Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy approach I use to support the processing of distressing or unresolved experiences. EMDR involves focusing on specific memories or material while engaging in bilateral stimulation — most commonly guided eye movements, sounds, or gentle taps — which is understood to assist the brain in reorganising how those experiences are held.
I use EMDR within an integrative therapeutic framework and adapt it carefully to each person. It may be considered when past experiences continue to have an impact in the present, such as through intrusive memories, strong emotional reactions, heightened reactivity, or patterns that feel difficult to shift through talk-based therapy alone.
EMDR does not erase events or memories. Rather, the aim is to support the nervous system and information-processing system to work through material that has remained overwhelming or "stuck", allowing it to be held with less intensity over time. Readiness, pacing, and stability are always prioritised, and EMDR is integrated alongside other therapeutic approaches as appropriate.
The brain bit, in plain language
When something overwhelming happens, the brain doesn't always process the experience in its usual way. Instead of being stored as something that is clearly in the past, parts of the experience — images, emotions, body sensations, or beliefs — can remain active, as if they're still happening.
EMDR is based on the understanding that the brain has a natural capacity to process and integrate experience, but that this system can become overloaded. By bringing attention to specific material while using bilateral stimulation, EMDR appears to support the brain's information-processing system to resume its work.
In simple terms, EMDR helps the brain do what it normally does when things go well: make sense of experience, file it appropriately, and reduce its emotional charge. The memory doesn't disappear, but it often becomes less vivid, less intrusive, and easier to think about without being pulled back into it.
Yes. EMDR can be effectively delivered via secure telehealth and is something I regularly offer. Online EMDR uses adapted forms of bilateral stimulation that can be guided safely and effectively in a remote setting.
As with in-person work, suitability is assessed carefully. Telehealth EMDR places particular emphasis on preparation, grounding, and ensuring the work is conducted at a pace that feels stable and contained.
8 Phases
EMDR follows a structured, eight-phase approach. These phases don't always move in a straight line and are adapted to each person.
We identify relevant experiences, current difficulties, and what you'd like to work on, while also considering readiness and supports.
We build skills for emotional regulation, grounding, and stability, and ensure you understand the process before beginning memory work.
Specific aspects of the experience are identified, including associated images, beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
Bilateral stimulation is used while focusing on the identified material, allowing the brain to begin processing it.
Attention is given to strengthening more adaptive or helpful beliefs linked to the experience.
We check for any remaining physical tension or discomfort associated with the memory and address it if needed.
Each session ends with stabilisation, ensuring you leave feeling grounded and supported.
In subsequent sessions, we review how the work is holding and decide what to focus on next.
No. EMDR does not rely on detailed storytelling. We focus on what is relevant for the work, and you are never required to share more than feels appropriate.
No. You remain fully aware, present, and in control throughout the session.
No. EMDR is approached gradually, with careful attention to pacing and stability. The aim is not to overwhelm, but to work with material in a tolerable and contained way.
EMDR is one of several approaches I use. Whether it's appropriate depends on your goals, current stability, and what you're working through. This is something we assess together.
Yes. EMDR is internationally recognised and supported by a substantial body of research, particularly in relation to trauma-related difficulties.
There is no fixed number. EMDR can be used for specific experiences or integrated into longer-term therapy, depending on what is helpful.
If you have questions about EMDR or would like to explore whether it might be helpful for you, feel free to get in touch.
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