What is EMDR and how can it help me?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy approach designed to help people heal from the emotional distress caused by traumatic and distressing life experiences.

Whether you’re struggling with post trauma (PTSD), anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body image issues or other mental health challenges, EMDR can help you process and reframe memories that are “stuck” in the nervous system — so you can live with more calm, clarity, and self-compassion.

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The AIP Model: How EMDR Works

EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This model proposes that our brains naturally move toward healing, much like our bodies do after an injury. But when a traumatic or highly distressing experience overwhelms our ability to cope, it can become “frozen” in its original form — complete with the emotions, sensations, and negative beliefs experienced at the time because we are unable to integrate it in our mind.

These unprocessed memories can be triggered in the present, causing emotional distress, intrusive thoughts, or self-limiting beliefs (e.g., I’m not good enough, I’m unsafe).

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — usually eye movements, tapping, or sounds — to help the brain reprocess these memories so they are stored in a more adaptive way. The distressing emotions, sensations, and beliefs connected to the memory lose their intensity, allowing you to feel more at peace in your daily life.

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The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy

EMDR is a structured, eight-phase approach that ensures treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.

1. History Taking
   We discuss your background, current symptoms, and goals for therapy. This includes assessing trauma history, mental health, and readiness for EMDR.
2. Preparation
   You’ll learn coping strategies and resources to feel grounded and safe during and between sessions. These can include mindfulness, guided imagery, or breathing techniques.
3. Assessment
   We identify a specific target memory to process, along with the associated image, negative belief, desired positive belief, emotions, and body sensations.
4. Desensitisation
   Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones), your brain processes the memory, gradually reducing the emotional distress it causes.
5. Installation
   We strengthen the positive belief you want to hold about yourself in relation to the memory (e.g., I am strong, I am safe now).
6. Body Scan
   We check for and release any residual physical tension or discomfort connected to the memory.
7. Closure
   Each session ends with techniques to ensure you leave feeling stable and in control, even if processing isn’t yet complete.
8. Re-evaluation
   At the beginning of the next session, we review progress, address any remaining distress, and decide on next treatment targets.

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A Transdiagnostic Approach: More Than Trauma Therapy

Although EMDR was originally developed for PTSD, research now supports its transdiagnostic effectiveness — meaning it can be used across a wide range of conditions, not just trauma.

EMDR can help with:

• Eating Disorders (e.g., binge eating, bulimia)
• Body Image issues and low self-esteem
• Complex PTSD and childhood trauma
• Dissociation and parts work
• Anxiety and panic disorders
• Depression
• Phobias
• Performance anxiety (e.g., public speaking, exams, sports)

Because EMDR targets the root cause of distress — unprocessed memories and the beliefs attached to them — it can create deep, lasting change rather than simply managing symptoms.

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Why Choose EMDR Therapy?

• Evidence-based: Supported by the World Health Organization, and numerous international bodies.
• Efficient: Can lead to significant improvement in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.
• Holistic: Addresses the mind, body, and emotions together.
• Customisable: Adaptable to your needs, whether working with single-event trauma or complex, long-term difficulties.

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Is EMDR Right for You?

If you find that certain memories, situations, or feelings still cause strong emotional reactions, EMDR may be the missing piece in your healing journey. If you have tried talk therapy or cognitive-behavioural therapy and it hasn’t worked, EMDR might be something that can help. You don’t need to live with constant anxiety, shame, or self-criticism — it is possible to feel safe in your body, confident in yourself, and free from the past.

Book a consultation today to explore how EMDR therapy can help you.

Laliotis, D., et al. (2021). What is EMDR? Past, present, and future directions. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15 (4). 186- 198.

Shapiro, F (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic principles, protocols and Procedures (3^rd Ed). Guilford Publications: New York.

Shapiro, F., & Laliotis, D (2011). EMDR and the Adaptive Information Processing Model: Integrative Treatment and Case Conceptualisation, Clinical Social Work Journal (39), 191-200.

Valentijn, V. P., et al. (2025). The relationship between changes in emotional intensity and treatment outcome in PTSD patients in EMDR therapy. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 16 (1).