EMDR Counselling in Greenford

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Photo of Maja (Maya) Zivkovic, Counsellor in Greenford, England
Maja (Maya) Zivkovic
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
London W7
Short and long term trauma-informed counselling and EMDR for individuals. Couples counselling. Supervision for counsellors. I provide a non-judgemental, safe and holding space where you can get an insight into your problems and symptoms. Trauma-informed counselling is not about finding what's "wrong" with you; it is about helping you to understand how your past experiences are contributing to your current problems and supporting you to find your own way in moving forward in life. I am a qualified EMDR practitioner and have an extensive experience in working with trauma survivors in private practice and larger organisations.
Short and long term trauma-informed counselling and EMDR for individuals. Couples counselling. Supervision for counsellors. I provide a non-judgemental, safe and holding space where you can get an insight into your problems and symptoms. Trauma-informed counselling is not about finding what's "wrong" with you; it is about helping you to understand how your past experiences are contributing to your current problems and supporting you to find your own way in moving forward in life. I am a qualified EMDR practitioner and have an extensive experience in working with trauma survivors in private practice and larger organisations.
020 3816 1586 View 020 3816 1586
Photo of Dr Richard Webster, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Dr Richard Webster
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London W5
I'm an experienced Counselling Psychologist, Integrative Psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner. I provide a confidential and non-judgemental space to explore whatever is troubling you, at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Therapy is a collaborative process which aims to increase awareness and understanding of your thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and to identify and tackle obstacles that are stopping you from living the life you want to live. Therapy can help to develop and harness the necessary resources in order to make desired changes in your life.
I'm an experienced Counselling Psychologist, Integrative Psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner. I provide a confidential and non-judgemental space to explore whatever is troubling you, at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Therapy is a collaborative process which aims to increase awareness and understanding of your thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and to identify and tackle obstacles that are stopping you from living the life you want to live. Therapy can help to develop and harness the necessary resources in order to make desired changes in your life.
01895 545162 View 01895 545162
Photo of Dr Ann Collins, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Dr Ann Collins
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W5
I use an attachment and trauma informed approach that is further supported by EMDR and CBT as required.
I am counselling psychologist and integrative psychotherapist that has worked with couples and individuals for over 20 years. Being an integrative psychotherapist means, I believe that different approaches are needed to deal with the individual needs of my client - one size does not fit all. With that in mind, I have trained within various approaches, so I can offer a more holistic and in-depth approach in how I work. Working with my clients, I see us finding ways of overcoming or addressing the issues that are presented, in a way that feels authentic to how they are as people.
I use an attachment and trauma informed approach that is further supported by EMDR and CBT as required.
I am counselling psychologist and integrative psychotherapist that has worked with couples and individuals for over 20 years. Being an integrative psychotherapist means, I believe that different approaches are needed to deal with the individual needs of my client - one size does not fit all. With that in mind, I have trained within various approaches, so I can offer a more holistic and in-depth approach in how I work. Working with my clients, I see us finding ways of overcoming or addressing the issues that are presented, in a way that feels authentic to how they are as people.
020 3974 2403 View 020 3974 2403
Photo of Hayrish Mut, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Hayrish Mut
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London W7
I integrate Transactional Analysis with Neuroscience, EMDR, and Psychoeducation to meet a wide range of issues clients present.
Is undealt anxiety spoiling your daily life? Going through problems alone can be challenging at times and therapy can offer a new perspective into opportunities for personal growth and in-depth self-discovery, handling difficult thoughts, feelings, and belief systems that we may find too complicated to discuss with loved ones? My role as a therapist is to help you understand yourself better. In the sessions, I create a safe, confidential and non-judgemental setting in which you may explore and freely express your current and past difficulties that may be causing feelings of ‘stuck-ness’ or difficulty to move forward in your life.
I integrate Transactional Analysis with Neuroscience, EMDR, and Psychoeducation to meet a wide range of issues clients present.
Is undealt anxiety spoiling your daily life? Going through problems alone can be challenging at times and therapy can offer a new perspective into opportunities for personal growth and in-depth self-discovery, handling difficult thoughts, feelings, and belief systems that we may find too complicated to discuss with loved ones? My role as a therapist is to help you understand yourself better. In the sessions, I create a safe, confidential and non-judgemental setting in which you may explore and freely express your current and past difficulties that may be causing feelings of ‘stuck-ness’ or difficulty to move forward in your life.
020 3962 0449 View 020 3962 0449
Photo of Lorraine N Tindale, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Lorraine N Tindale
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Harrow HA2
I am an integrative Humanistic and EMDR trained therapist.
I can help you overcome personal difficulties induced by anxiety, stress, depression, bereavement, panic attacks, abuse, addictions, trauma, relationship breakdown and general psychological difficulties. In a warm, caring, respectful and safe space, where you can freely explore your challenges without fear of judgment. So that you can overcome them, emotionally move on and empowered to be the best of yourself.
I am an integrative Humanistic and EMDR trained therapist.
I can help you overcome personal difficulties induced by anxiety, stress, depression, bereavement, panic attacks, abuse, addictions, trauma, relationship breakdown and general psychological difficulties. In a warm, caring, respectful and safe space, where you can freely explore your challenges without fear of judgment. So that you can overcome them, emotionally move on and empowered to be the best of yourself.
020 3974 2370 View 020 3974 2370
Photo of Judy Nkechukwu (Previously 'harrison'), Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Judy Nkechukwu (Previously 'harrison')
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
Wembley HA9  (Online Only)
Hi! You are probably reading this because you are thinking of engaging in therapy and want to find the best fit. I have worked in private practice for 5 years and I am based in Uxbridge. I offer Online Dramatherapy, Counselling, Clinical Supervision and EMDR (Eye Movement Densensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy. My approach is to provide an initial 'chemistry session' which is a method of establishing whether my services can help and support you. I have experience working through early year trauma, attachment and relationship issues, bereavement, couples therapy, working with adolescence, female health issues and depression.
Hi! You are probably reading this because you are thinking of engaging in therapy and want to find the best fit. I have worked in private practice for 5 years and I am based in Uxbridge. I offer Online Dramatherapy, Counselling, Clinical Supervision and EMDR (Eye Movement Densensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy. My approach is to provide an initial 'chemistry session' which is a method of establishing whether my services can help and support you. I have experience working through early year trauma, attachment and relationship issues, bereavement, couples therapy, working with adolescence, female health issues and depression.
01895 917823 View 01895 917823
Photo of Salvo La Rosa, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Salvo La Rosa
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London W7
My name is Salvo La Rosa and I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist, EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Whatever your wound or life struggle, I will offer a calm and professional space to help you navigate through your current circumstances and towards a direction that is true and right for you. I would work with you to understand where you'd like to get to and to help you build on your own resilience and resources. I work in a compassionate way with the legacy of the past and to assist you as you expand your coping skills and achieve more and more of your qualities and potential.
My name is Salvo La Rosa and I am a qualified integrative psychotherapist, EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner. Whatever your wound or life struggle, I will offer a calm and professional space to help you navigate through your current circumstances and towards a direction that is true and right for you. I would work with you to understand where you'd like to get to and to help you build on your own resilience and resources. I work in a compassionate way with the legacy of the past and to assist you as you expand your coping skills and achieve more and more of your qualities and potential.
020 3984 9536 View 020 3984 9536
Photo of Toni Doyle, Psychologist in Greenford, England
Toni Doyle
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W7
I specialise in working with trauma, both single event and complex (repeated) trauma and have trained in EMDR, a powerful psychological treatment that was initially developed to help process trauma but which now has a growing evidence base for its effectiveness in helping with a wide variety of presenting issues.
My name is Toni and I am an HPCP Registered and BPS Chartered Counselling Psychologist working in Reading, Berkshire and online. In addition to my private practice, I worked in the NHS for over fifteen years where I gained experience working with adults and elders who struggled with a wide variety of issues including anxiety and panic, depression, stress, trauma, psychosis, substance misuse, bereavement, domestic violence, rape, personality issues, self-harm and suicidality. The knowledge and the experience I gained throughout the years enables me to adapt my approach to suit the needs of each individual that I meet.
I specialise in working with trauma, both single event and complex (repeated) trauma and have trained in EMDR, a powerful psychological treatment that was initially developed to help process trauma but which now has a growing evidence base for its effectiveness in helping with a wide variety of presenting issues.
My name is Toni and I am an HPCP Registered and BPS Chartered Counselling Psychologist working in Reading, Berkshire and online. In addition to my private practice, I worked in the NHS for over fifteen years where I gained experience working with adults and elders who struggled with a wide variety of issues including anxiety and panic, depression, stress, trauma, psychosis, substance misuse, bereavement, domestic violence, rape, personality issues, self-harm and suicidality. The knowledge and the experience I gained throughout the years enables me to adapt my approach to suit the needs of each individual that I meet.
020 3870 3920 View 020 3870 3920
Photo of Mita Hiremath , Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Mita Hiremath
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Harrow HA1
I am also an EMDR trained therapist.
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, scared or you are struggling with life in general it can be most helpful to talk with a psychotherapist about your concerns and difficulties. We will identify what you need from counselling and work together to achieve your goals and live more positively and joyfully. As a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with 30 years of experience I work sensitively to enable you to talk about what maybe troubling you. I create a safe and confidential space where you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear or judgement.
I am also an EMDR trained therapist.
If you are feeling anxious, depressed, scared or you are struggling with life in general it can be most helpful to talk with a psychotherapist about your concerns and difficulties. We will identify what you need from counselling and work together to achieve your goals and live more positively and joyfully. As a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with 30 years of experience I work sensitively to enable you to talk about what maybe troubling you. I create a safe and confidential space where you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear or judgement.
01895 544554 View 01895 544554
Photo of Leili Alikhani, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Leili Alikhani
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W13
I am a Systemic therapist working with Couples, Families, and Individuals. Systemic therapy can often be described as relational psychotherapy. Working with relationships can be a great strength and resource in our lives. Resolving our 'stuck' relationships can massively improve our lives. I also have extensive experience in trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR.
I am a Systemic therapist working with Couples, Families, and Individuals. Systemic therapy can often be described as relational psychotherapy. Working with relationships can be a great strength and resource in our lives. Resolving our 'stuck' relationships can massively improve our lives. I also have extensive experience in trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR.
020 4539 4551 View 020 4539 4551
Photo of Claudio Parretti, Psychologist in Greenford, England
Claudio Parretti
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wembley HA0
I also work with psychodynamic and integrative models of treatment, including EMDR, and provide Parent-infant Psychoyherapy.
I provide psychological treatment to clients suffering from a wide range of difficulties and conditions, including Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal problems, PTSD, Complex trauma and Anger management. Some of my clients may suffer from longterm difficulties, such as struggling to manage strong emotions and struggle to maintain close and significant relationships with others. Other clients may present with specific difficulties, such as career changes, family tensions or facing periods of particular stress. I also work with parents, who are struggling to bond with their children.
I also work with psychodynamic and integrative models of treatment, including EMDR, and provide Parent-infant Psychoyherapy.
I provide psychological treatment to clients suffering from a wide range of difficulties and conditions, including Borderline Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Interpersonal problems, PTSD, Complex trauma and Anger management. Some of my clients may suffer from longterm difficulties, such as struggling to manage strong emotions and struggle to maintain close and significant relationships with others. Other clients may present with specific difficulties, such as career changes, family tensions or facing periods of particular stress. I also work with parents, who are struggling to bond with their children.
023 8214 8054 View 023 8214 8054
Photo of A Way to Be Therapy, Psychologist in Greenford, England
A Way to Be Therapy
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W13
I provide evidence-based therapeutic services which include, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to individuals experiencing life problems and psychological difficulties, such as: Anxiety & Stress, Depression, PTSD, Complex Trauma & Trauma Related Symptoms, and other emotional and behavioural difficulties.
I am Dr Samantha Richards and I am a Chartered Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) based in Ealing, West London. I am a trained IFS therapist and an accredited EMDR therapist and a member of the EMDR Association of UK and Ireland. I have over 10 years’ experience and have worked in various settings including NHS Mental Health Services. In my private practice I aim to provide a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space for you to explore any challenges, difficult thoughts and emotions you may be experiencing currently or which may have links to the past.
I provide evidence-based therapeutic services which include, EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) to individuals experiencing life problems and psychological difficulties, such as: Anxiety & Stress, Depression, PTSD, Complex Trauma & Trauma Related Symptoms, and other emotional and behavioural difficulties.
I am Dr Samantha Richards and I am a Chartered Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) based in Ealing, West London. I am a trained IFS therapist and an accredited EMDR therapist and a member of the EMDR Association of UK and Ireland. I have over 10 years’ experience and have worked in various settings including NHS Mental Health Services. In my private practice I aim to provide a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space for you to explore any challenges, difficult thoughts and emotions you may be experiencing currently or which may have links to the past.
01895 547509 View 01895 547509
Photo of Dr Homen Chow, Psychologist in Greenford, England
Dr Homen Chow
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W5
My name is Dr Homen Chow and I am a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR therapist. I have experiencing working with trauma, low, mood, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and with those who find it difficult to control or regulate their emotions. I use evidenced-based therapies (Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT etc.) to guide treatment in a way that is adapted to each individual, to help make sense of their own difficulties and strengths. I tend to best support those whose difficulties arise in relationships, be that personal, professional or societal.
My name is Dr Homen Chow and I am a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR therapist. I have experiencing working with trauma, low, mood, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and with those who find it difficult to control or regulate their emotions. I use evidenced-based therapies (Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT etc.) to guide treatment in a way that is adapted to each individual, to help make sense of their own difficulties and strengths. I tend to best support those whose difficulties arise in relationships, be that personal, professional or societal.
020 3984 8696 View 020 3984 8696
Photo of Bethan Manford, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Bethan Manford
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
London W13  (Online Only)
I offer a bespoke approach, adapting to the needs of individuals drawing on approaches including psychodynamic, movement psychotherapy, mindfulness, narrative and compassionate focused therapy and EMDR.
I work with individuals, couples or families presenting with a variety of concerns related to emotional wellbeing, mental health and relationships. I have a special interest in working with parents during pregnancy, postnatally and supporting those whose children are under five.
I offer a bespoke approach, adapting to the needs of individuals drawing on approaches including psychodynamic, movement psychotherapy, mindfulness, narrative and compassionate focused therapy and EMDR.
I work with individuals, couples or families presenting with a variety of concerns related to emotional wellbeing, mental health and relationships. I have a special interest in working with parents during pregnancy, postnatally and supporting those whose children are under five.
020 7123 8469 View 020 7123 8469
Photo of Dr Emma Arora, Psychologist in Greenford, England
Dr Emma Arora
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London W5
EMDR, CBT, DBT) which are supported by research.
Are you struggling with managing your mood or emotions? Or feeling the impact of past trauma on your life? You might want to make sense of these experience and learn new ways to cope, to enable you to move forward in your life. Here is where I can help. I am a compassionate, experienced and knowledgeable senior clinical psychologist and BABCP accredited Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapist. My practise is both collaborative, fully involving you in the process and trauma informed. My initial aim to to create a sense of safety, where you are able to explore your difficulties openly.
EMDR, CBT, DBT) which are supported by research.
Are you struggling with managing your mood or emotions? Or feeling the impact of past trauma on your life? You might want to make sense of these experience and learn new ways to cope, to enable you to move forward in your life. Here is where I can help. I am a compassionate, experienced and knowledgeable senior clinical psychologist and BABCP accredited Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapist. My practise is both collaborative, fully involving you in the process and trauma informed. My initial aim to to create a sense of safety, where you are able to explore your difficulties openly.
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Photo of Simone Bienne, Counsellor in Greenford, England
Simone Bienne
Counsellor, COSRT Accred
Verified Verified
London W5
During transformational therapy, you get results through compassionate listening, positive psychology, Neuro-science interventions, NLP, Hypnosis, Psychosexual/Relationship Therapy, Breathwork, EMDR, and many practical self-help tools.
Are you struggling to stop the kind of thinking and feeling that stops you from moving forward and having what you want in life, love and sex? Do you want to create happy, healthy relationships rooted in confidence and security? Do you want an exciting sex life you enjoy? For 20 years I’ve been in private practice and an expert on UK/US TV helping thousands of people just like you have whole-life success and happiness. You too can let go of the past, overcome limiting beliefs, reset thinking patterns, transform trauma, feel positive emotions, increase sexual enjoyment, and create a new version of yourself, one that you LOVE.
During transformational therapy, you get results through compassionate listening, positive psychology, Neuro-science interventions, NLP, Hypnosis, Psychosexual/Relationship Therapy, Breathwork, EMDR, and many practical self-help tools.
Are you struggling to stop the kind of thinking and feeling that stops you from moving forward and having what you want in life, love and sex? Do you want to create happy, healthy relationships rooted in confidence and security? Do you want an exciting sex life you enjoy? For 20 years I’ve been in private practice and an expert on UK/US TV helping thousands of people just like you have whole-life success and happiness. You too can let go of the past, overcome limiting beliefs, reset thinking patterns, transform trauma, feel positive emotions, increase sexual enjoyment, and create a new version of yourself, one that you LOVE.
020 4538 9870 View 020 4538 9870
Photo of Erika Mancini, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Erika Mancini
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W5
Life can take unpredictable turns, leaving us in pain and disbelief. At times we get over it. At other times we dwell in there for a long time as if there was no way out. It may feel lonely and unexplainable and yet time passes by. My name is Erika Mancini. I am a Relational Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist. I specialise in trauma, childhood trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, anxiety, depression and relationships. I believe we are all shaped by the relationships we experienced while growing up and that this can sometimes result in adaptations or coping mechanisms that may prevent us from becoming who we really are.
Life can take unpredictable turns, leaving us in pain and disbelief. At times we get over it. At other times we dwell in there for a long time as if there was no way out. It may feel lonely and unexplainable and yet time passes by. My name is Erika Mancini. I am a Relational Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist. I specialise in trauma, childhood trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, anxiety, depression and relationships. I believe we are all shaped by the relationships we experienced while growing up and that this can sometimes result in adaptations or coping mechanisms that may prevent us from becoming who we really are.
01748 901813 View 01748 901813
Photo of Lidia Wisla, Psychotherapist in Greenford, England
Lidia Wisla
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Wembley HA0
In addition, I am also a Brainspotting and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist - both to work with difficult, traumatic memories.
Coming back to the same place in your life? Copying the same mistakes despite promising yourself "never again"? Feeling stuck in life? Lacking direction, purpose or not understanding your feelings and decisions? Coming back to the trauma despite wanting to forget it? These and many other areas of suffering are worth giving yourself a chance to help.
In addition, I am also a Brainspotting and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist - both to work with difficult, traumatic memories.
Coming back to the same place in your life? Copying the same mistakes despite promising yourself "never again"? Feeling stuck in life? Lacking direction, purpose or not understanding your feelings and decisions? Coming back to the trauma despite wanting to forget it? These and many other areas of suffering are worth giving yourself a chance to help.
020 4538 9384 View 020 4538 9384
Photo of Dr Serene Hadj-Hammou, Psychologist in Greenford, England
Dr Serene Hadj-Hammou
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Harrow HA1  (Online Only)
Hello :) I am qualified as a Clinical Psychologist. I have worked in mental health for over 10 years, with many individuals facing different challenges and life events (including low mood, worry, loss, phobias, psychosis and traumas). I believe therapy can offer a space to make sense of your experiences and the ways in which you respond, reconnect with your resources, values and hopes, move past painful memories and reflect on your strengths. I am committed to working collaboratively in a respectful, non judgemental way. My approach emphasises the relationship between distress and the world we live in.
Hello :) I am qualified as a Clinical Psychologist. I have worked in mental health for over 10 years, with many individuals facing different challenges and life events (including low mood, worry, loss, phobias, psychosis and traumas). I believe therapy can offer a space to make sense of your experiences and the ways in which you respond, reconnect with your resources, values and hopes, move past painful memories and reflect on your strengths. I am committed to working collaboratively in a respectful, non judgemental way. My approach emphasises the relationship between distress and the world we live in.
020 3823 6660 View 020 3823 6660
Photo of Dr Victoria Watton, Psychologist in Greenford, England
Dr Victoria Watton
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London W5
How would you feel if I told you that you can stop feeling scared, unsafe and overwhelmed ? That you could connect with those around you in an authentic and meaningful way, rather than masking yourself because you fear losing them ? I can tell you this as I have supported many people like yourself, living with complex trauma to let go of the patterns that are keeping them low, anxious, dissociated, paranoid and lonely. I work with people just like you to firstly understand what has happened to them and how the strategies they are currently using have come to be. I then work to introduce new ways of being in the world.
How would you feel if I told you that you can stop feeling scared, unsafe and overwhelmed ? That you could connect with those around you in an authentic and meaningful way, rather than masking yourself because you fear losing them ? I can tell you this as I have supported many people like yourself, living with complex trauma to let go of the patterns that are keeping them low, anxious, dissociated, paranoid and lonely. I work with people just like you to firstly understand what has happened to them and how the strategies they are currently using have come to be. I then work to introduce new ways of being in the world.
01939 554492 View 01939 554492

See more therapy options for Greenford

EMDR Counsellors

Who is EMDR for?

EMDR was initially developed as a treatment for individuals with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for whom memories of a deeply distressing experience can be inadvertently triggered by random everyday events. The procedure has since been applied in the treatment of many other conditions. For example, it is used by some therapists to treat anxiety disorders including panic and phobias, depression, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and some personality disorders. It is suitable for adolescents and adults.

Why do people need EMDR?

People need EMDR as a way to manage distressing memories that in some way hamper the ability to function in the present. The procedure is believed to target the way memories are stored in the brain. Evidence indicates that past disturbing experiences cause ongoing distress because they were not adequately processed, and when such memories are triggered in the present, they are accompanied by all the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations as the initial experience.

What problems does EMDR treat?

First and foremost, EMDR is intended as a treatment for PTSD, to defuse distressing memories that intrude on and impair everyday functioning. It is also often used to help those who are subject to panic attacks, phobias, and other forms of anxiety. In addition, EMDR has been used to treat individuals with depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

What happens in EMDR therapy?

First the therapist takes an individual’s history, and then the therapist and client decide which distressing experience(s) will be the target(s) of the exercise, delivered via a side-to-side visual stimulus requiring lateral eye movements. The client will be asked to activate thoughts, feelings, and any body sensations related to the troubling experience. The eye movements are said to reduce the emotional charge of the memory, so that the experience can then be safely discussed with the therapist and digested, minimising its ability to trigger anxiety.