Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialised form of psychotherapy designed primarily to help individuals process and recover from trauma and distressing life experiences.
Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR approaches psychological issues in an unusual way. It does not rely on talk therapy or medications. Instead, EMDR uses a patient's own rapid, rhythmic eye movements to decrease the power of emotionally charged memories of past traumatic events.
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) can gradually help you replace negative thoughts from trauma with more positive ones.
Find Relief from Past Trauma with EMDR
Explore how EMDR therapy can help you process traumatic memories and build resilience. Contact us to start your healing journey with EMDR.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR induces the recall of distressing events while diverting attention from their emotional consequences, similar to prolonged exposure therapy. By reducing anxiety, clients can better manage upsetting thoughts.
The process is designed to feel empowering, allowing clients to maintain control throughout. EMDR aims to replace negative emotions tied to traumatic events with more positive associations, fostering healing and resilience.
How EMDR Can Help
Processing Trauma
EMDR aids in reprocessing traumatic memories, reducing their emotional impact and helping clients move forward in their lives.
Reducing Symptoms of PTSD
Particularly effective for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR alleviates symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.
Improving Emotional Regulation
Clients learn to manage intense emotions tied to traumatic memories, leading to greater emotional stability.
Changing Negative Beliefs
EMDR addresses and reprocesses negative beliefs formed during traumatic experiences, fostering healthier self-perceptions.
Enhancing Coping Skills
Clients gain tools to cope with distressing memories and triggers, fostering resilience.
Promoting Overall Well-Being
Facilitating the resolution of traumatic experiences can lead to improved mental health and life satisfaction.
What to Expect from EMDR
During your session, your practitioner moves their fingers back and forth in front of your face, asking you to follow these motions with your eyes while recalling the event. This process includes exploring associated emotions and physical sensations. Gradually, the practitioner guides you to shift your thoughts to more positive ones. Alternatives to finger movements, such as tapping sounds or musical tones, may also be used.
Before and after each session, your practitioner will ask you to rate your level of distress, aiming for a reduction in the disabling impact of your memories.
EMDR can consists of eight phases:
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Information Gathering
The practitioner gathers information about the client’s history and identifies specific traumatic memories to target during therapy.
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Preparation
The practitioner explains the EMDR process and establishes a safe environment. Clients learn grounding techniques to manage distress.
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Assessment
Identification of traumatic events and associated emotions.
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Desensitisation
Clients focus on the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (often through guided eye movements), which helps reduce the emotional charge of the memory.
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Installation
Attachment of positive beliefs to the memory.
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Body Scan
Attention to physical responses related to the memory and address any remaining discomfort.
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Closure
Ending sessions with relaxation techniques to maintain calm and security.
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Re-evaluation
Assessing progress and addressing new issues in subsequent sessions.
Other Conditions EMDR Can Address
While primarily associated with PTSD, EMDR may also be beneficial for:
- Anxiety disorders (including generalised anxiety and social anxiety)
- Panic attacks
- Eating disorders
- Addictions
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Sexual dysfunction
- Phobias
- Depression and gender dysphoria
Advantages of EMDR:
- Proven effectiveness across numerous studies.
- Requires less “homework” between sessions compared to other therapies.
- Can yield positive results more quickly than some other therapeutic approaches.
Meet our Team
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"Therapy is about giving our clients the tools to feel empowered and motivated to take charge of their progress, goals and general wellbeing."
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At Health Sense, we are dedicated to providing a compassionate, welcoming space where individuals can explore and overcome their challenges. Through our client-focused approach and commitment to the community, we aim to empower you to achieve greater well-being.
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