EMDR Eight Phase Protocol

EMDR has eight phases.  Firstly we explore what is bringing you to therapy and your experiences that may have contributed to this.  This informs the focus of our work and how best to support you in moving forward. 

As this process progresses, the work focuses on specific, mutually agreed targets for desensitisation and processing the things that are getting in the way and blocking your growth.  This therapy also works through trauma stored in the body, not just what we store in the brain.

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How Long Does EMDR take?

EMDR can be brief or part of a longer psychotherapy plan.  You may only have one prominent experience that is bothering you, so that will take less time than if you have multiple traumas.  As part of the assessment process, we will determine the focus of our work based on your needs.

What is EMDR?

EMDR Therapy helps people heal from past traumas and emotional distress.  While it involves some talking about how your problems are impacting you, this therapy uses methods of bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping.  This helps your brain get unstuck and store the memories without the distress attached, so you can feel better and move on in your life.

​EMDR therapy is evidence based and recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

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Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR can help if you're feeling weighed down by past experiences, whether it's a big traumatic event or smaller moments that still bother you.  It has also been proven to be helpful with phobias and negative beliefs you have about yourself.

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What to Expect in an EMDR Session

After a thorough assessment we develop a plan.  You won't be asked to relive your trauma in detail, the focus is on how it feels to you now, in the present.

You will then be asked a few specific questions about a particular disturbing memory, before using repeated eye movements or tapping.  The memory tends to change, losing it's intensity and becoming more neutral and no longer feeling distressing.

Benefits of EMDR

• Feel more in control of your thoughts and emotions.

• Reduce anxiety and stress related to past experiences.

• Improve self esteem and build healthier beliefs about yourself.

• Move past old patterns and feel more present in your life.