can re-experience what they saw, heard and smelt, as well as the full force of the distress. The experience of trauma can also be stored in their body, which leads to an easily dysregulated nervous system.
EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess memories properly so that they are no longer so intense, and the trauma associated with them is resolved. It helps to desensitise the person to the emotional impact of the memory, and leads to a nervous system that is less easily dysregulated. EMDR also reprocesses present day triggers and teaches the recipient lifechanging stabilisation and regulation techniques.
An EMDR therapist will ask the person to recall traumatic events while they use bilateral stimulation to move the persons eyes from side-to-side. These side-to-side sensations seem to effectively stimulate the “stuck” processing system in the brain so the person can reprocess the information more like an ordinary memory. This reduces the intensity of the distress and the adverse effect on their nervous system.
EMDR may work in a similar way to the naturally occurring REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, when eyes move rapidly from side to side as the brain processes the events of the day. Other research suggests that EMDR is effective because it forces the recipient to concentrate on another task whilst processing a distressing memory, and this gives the brain more work to do. If the brain is not giving its full attention to processing the memory, then the memory starts to become less vivid. This allows the person to distance themselves from the memory and enables them to remember the event in a more helpful and manageable way.
Key Benefits
One common concern is whether EMDR might retraumatise you. Although some people may feel temporarily upset or anxious during a session, this is part of the healing process as we work together to safely release unpleasant memories in a controlled environment. You will remain grounded in the ‘here and now’, and I will be there to support you every step of the way.
EMDR is not the same as hypnosis. While hypnosis can create a trance-like state, EMDR keeps you fully awake, conscious, and in control. You are always actively participating, making choices and staying aware throughout the session.
One of the advantages of EMDR is its efficiency. Most people require fewer sessions than with traditional therapies. A typical EMDR treatment comprises of between 4 and 12 sessions, each lasting around 90 minutes. This means you can expect meaningful progress without a lengthy commitment.
Taking the Next Step
If you are considering EMDR, it’s important to work with a therapist who has been trained by an institution that is accredited with the EMDR Association UK. This ensures you receive the highest standard of care and benefit from the full potential of EMDR therapy.
I trained with Dr Michael C Paterson OBE, at the EMDR Masterclass. This training is accredited with the EMDR Association UK and EMDR Europe. I am also a registered practitioner with EMDR Association UK. I am currently offering in-person or hybrid EMDR sessions in OL4, as well as online sessions (from £65 per session). Most sessions will last around 90 minutes. EMDR works very well online and I have specialist software to facilitate this.
Ready to explore whether EMDR is right for you? Reach out today and take your first step towards healing and reclaiming your wellbeing.