EMDR Counselling in Harlow

Photo of Hope Psychology Service - Dr Elena Morris, Psychologist in Harlow, England
Hope Psychology Service - Dr Elena Morris
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Harlow CM20  (Online Only)
I offer a safe, compassionate space to hear what you need me to and to collaborate to create a plan to work together, using models of ACT, EMDR, Narrative therapy and Pain Reprocessing Therapy, to reduce or eliminate your chronic pain or emotional suffering, and empower you to move forward with your life meaningfully.
Are you or someone you love, living with chronic pain or physical illness? Have you or your loved one experienced traumatic life experiences that get triggered and impact on day to day life? Are you living with uncertainty, physical discomfort, fear, depression, fatigue, or limitations on living your life? I have 20 years experience, much of it working with people with chronic pain, physical illness, or traumatic stress (incl PTSD) or those that are caring for them, helping them to get their life back on track.
I offer a safe, compassionate space to hear what you need me to and to collaborate to create a plan to work together, using models of ACT, EMDR, Narrative therapy and Pain Reprocessing Therapy, to reduce or eliminate your chronic pain or emotional suffering, and empower you to move forward with your life meaningfully.
Are you or someone you love, living with chronic pain or physical illness? Have you or your loved one experienced traumatic life experiences that get triggered and impact on day to day life? Are you living with uncertainty, physical discomfort, fear, depression, fatigue, or limitations on living your life? I have 20 years experience, much of it working with people with chronic pain, physical illness, or traumatic stress (incl PTSD) or those that are caring for them, helping them to get their life back on track.
01279 976036 View 01279 976036
Photo of Becky Ridgewell, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Becky Ridgewell
Psychotherapist, MRes, MBACP
Verified Verified
Harlow CM18
Hello and a warm welcome to my profile! I am a compassionate, energetic, active listener who is curious to hear your story. I bring empathy and non-judgement into the therapy space and will gently challenge self-limiting beliefs and blocks that might be stopping you from achieving and living your best life. I believe we all hold the key to our own wellbeing and that it's never too late to change old habits that no longer serve us. I enjoy facilitating change and witnessing the shift from thoughts of helplessness towards a more empowered way of being.
Hello and a warm welcome to my profile! I am a compassionate, energetic, active listener who is curious to hear your story. I bring empathy and non-judgement into the therapy space and will gently challenge self-limiting beliefs and blocks that might be stopping you from achieving and living your best life. I believe we all hold the key to our own wellbeing and that it's never too late to change old habits that no longer serve us. I enjoy facilitating change and witnessing the shift from thoughts of helplessness towards a more empowered way of being.
01279 598944 View 01279 598944

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Deepak Shantilal Sankhla, Psychologist in Harlow, England
Deepak Shantilal Sankhla
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Epping CM16
These include CBT, DBT, CAT , EMDR and Psychodynamic Therapy.
My private work involves providing talking therapy for a range of difficulties people may experience in their lives. These may include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, bereavement, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders and/or unresolved trauma. I also specialise in neuropsychological assessments for query dementia and psychotherapy for older adults. I have worked within NHS mental health and research services since 2006.
These include CBT, DBT, CAT , EMDR and Psychodynamic Therapy.
My private work involves providing talking therapy for a range of difficulties people may experience in their lives. These may include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, bereavement, obsessive-compulsive disorders, personality disorders and/or unresolved trauma. I also specialise in neuropsychological assessments for query dementia and psychotherapy for older adults. I have worked within NHS mental health and research services since 2006.
020 4538 3009 View 020 4538 3009
Photo of Gillian Strutton, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Gillian Strutton
Psychotherapist, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Kelvedon Hatch CM15  (Online Only)
I am Senior Accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, an EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant and an Integrative Clinical Supervisor. I am registered on the approved Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (License 055765) and have experience working with adults, adolescents and couples. I am DBS and UK Gov National Security approved. I have over 19 years of experience and offer clinical assessment and treatment for a range of mental health presenting problems. These include anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, Bi-polar, stress, phobias, self esteem, anger, relationship problems etc
I am Senior Accredited with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, an EMDR Europe Accredited Consultant and an Integrative Clinical Supervisor. I am registered on the approved Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (License 055765) and have experience working with adults, adolescents and couples. I am DBS and UK Gov National Security approved. I have over 19 years of experience and offer clinical assessment and treatment for a range of mental health presenting problems. These include anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, Bi-polar, stress, phobias, self esteem, anger, relationship problems etc
01277 674013 View 01277 674013
Photo of Anthony Mack Therapy, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Anthony Mack Therapy
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Loughton IG10
I am an integrative psychotherapist With qualifications in psychodynamic psychoanalytic counselling. C.B.T EMDR and also a senior qualified accredited hypnotherapist . MY practice is easily reached only a few minutes from south woodford station ( central line ) i offer evening and afternoon appointments i also offer a full range of remote online appointments
I am an integrative psychotherapist With qualifications in psychodynamic psychoanalytic counselling. C.B.T EMDR and also a senior qualified accredited hypnotherapist . MY practice is easily reached only a few minutes from south woodford station ( central line ) i offer evening and afternoon appointments i also offer a full range of remote online appointments
020 3879 4781 View 020 3879 4781
Photo of Dr Emily Haythornthwaite, Psychologist in Harlow, England
Dr Emily Haythornthwaite
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London CM22  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience and training within a variety of psychological therapies, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hello and welcome. My name is Dr Emily Haythornthwaite. I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Alongside my private practice, I work part-time within the NHS in a perinatal community mental health team as a Highly Specialised Clinical Psychologist. I have worked in a variety of settings including CMHTs, CAMHS, EIP, DCMH for serving military personnel and forensics. I have experience of working with people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, sleep difficulties and dissociation.
I have experience and training within a variety of psychological therapies, including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Hello and welcome. My name is Dr Emily Haythornthwaite. I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Alongside my private practice, I work part-time within the NHS in a perinatal community mental health team as a Highly Specialised Clinical Psychologist. I have worked in a variety of settings including CMHTs, CAMHS, EIP, DCMH for serving military personnel and forensics. I have experience of working with people experiencing a wide range of difficulties, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, PTSD, complex trauma, sleep difficulties and dissociation.
01284 334953 View 01284 334953
Photo of Dr Maria Tucknott, Psychologist in Harlow, England
Dr Maria Tucknott
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hoddesdon SG13
Waitlist for new clients
Hello, I am a HCPC clinical psychologist and EMDR therapist. I specialise in helping people suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma (including PTSD) so that they can feel better and stay better for longer. In sessions with me, I offer evidence based talking therapy within a confidential space to explore your difficulties & make sense of them so that you can learn new skills and begin to make changes in the areas that are important to you.
Hello, I am a HCPC clinical psychologist and EMDR therapist. I specialise in helping people suffering from depression, anxiety and trauma (including PTSD) so that they can feel better and stay better for longer. In sessions with me, I offer evidence based talking therapy within a confidential space to explore your difficulties & make sense of them so that you can learn new skills and begin to make changes in the areas that are important to you.
01707 938733 View 01707 938733
Photo of Anne Marie McKinley, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Anne Marie McKinley
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
London CM22
In my years of experience working as a Trauma Therapist. I worked within the NHS and treated trauma alongside PTSD responses to birth as a midwife and trauma therapist. Private practice includes working with life concerns such as depression, PTSD, dissociative conditions, and relationship stresses in any of life's circumstances. I am happy to work with almost any general life issue. Examples include GRI, sexual or other abuse, rape, and lifelong bullying are frequent concerns in therapy, and couple therapy is of particular interest. I use EMDR, Rewind, and Trauma-focused CBT in a person-centred approach and work with clients online
In my years of experience working as a Trauma Therapist. I worked within the NHS and treated trauma alongside PTSD responses to birth as a midwife and trauma therapist. Private practice includes working with life concerns such as depression, PTSD, dissociative conditions, and relationship stresses in any of life's circumstances. I am happy to work with almost any general life issue. Examples include GRI, sexual or other abuse, rape, and lifelong bullying are frequent concerns in therapy, and couple therapy is of particular interest. I use EMDR, Rewind, and Trauma-focused CBT in a person-centred approach and work with clients online
028 2502 2464 View 028 2502 2464
Photo of Tees Therapy, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Tees Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
London CM22  (Online Only)
Hi, I'm Lucy a fully accredited BABCP Psychotherapist with extensive experience working with people suffering in their mental health. I'm qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), DBT, ACT and EMDR (Trauma therapy). I've worked with people experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD and psychosis using my knowledge and warm, caring approach to support and guide each person forwards. Whether it's working on difficulties managing emotions or generally feeling flat, overwhelmed and just needing some extra support we can work on it together. We'll set goals and work as a Team putting your self care needs first.
Hi, I'm Lucy a fully accredited BABCP Psychotherapist with extensive experience working with people suffering in their mental health. I'm qualified in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), DBT, ACT and EMDR (Trauma therapy). I've worked with people experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, OCD and psychosis using my knowledge and warm, caring approach to support and guide each person forwards. Whether it's working on difficulties managing emotions or generally feeling flat, overwhelmed and just needing some extra support we can work on it together. We'll set goals and work as a Team putting your self care needs first.
07412 306167 View 07412 306167
Photo of Mic Austen, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Mic Austen
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Ongar CM5
I am a Trauma-informed, accredited UKCP psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner with 20+ yrs experience. I work with symptoms: depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, mistrust, hypervigilance, hopelessness, self-destructive behaviour, loss of sense of self. These are all symptoms of something deeper and we can work to alleviate these symptoms by working with the deeper issues that cause these. These symptoms are often caused by: abuse - sexual, psychological or emotional; neglect; loss; relationships; bullying; illness and many other 'normal' life events which can leave us not living our life fully.
I am a Trauma-informed, accredited UKCP psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner with 20+ yrs experience. I work with symptoms: depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, panic attacks, mistrust, hypervigilance, hopelessness, self-destructive behaviour, loss of sense of self. These are all symptoms of something deeper and we can work to alleviate these symptoms by working with the deeper issues that cause these. These symptoms are often caused by: abuse - sexual, psychological or emotional; neglect; loss; relationships; bullying; illness and many other 'normal' life events which can leave us not living our life fully.
07445 672295 View 07445 672295
Photo of One -&- One, Psychologist in Harlow, England
One -&- One
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Chigwell IG7
Psychotherapeutic services offered include Psychotherapy CBT, NLP, Timeline Hypnotherapy Coaching, EMDR, Therapeutic Shamanism .
‘We all need someone to talk to some of the time’ and across the multi-dimensional layers of personality and global connectedness, to be human means we will be faced with situations and events during our lifetime that we believe a hundred percent, we will have little or no chance of sorting out or finding solutions to. The truism is there are always solutions, some more easily achievable and likeable, others less so. Nonetheless these too are solutions and place ALL at the doorway of all possibility. The wisdom then is to stand in the doorway to commence the healing transformations of finding answers and pathways towards resolution.
Psychotherapeutic services offered include Psychotherapy CBT, NLP, Timeline Hypnotherapy Coaching, EMDR, Therapeutic Shamanism .
‘We all need someone to talk to some of the time’ and across the multi-dimensional layers of personality and global connectedness, to be human means we will be faced with situations and events during our lifetime that we believe a hundred percent, we will have little or no chance of sorting out or finding solutions to. The truism is there are always solutions, some more easily achievable and likeable, others less so. Nonetheless these too are solutions and place ALL at the doorway of all possibility. The wisdom then is to stand in the doorway to commence the healing transformations of finding answers and pathways towards resolution.
020 3984 9227 View 020 3984 9227
Photo of Shireen Sultana, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Shireen Sultana
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Chigwell IG7
Other than CBT, I also offer EMDR for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma, IPT for depression.
I am a CBT Therapist with over 15 years experience of working in mental health services within NHS. I have been currently working as a senior therapist within an NHS service which involves providing supervision to other clinicians and providing specialist assessment and treatment to individuals experiencing depression and anxiety disorders including PTSD, OCD & Long term health conditions. Although my primary modality of training is CBT, I am also trained in EMDR, IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy). I work with individual aged over 16.
Other than CBT, I also offer EMDR for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma, IPT for depression.
I am a CBT Therapist with over 15 years experience of working in mental health services within NHS. I have been currently working as a senior therapist within an NHS service which involves providing supervision to other clinicians and providing specialist assessment and treatment to individuals experiencing depression and anxiety disorders including PTSD, OCD & Long term health conditions. Although my primary modality of training is CBT, I am also trained in EMDR, IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy). I work with individual aged over 16.
07588 683393 View 07588 683393
Photo of Ruhsen Sevketoglu, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Ruhsen Sevketoglu
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Waltham Cross EN8  (Online Only)
Currently working with clients using psychodynamic therapy, MBT and EMDR.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a talking therapy based on saying whatever is going through your mind. It can help you with issues related to trauma, relationships, grief, depression, anxiety, or major life changes. It helps you become aware of hidden meanings or patterns in what you do or say that may contribute to your problems. Many people come into therapy because they feel they are trapped by their past & want to talk it through with someone & work through things on a deeper level. I aim to provide a safe, personal space where you can talk about yourself & what troubles you, to try to understand the connections & patterns.
Currently working with clients using psychodynamic therapy, MBT and EMDR.
Psychoanalytic psychotherapy is a talking therapy based on saying whatever is going through your mind. It can help you with issues related to trauma, relationships, grief, depression, anxiety, or major life changes. It helps you become aware of hidden meanings or patterns in what you do or say that may contribute to your problems. Many people come into therapy because they feel they are trapped by their past & want to talk it through with someone & work through things on a deeper level. I aim to provide a safe, personal space where you can talk about yourself & what troubles you, to try to understand the connections & patterns.
01322 952144 View 01322 952144
Photo of Clare Jane Vincent, Counsellor in Harlow, England
Clare Jane Vincent
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Enfield EN3
Each and every one of us needs support at different times in our life, reaching for support is not a weakness but a strength. I am an experienced BACP Accredited Psychotherapist, Fusion Therapeutic Life Coach, EFT practitioner, EMDR and REWIND (fast trauma release) therapist, who can support you at a time when you feel overwhelmed, upset or anxious. You will receive confidential, non-judgemental time and space so you can safely relax and focus on you, your solutions and your future.
Each and every one of us needs support at different times in our life, reaching for support is not a weakness but a strength. I am an experienced BACP Accredited Psychotherapist, Fusion Therapeutic Life Coach, EFT practitioner, EMDR and REWIND (fast trauma release) therapist, who can support you at a time when you feel overwhelmed, upset or anxious. You will receive confidential, non-judgemental time and space so you can safely relax and focus on you, your solutions and your future.
020 4538 0659 View 020 4538 0659
Photo of Jenny Noero, Psychologist in Harlow, England
Jenny Noero
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hertford SG14  (Online Only)
As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychoogist, I specialise in couples therapy, EMDR and an integrative approach . If you are looking for an experienced therapist then I offer over 30 years of professional experience with 22 years in the NHS. I can help if you are a couple experiencing relationship breakdown, emotionally heightened interactions, or a particular problem impacting on your relationship. I provide EMDR to individuals with PTSD or longer term trauma, anxiety and loss. In addition, as a Clinical Neuropsychologist I can help with health or neurological conditions within the context of our therapy.
As a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychoogist, I specialise in couples therapy, EMDR and an integrative approach . If you are looking for an experienced therapist then I offer over 30 years of professional experience with 22 years in the NHS. I can help if you are a couple experiencing relationship breakdown, emotionally heightened interactions, or a particular problem impacting on your relationship. I provide EMDR to individuals with PTSD or longer term trauma, anxiety and loss. In addition, as a Clinical Neuropsychologist I can help with health or neurological conditions within the context of our therapy.
020 3893 2758 View 020 3893 2758
Photo of Esther Emanuel, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Esther Emanuel
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Ilford IG7
Whatever your reason is for seeking therapy, I am here to help. I am a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner and Time Line Therapist. I have been a therapist for over 20 years and I assist my clients in overcoming a range of issues. I am open to self and third-party referrals. I am also a private mental healthcare provider-practitioner for BUPA, Aviva, Cigna, WPA - to mention a few. My main focus and therefore my specialism is in the treatment of Stress, Anxiety and Depression. I work both face-to-face and by telephone. I also run therapy groups focused on anxiety.
Whatever your reason is for seeking therapy, I am here to help. I am a Clinical Hypnotherapist, Psychotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner and Time Line Therapist. I have been a therapist for over 20 years and I assist my clients in overcoming a range of issues. I am open to self and third-party referrals. I am also a private mental healthcare provider-practitioner for BUPA, Aviva, Cigna, WPA - to mention a few. My main focus and therefore my specialism is in the treatment of Stress, Anxiety and Depression. I work both face-to-face and by telephone. I also run therapy groups focused on anxiety.
020 3917 4304 View 020 3917 4304
Photo of Jenn Zhang - Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist in Harlow, England
Jenn Zhang - Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Epping CM16
I am experienced in working with a range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, worries about health, pain, relationships, and difficult emotions. In my NHS work, I specialise in working with people who live with physical health conditions, e.g. heart conditions. Living with chronic conditions or stressful events can make you feel down, limited, worried, or it might make other aspects of your life harder. I aim to help you understand yourself better, develop ways of coping with difficulties, take steps toward goals and live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
I am experienced in working with a range of issues, including stress, anxiety, depression, worries about health, pain, relationships, and difficult emotions. In my NHS work, I specialise in working with people who live with physical health conditions, e.g. heart conditions. Living with chronic conditions or stressful events can make you feel down, limited, worried, or it might make other aspects of your life harder. I aim to help you understand yourself better, develop ways of coping with difficulties, take steps toward goals and live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
020 4538 8362 View 020 4538 8362
Photo of Tracy Ann Phillips, Counsellor in Harlow, England
Tracy Ann Phillips
Counsellor, PsychD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Ongar CM5
I understand it is sometimes hard to make the step towards having therapy. If you are at a point in your life where you need support or guidance in bringing about change, I offer a non judgemental, confidential, compassionate and warm space. Through working together to resolve difficult experiences in various ways, you will begin to see life from a different perspective. This will enable you to understand yourself better, gain more confidence and calm anxieties and depression. I keep up to date with various courses's and reading for continuing professional development. I also work with the Police Firearms Officers Association.
I understand it is sometimes hard to make the step towards having therapy. If you are at a point in your life where you need support or guidance in bringing about change, I offer a non judgemental, confidential, compassionate and warm space. Through working together to resolve difficult experiences in various ways, you will begin to see life from a different perspective. This will enable you to understand yourself better, gain more confidence and calm anxieties and depression. I keep up to date with various courses's and reading for continuing professional development. I also work with the Police Firearms Officers Association.
01277 288671 View 01277 288671
Photo of Dr Nikki Wood, Psychologist in Harlow, England
Dr Nikki Wood
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Stansted Mountfitchet CM24  (Online Only)
I work with adults using a holistic approach who are feeling stuck. Many people since COVID are struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, and burnout. Some people are turning to alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviours to cope. Its ok to find life hard. I specialise in working with people who are worrying they aren’t managing their mental health, who may have experienced trauma, and may be self-medicating. I offer an entirely non-judgemental, confidential, compassionate and safe space to talk about some of these things and help you to identify what changes you would like to make. I also specialise in working with ADHD.
I work with adults using a holistic approach who are feeling stuck. Many people since COVID are struggling with depression, stress, anxiety, and burnout. Some people are turning to alcohol, drugs or other addictive behaviours to cope. Its ok to find life hard. I specialise in working with people who are worrying they aren’t managing their mental health, who may have experienced trauma, and may be self-medicating. I offer an entirely non-judgemental, confidential, compassionate and safe space to talk about some of these things and help you to identify what changes you would like to make. I also specialise in working with ADHD.
01799 619184 View 01799 619184
Photo of Beverley Wiltshire-Payne, Psychotherapist in Harlow, England
Beverley Wiltshire-Payne
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hertford SG13
I like to work with clients who are aware that they want to make changes in their lives: they may not yet know what the change looks like, but are willing to explore options in a compassionate and supportive environment. They are interested to learn more about themselves and others; willing to accept that they many need to let go of some old patterns of thinking, feeling and doing to live the life they want for themselves. They are committed to their personal growth and willing to meet regularly over Zoom or in person, to achieve their goals. Goals will be agreed each session to ensure focus and a sense of achievement for us both
I like to work with clients who are aware that they want to make changes in their lives: they may not yet know what the change looks like, but are willing to explore options in a compassionate and supportive environment. They are interested to learn more about themselves and others; willing to accept that they many need to let go of some old patterns of thinking, feeling and doing to live the life they want for themselves. They are committed to their personal growth and willing to meet regularly over Zoom or in person, to achieve their goals. Goals will be agreed each session to ensure focus and a sense of achievement for us both
01282 502090 View 01282 502090

See more therapy options for Harlow

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.