EMDR Counselling in Ayr

Photo of Gemma Holmes, Psychologist, MSc, CPsychol
Gemma Holmes
Psychologist, MSc, CPsychol
Ayr KA7
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and a qualified Eye Movement Desensitising and Reprocessing ( EMDR) therapist.
I specialise in the psychological assessment of ADHD and ASD/Autism. I also offer an integrated approach to therapy, drawing on a number of therapeutic orientations for the treatment of a variety of psychological difficulties. I also offer supervision for other therapists and CPD training workshops and courses.
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and a qualified Eye Movement Desensitising and Reprocessing ( EMDR) therapist.
I specialise in the psychological assessment of ADHD and ASD/Autism. I also offer an integrated approach to therapy, drawing on a number of therapeutic orientations for the treatment of a variety of psychological difficulties. I also offer supervision for other therapists and CPD training workshops and courses.
01292 433159 View 01292 433159
Photo of Colin James Mitchell - Connected Health and Wellbeing, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Connected Health and Wellbeing
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Ayr KA8
Our EMDR Europe-accredited practitioners offer a powerful psychotherapy to process distressing memories and reduce emotional impact.
Connected Health and Wellbeing is a caring therapist-led network of accredited psychotherapists, counsellors, and trainers committed to supporting emotional and mental wellbeing. Our directors, Colin and Anne, are experienced psychotherapists, supervisors, and trainers who understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting. They aim to make the process as welcoming and tailored as possible. Your first contact will be with Anne or Colin, who will listen to your needs and match you with the ideal practitioner in our network. If you’re ready to take a step toward growth and healing, we’re here to support you.
Our EMDR Europe-accredited practitioners offer a powerful psychotherapy to process distressing memories and reduce emotional impact.
Connected Health and Wellbeing is a caring therapist-led network of accredited psychotherapists, counsellors, and trainers committed to supporting emotional and mental wellbeing. Our directors, Colin and Anne, are experienced psychotherapists, supervisors, and trainers who understand that reaching out for support can feel daunting. They aim to make the process as welcoming and tailored as possible. Your first contact will be with Anne or Colin, who will listen to your needs and match you with the ideal practitioner in our network. If you’re ready to take a step toward growth and healing, we’re here to support you.
01292 282305 View 01292 282305
Photo of Michelle Muniz - The Dawn Practice, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
The Dawn Practice
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Our ideal clients are children, young people, and adults seeking clarity, understanding, and support around their mental health or neurodivergence. Many come to us feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure of their next steps. Our experienced team provides thorough assessments, compassionate therapy, and personalised support, helping clients make sense of their experiences and build practical strategies to move forward with confidence and self-understanding.
Our ideal clients are children, young people, and adults seeking clarity, understanding, and support around their mental health or neurodivergence. Many come to us feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood, or unsure of their next steps. Our experienced team provides thorough assessments, compassionate therapy, and personalised support, helping clients make sense of their experiences and build practical strategies to move forward with confidence and self-understanding.
0141 673 3693 View 0141 673 3693
Photo of Robert Fulton - Progress Psychotherapy- CBT and EMDR therapy, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Progress Psychotherapy- CBT and EMDR therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am an accredited cognitive behavioural therapist and EMDR therapist who runs Progress Psychotherapy.
My practice is based on the values of clinical excellence and accessibility. I utilise cutting edge CBT and EMDR treatments as well as Schema, MBCT, DBT and CFT to give evidence based and effective treatments.
I am an accredited cognitive behavioural therapist and EMDR therapist who runs Progress Psychotherapy.
My practice is based on the values of clinical excellence and accessibility. I utilise cutting edge CBT and EMDR treatments as well as Schema, MBCT, DBT and CFT to give evidence based and effective treatments.
01563 593290 View 01563 593290
Photo of Anna S McNamara - Insight Scotland Counselling , Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Insight Scotland Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I'm also an EMDR practitioner using trauma based psychotherapy for treating CPTSD & PTSD.
I use a relationship centred counselling approach as research shows that meaningful change happens within a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship— one where you can share your worries and the things you keep private from others- and be held safely with respect and non-judgement.
I'm also an EMDR practitioner using trauma based psychotherapy for treating CPTSD & PTSD.
I use a relationship centred counselling approach as research shows that meaningful change happens within a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship— one where you can share your worries and the things you keep private from others- and be held safely with respect and non-judgement.
01563 594339 View 01563 594339

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Heather Shannon, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Heather Shannon
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Irvine KA12
I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner, specialising in therapies that are proven to help people recover from trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other emotional difficulties.
With over 20 years of experience working in mental health services, I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adults, adolescents, and children experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, or feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, I offer a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make lasting change.
I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner, specialising in therapies that are proven to help people recover from trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and other emotional difficulties.
With over 20 years of experience working in mental health services, I provide compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adults, adolescents, and children experiencing a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, or feeling overwhelmed by life's challenges, I offer a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make lasting change.
01294 444336 View 01294 444336
Photo of Cat Graham, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Cat Graham
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I am also qualified in EMDR trauma therapy.
You may have arrived here because someone has suggested counselling to help you with a difficulty you are experiencing. You may be looking on behalf of a loved one. A health professional may have recommended counselling or perhaps you are feeling lost in your life and wonder if talking therapy might be the answer. Whatever the reason, I will endeavour to help you make the best decision for you and if you choose to enter into counselling with me I will help you to overcome the distress you are currently experiencing.
I am also qualified in EMDR trauma therapy.
You may have arrived here because someone has suggested counselling to help you with a difficulty you are experiencing. You may be looking on behalf of a loved one. A health professional may have recommended counselling or perhaps you are feeling lost in your life and wonder if talking therapy might be the answer. Whatever the reason, I will endeavour to help you make the best decision for you and if you choose to enter into counselling with me I will help you to overcome the distress you are currently experiencing.
0141 465 5426 View 0141 465 5426
Photo of Lynsay McMahon - LMcounselling & EMDR Therapy MBACP (Accred), Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
LMcounselling & EMDR Therapy MBACP (Accred)
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
I provide a unique and tailored service that combines Counselling, EMDR Therapy, and Life Coaching.
I am an experienced Counsellor/Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist, Life Coach, and an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work from an integrative and pluralistic approach, which allows us to tailor the therapeutic process to your specific goals and preferences.
I provide a unique and tailored service that combines Counselling, EMDR Therapy, and Life Coaching.
I am an experienced Counsellor/Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist, Life Coach, and an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). I work from an integrative and pluralistic approach, which allows us to tailor the therapeutic process to your specific goals and preferences.
01355 203247 View 01355 203247
Photo of Dr Claire Fagan, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Claire Fagan
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Online Only
I have also completed EMDR, Trauma-focused CBT and prolonged exposure training.
I am a Counselling Psychologist with years of experience of working with individuals collaboratively to increase understanding of the presenting problem, set therapeutic goals and select appropriate therapeutic modalities to help you improve your psychological well-being. I have worked with a variety of difficulties including, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and CPTSD. I specialise in trauma work and have experience of working in an NHS trauma service. I also provide supervision to trainees and qualified members of staff.
I have also completed EMDR, Trauma-focused CBT and prolonged exposure training.
I am a Counselling Psychologist with years of experience of working with individuals collaboratively to increase understanding of the presenting problem, set therapeutic goals and select appropriate therapeutic modalities to help you improve your psychological well-being. I have worked with a variety of difficulties including, but not limited to; anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD and CPTSD. I specialise in trauma work and have experience of working in an NHS trauma service. I also provide supervision to trainees and qualified members of staff.
01355 206764 View 01355 206764
Photo of Angela Coubrough, Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Angela Coubrough
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Glasgow G74
Perhaps you’re feeling sad, overwhelmed, anxious or just not yourself. Life can be difficult, and I know reaching out for support is a scary step. I am committed to supporting individuals of all ages through your doubts or struggles. Perhaps you have coped for a long time but now feel things are too much. These feelings might be caused by things in your past or in the here and now. Together we can work through these issues. My initial training was in CBT but I now draw on different types of therapy so we can find what works best for you. I have experience working with individuals with autism and ADHD, or suspected ADHD.
Perhaps you’re feeling sad, overwhelmed, anxious or just not yourself. Life can be difficult, and I know reaching out for support is a scary step. I am committed to supporting individuals of all ages through your doubts or struggles. Perhaps you have coped for a long time but now feel things are too much. These feelings might be caused by things in your past or in the here and now. Together we can work through these issues. My initial training was in CBT but I now draw on different types of therapy so we can find what works best for you. I have experience working with individuals with autism and ADHD, or suspected ADHD.
01355 203505 View 01355 203505
Photo of Dr Rachel M Allan, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Rachel M Allan
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My main approaches are EMDR and Schema Therapy.
You may be getting through each day while struggling to hold yourself together. Something has happened, or something has finally given way, and you are left wondering whether therapy is justified or whether you should be coping better by now. Many people reach this point after a loss, shock, or rupture that exposes how much has been carried for a long time. This is often where earlier relationship experiences and childhood wounds surface as patterns that suddenly feel impossible to manage alone. Therapy offers a way to make sense of what has been triggered and to work with it, rather than pushing through and hoping it settles.
My main approaches are EMDR and Schema Therapy.
You may be getting through each day while struggling to hold yourself together. Something has happened, or something has finally given way, and you are left wondering whether therapy is justified or whether you should be coping better by now. Many people reach this point after a loss, shock, or rupture that exposes how much has been carried for a long time. This is often where earlier relationship experiences and childhood wounds surface as patterns that suddenly feel impossible to manage alone. Therapy offers a way to make sense of what has been triggered and to work with it, rather than pushing through and hoping it settles.
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Photo of Gemini Thomson - Gem Thomson – Connection Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
I specialise in the lasting impact of childhood neglect, using Schema Therapy, CBT and EMDR to explore the patterns it leaves behind — anxiety, self-criticism, emotional exhaustion.
Do you carry a sense that something isn't quite right — not dramatically wrong, just a feeling that won't go away? Perhaps relationships feel harder than they should, or you're exhausted from holding everything together. For many people, these feelings trace back to childhood — not to what happened, but to what didn't: the comfort, attention or care that wasn't there. Childhood neglect can be invisible, even to the person who lived it, yet it quietly shapes adult life. We're a specialist psychotherapy clinic in Glasgow, here to help you understand why — and to find a way forward. Contact us for a free consultation.
I specialise in the lasting impact of childhood neglect, using Schema Therapy, CBT and EMDR to explore the patterns it leaves behind — anxiety, self-criticism, emotional exhaustion.
Do you carry a sense that something isn't quite right — not dramatically wrong, just a feeling that won't go away? Perhaps relationships feel harder than they should, or you're exhausted from holding everything together. For many people, these feelings trace back to childhood — not to what happened, but to what didn't: the comfort, attention or care that wasn't there. Childhood neglect can be invisible, even to the person who lived it, yet it quietly shapes adult life. We're a specialist psychotherapy clinic in Glasgow, here to help you understand why — and to find a way forward. Contact us for a free consultation.
0141 673 9427 View 0141 673 9427
Photo of Faz Parkar - Parkar Psychological Therapy (CBT and EMDR), Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Parkar Psychological Therapy (CBT and EMDR)
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Online Only
I am a BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner .
Are you feeling depressed, or anxious, or even symptoms of PTSD or OCD? I offer therapy for low self esteem, perfectionism, stress management, return to work, worry and sleeping difficulties. I will work with you to help you understand why you are feeling like this, and what is keeping it going. so you can make meaningful life changes. If you are wanting to improve your quality of life, or your motivation, or manage negative thoughts or worries, then get in touch. I will help improve your confidence, manage intrusive or traumatic experiences, face your fears, or manage panic attacks so that you can focus on what is important in life
I am a BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner .
Are you feeling depressed, or anxious, or even symptoms of PTSD or OCD? I offer therapy for low self esteem, perfectionism, stress management, return to work, worry and sleeping difficulties. I will work with you to help you understand why you are feeling like this, and what is keeping it going. so you can make meaningful life changes. If you are wanting to improve your quality of life, or your motivation, or manage negative thoughts or worries, then get in touch. I will help improve your confidence, manage intrusive or traumatic experiences, face your fears, or manage panic attacks so that you can focus on what is important in life
01334 809186 View 01334 809186
Photo of Michele Rose Ellen Brannan - Therapy For The Mind , Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Therapy For The Mind
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Glasgow G72
I am an accredited EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) integrative therapist, this is used for the treatment of childhood & adult trauma, phobias, negative core beliefs, unprocessed grief and many more areas.
The therapeutic environment and relationship I provide supports clients to have a better understanding of where they are at in their lives and make the changes they feel are needed to progress and move forward in their life. I am an EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) therapist which helps with the treatment of trauma and many other issues.
I am an accredited EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) integrative therapist, this is used for the treatment of childhood & adult trauma, phobias, negative core beliefs, unprocessed grief and many more areas.
The therapeutic environment and relationship I provide supports clients to have a better understanding of where they are at in their lives and make the changes they feel are needed to progress and move forward in their life. I am an EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) therapist which helps with the treatment of trauma and many other issues.
01355 202684 View 01355 202684
Photo of Sharon Joyce - G77 Counselling - Sharon Joyce, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
G77 Counselling - Sharon Joyce
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Glasgow G77
EMDR practitioner.
GMBPSS, MBACP (Accredited), MCOSCA (Accredited), MSSSC. I use the latest evidence-informed therapies. Accredited Psychotherapist. Masters degree Glasgow University 2001 and Masters degree in counselling and psychotherapy fully accredited and registered with BACP in addition to my fully qualified registration SSSC since my qualification in 1997. I am a registered member of MBACP Accred. MCOSCA and MSSSC. Adhere to policies and procedures and comply with the ethical framework for practice. This includes ongoing professional development, supervision and complainFees available on request. Supervision, BACP and SSSC regulations applied.
EMDR practitioner.
GMBPSS, MBACP (Accredited), MCOSCA (Accredited), MSSSC. I use the latest evidence-informed therapies. Accredited Psychotherapist. Masters degree Glasgow University 2001 and Masters degree in counselling and psychotherapy fully accredited and registered with BACP in addition to my fully qualified registration SSSC since my qualification in 1997. I am a registered member of MBACP Accred. MCOSCA and MSSSC. Adhere to policies and procedures and comply with the ethical framework for practice. This includes ongoing professional development, supervision and complainFees available on request. Supervision, BACP and SSSC regulations applied.
07887 532538 View 07887 532538
Photo of Dr Cameron Cunningham, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Cameron Cunningham
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to the doctorate in Counselling Psychology, I hold professional certifications in trauma-informed frameworks including EMDR and Narrative Exposure Therapy and I receive expert supervision in Schema Therapy.
Thanks for checking my profile! I work with clients presenting with all types of difficulties. My experiences include but are not limited to working with clients with OCD presentations, depression and generalized anxiety, traumatic childhoods, problems in relationships, in addition to self-harm and suicidal ideation. I am also skilled in trauma-informed approaches to therapy through years of working with refugee and asylum seeker populations. Most importantly, I am here to support you through difficulties you may be experiencing in your life
In addition to the doctorate in Counselling Psychology, I hold professional certifications in trauma-informed frameworks including EMDR and Narrative Exposure Therapy and I receive expert supervision in Schema Therapy.
Thanks for checking my profile! I work with clients presenting with all types of difficulties. My experiences include but are not limited to working with clients with OCD presentations, depression and generalized anxiety, traumatic childhoods, problems in relationships, in addition to self-harm and suicidal ideation. I am also skilled in trauma-informed approaches to therapy through years of working with refugee and asylum seeker populations. Most importantly, I am here to support you through difficulties you may be experiencing in your life
0141 673 5617 View 0141 673 5617
Photo of John William Taylor - Johnnie Taylor, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Johnnie Taylor
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Online Only
The combining of Internal Family Systems with EMDR can help you to let go of your past trauma.
Are you living with the symptoms of PTSD, traumatic memories and anxiety? Is this making life, work and relationships more difficult? Perhaps, you are experiencing flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, phobias, anger, fear, sadness or social anxiety.  This could be making it difficult for you to cope in certain circumstances. It could also be causing your self-esteem and confidence to spiral downwards. Maybe, you have got so used to living with traumatic symptoms and anxiety that the distress and inconvenience they cause you has just become ‘normal’. I would like to help you with my embodied trauma-focused practice.
The combining of Internal Family Systems with EMDR can help you to let go of your past trauma.
Are you living with the symptoms of PTSD, traumatic memories and anxiety? Is this making life, work and relationships more difficult? Perhaps, you are experiencing flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, phobias, anger, fear, sadness or social anxiety.  This could be making it difficult for you to cope in certain circumstances. It could also be causing your self-esteem and confidence to spiral downwards. Maybe, you have got so used to living with traumatic symptoms and anxiety that the distress and inconvenience they cause you has just become ‘normal’. I would like to help you with my embodied trauma-focused practice.
01227 202266 View 01227 202266
Photo of Dr Andrea Gallagher-Cowley, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Andrea Gallagher-Cowley
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Glasgow G46
I take an IFS informed approach, integrating EMDR, CBT, ACT, and IPT to help you reach your goals.
Are you struggling with self-esteem, relationships, grief, or your mental health? Perhaps you feel "stuck" in patterns you can’t quite break or overwhelmed by anxiety and intrusive thoughts. You may be looking for a safe space to explore these challenges without judgment; wanting to understand the root of your difficulties while making practical changes to improve your wellbeing. Whether you are navigating trauma, bereavement, or the impact of hormonal changes, your goal is to find a way forward, develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself, and build a stable sense of internal value.
I take an IFS informed approach, integrating EMDR, CBT, ACT, and IPT to help you reach your goals.
Are you struggling with self-esteem, relationships, grief, or your mental health? Perhaps you feel "stuck" in patterns you can’t quite break or overwhelmed by anxiety and intrusive thoughts. You may be looking for a safe space to explore these challenges without judgment; wanting to understand the root of your difficulties while making practical changes to improve your wellbeing. Whether you are navigating trauma, bereavement, or the impact of hormonal changes, your goal is to find a way forward, develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself, and build a stable sense of internal value.
028 9124 4138 View 028 9124 4138
Photo of Dr Kirstie Rees - Kirstie Rees Psychology, Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
Kirstie Rees Psychology
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
Glasgow G44
I also use EMDR when working with children and young people.
Are you a parent or carer of a child or young person who has additional support needs, special educational needs or learning disabilities? Are you struggling to understand your child's needs, their learning or their behaviours? Would you like to learn more about helpful strategies and approaches that you can use to reduce their behaviours and anxiety, or to enhance your child's mental health and learning? Would your child benefit from help to navigate relationships and school? Would it be helpful for you, too, to talk over your concerns in a safe, and supportive setting?
I also use EMDR when working with children and young people.
Are you a parent or carer of a child or young person who has additional support needs, special educational needs or learning disabilities? Are you struggling to understand your child's needs, their learning or their behaviours? Would you like to learn more about helpful strategies and approaches that you can use to reduce their behaviours and anxiety, or to enhance your child's mental health and learning? Would your child benefit from help to navigate relationships and school? Would it be helpful for you, too, to talk over your concerns in a safe, and supportive setting?
01355 209636 View 01355 209636
Photo of Jill Ogston, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Jill Ogston
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
I use a range of psychological therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & EMDR, to help people improve their quality of life.
Hi I am Dr Jill Ogston and I am a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist at The Beacon Practice. I offer psychological assessment and therapeutic intervention in West and Central Scotland. I work with children, adults and families to help them understand and manage a wide range of emotional difficulties. In addition, I have particular expertise in working with people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and related conditions; in providing support to live in a neurotypical world, with emotional difficulties and in providing an opinion on whether a full assessment of Autism would be helpful.
I use a range of psychological therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & EMDR, to help people improve their quality of life.
Hi I am Dr Jill Ogston and I am a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist at The Beacon Practice. I offer psychological assessment and therapeutic intervention in West and Central Scotland. I work with children, adults and families to help them understand and manage a wide range of emotional difficulties. In addition, I have particular expertise in working with people with Autism Spectrum Conditions and related conditions; in providing support to live in a neurotypical world, with emotional difficulties and in providing an opinion on whether a full assessment of Autism would be helpful.
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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.