Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and recover from
distressing life experiences. These might include trauma, anxiety, panic, or deeply rooted negative beliefs about yourself.
EMDR works by helping your brain “unstick” memories that feel overwhelming or unresolved. While you briefly focus on a difficult memory, your therapist guides you through gentle bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sounds).
This process supports your brain in reprocessing the memory so it feels less intense and more manageable.
Over time, many people find that what once felt triggering or distressing becomes easier to think about—or no longer feels upsetting at all.
EMDR can be helpful for a wide range of difficulties, including:
You don’t need to have experienced a “major trauma” to benefit from
EMDR. Many people seek EMDR for experiences that may not seem
significant on the surface but still have a lasting emotional impact.
EMDR therapy is a collaborative and structured process
1. Getting to Know You
We begin by understanding your history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. This helps us decide whether EMDR is the right approach for you.
2. Preparation
Before processing difficult memories, you’ll learn techniques to help you feel safe, grounded, and in control. This ensures you have tools to manage any emotions that arise.
3. Processing
When you’re ready, we’ll gently begin working on specific memories or experiences. You’ll be guided to recall aspects of the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as following hand movements with your eyes or using tapping).
You remain fully in control throughout—able to pause, slow down, or stop at any time.
4. Integration
As sessions progress, distress typically reduces, and new, more adaptive beliefs can emerge (for example, shifting from “I’m not safe” to “I’m okay now”).
EMDR is not about reliving trauma in detail or being overwhelmed. It’s about helping your brain process experiences in a way that feels safe
and supported.
Many clients find EMDR to be a powerful and efficient therapy, often leading to meaningful changes in how they feel, think, and respond to
life.
Please contact me by phone (07552 515875), email kathie.broughton@outlook.com or complete the contact form below if you have any questions. All enquires are usually answered within 24 hours. If you have not received a response from me, please check your spam folder.
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