Transformation leads to liberation
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What is EMDR?
EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing - is a powerful psychological therapy used to treat the effects of trauma. We can suffer trauma from a variety of overwhelming life events that may have occurred at any point in our lives. This can leave us with psychological injuries that result in challenges in maintaining our mental health. These challenges can manifest in many ways leaving us feeling tired, unmotivated, lacking joy in our lives, with excessive worry, lack of focus. Worse still we can suffer from intrusive thoughts, flashbacks and nightmares – intolerable symptoms that can stop us in our tracks. Trauma Trauma comes in many forms and is not only limited to major events. Trauma has been defined as any event having lasting negative effect. Triggers are often related to causes from earlier life experiences. Healing The body has an inbuilt system for processing trauma so that we can learn from these experiences. Due to the nature of some traumas this processing can become stuck leaving us in negative states. EMDR Therapy EMDR Therapy works on a physiological level allowing new insights, associations and emotions to emerge spontaneously, facilitating the inbuilt processing system to free up and function. Traumas can then be processed no matter how long ago they occurred. EMDR is recommedned by the World Health Organisation and the National Insititue for Clinical Excellence. |
What is the process?
First we would meet for an assessment, for us to get to know one another a little and to decied:
- is EMDR right for you?
- is it the right time for you?
- do we feel comfortable working together?
We would then plan treatment and work on stabalising techinques - this is because EMDR can be intense. Processing itself can take a varying length of time dependant on the nature of the memories we are working with. Later phases include working with beliefs, continued development of helpful resources and evaluation. EMDR is a whole system approach as traumatic experiences affect the body as well as the mind.
- is EMDR right for you?
- is it the right time for you?
- do we feel comfortable working together?
We would then plan treatment and work on stabalising techinques - this is because EMDR can be intense. Processing itself can take a varying length of time dependant on the nature of the memories we are working with. Later phases include working with beliefs, continued development of helpful resources and evaluation. EMDR is a whole system approach as traumatic experiences affect the body as well as the mind.
How long will it take?
If there is one incident to process in your adult life, for example you are fearful of driving since a car accident, then treatment may only take a few sessions after the initial assessment. More complex issues may take longer. If you are coming to therapy with a history of traumatic incidents dating back into childhood this will be a longer process. The idea that EMDR works for all trauma in a few sessions is a myth! For a more complex situation each phase of EMDR may take longer and go over several sessions. However it is likely that you will notice the benefit from new skills to self sooth rather quickly, and the benefits from processing soon after.
Are there any side-effects?
There can be 'side effects' depending on how well you deal with intense emotion. Part of the pre-treatment phase is checking and planning for this. Being eager to get on with processing may mean that if it gets really intense you will not feel prepared to deal with it.
Also, between sessions processing can still continue, all be it at a slower rate. Some people experience vivid dreams, remember things they had forgotten, or find they relate to the world and others differently – more positively. This may affect your relationships.
It is not advised to plan anything of major importance immediately after a session, such as an exam. Also during therapy major life decisions will affect therapy or may mean you need to pause therapy. These could include moving house, changing jobs, getting married.
Also, between sessions processing can still continue, all be it at a slower rate. Some people experience vivid dreams, remember things they had forgotten, or find they relate to the world and others differently – more positively. This may affect your relationships.
It is not advised to plan anything of major importance immediately after a session, such as an exam. Also during therapy major life decisions will affect therapy or may mean you need to pause therapy. These could include moving house, changing jobs, getting married.
What kind of issues will EMDR help with?
EMDR has traditionally be associated as a therapy for PTSD and trauma. However the application is quite wide. While this list is not exhaustive it will give a general idea of where EMDR can help.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Anxiety, panic, phobias and fears
Abuse of any nature, at any point in life
The fallout from natural disaster, accidents or crime.
Negative or irrational core beliefs.
Depression.
If you have other diagnosed conditions these will be discussed in the assessment and could influence length of work or treatment choice. If you are not sure if EMDR will be helpful just get in touch, or book an assessment.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Anxiety, panic, phobias and fears
Abuse of any nature, at any point in life
The fallout from natural disaster, accidents or crime.
Negative or irrational core beliefs.
Depression.
If you have other diagnosed conditions these will be discussed in the assessment and could influence length of work or treatment choice. If you are not sure if EMDR will be helpful just get in touch, or book an assessment.
How much does it cost?
A 50 minute session is £50 and a 75 minute session is £75.
Sometimes a longer session is better if the material we work through is particularly sensitive or intense.
Sometimes a longer session is better if the material we work through is particularly sensitive or intense.
About me
I have worked in the field of mental health for over 25 years in clinical and managerial roles, in inpatient, community and specialist areas.
I also have 20 years experience of practicing and teaching yoga. Yoga is not just a physical practice but is a model for improved health in all aspects of our human experience. Some of the practices of yoga such as mindfullenss can be key resources used in therapy.
My work in both psychiatry and yoga offer a broad, comprehensive approach.
I am a member of the EMDR Association Uk and Ireland and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
I also have 20 years experience of practicing and teaching yoga. Yoga is not just a physical practice but is a model for improved health in all aspects of our human experience. Some of the practices of yoga such as mindfullenss can be key resources used in therapy.
My work in both psychiatry and yoga offer a broad, comprehensive approach.
I am a member of the EMDR Association Uk and Ireland and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
