A traumatic event can linger in our minds and we tend to store trauma in disruptive ways. EMDR involves the use of repeated eye movements and bilateral stimulation to help the brain process negative events and inadequately processed memories that impact the present. Reprocessing results in new learnings that are emotionally adaptive.  The therapy consists of 8 phases with standard procedural steps. Your therapist will support you through the EMDR process.

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By reprocessing memories the emotional charge that is elicited from particular situations, body sensations and memories can be neutralised; memories are restructured and you can develop healthier coping mechamisms. 

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​​EMDR is a holistic approach that addresses underlying causes of distress, rather than just band-aiding symptoms. It promotes emotional healing by integrating disturbing memories in less distressing forms.  It achieves results more quickly and is tailored to each individual's needs,  respecting your unique experiences and pace of processing.  Clients report lasting relief from symptoms and experience improvements in overall wellbeing.  Often they're shocked by the shifts they experience after EMDR sessions.

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Imagine your mind is like a train.  Each train car represents a memory or experience. Most of the time, your train moves smoothly. Memories are sorted and stored in the right cars, and your journey continues without disruption. But sometimes, a traumatic or overwhelming experience causes a crash on the track. That memory gets stuck in one of the cars - frozen in time - with all the emotions, images, body sensations, and beliefs from that moment still locked inside. It can feel like every time your train gets near that car, everything derails: you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or triggered.

EMDR acts like a repair crew for your mind’s railway system.

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Through eye movements or tapping, EMDR helps your brain gently move the stuck train car, identify the painful memory, and reprocess it so it no longer derails your journey. You’re not erasing the memory, but you are helping your brain understand, "That was then, this is now".  By the end of the process, that once-frozen train car is reorganised, and stored safely. You can look back on it with more distance, clarity, and peace, without it taking over your ride.

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Let’s clear up some common myths:

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• EMDR is hypnosis :  EMDR does not involve hypnosis. You remain awake, alert, and in control the entire time. The therapy helps you process memories while staying grounded in the present.

• You have to relive your trauma in detail: Unlike some forms of talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe the trauma in detail. You’ll think about it briefly, but the focus is on processing, not retelling.

• EMDR is a quick fix :  EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy—not magic. Some people notice relief quickly, while others need more time. Healing is a process, and EMDR supports that process in a focused way.

• The eye movements are just a gimmick:  The bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) is backed by extensive research. It activates both sides of the brain, helping your nervous system reprocess stuck or overwhelming memories more adaptively.​​

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