EMDR: what is it?
You may have heard of EMDR and are interested in finding out more detail about it, or you may be wondering what this strange sounding therapy is all about.
EMDR is short for ‘Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing’.
It is a complex approach to psychotherapy that integrates knowledge from other therapies. Most people that have heard of EMDR will associate it with eye movements. EMDR though is a method that involves phases and procedures and a comprehensive treatment plan to help you to process your difficulties and troubles.
The Background
It was developed back in 1987 by a clinical psychologist in the US called Dr. Francine Shapiro. She discovered that disturbing thoughts could be changed through bilateral stimulation leading to more adaptive resolution (i.e. the charge of the negative feelings would reduce). Shapiro went on to develop a treatment with a primary focus of anxiety reduction. Her position as a senior researcher (at the Mental Research Institute in Palo Alto) enabled her to collect research evidence of the benefits of EMDR therapy.
Since those early research findings, a huge amount of research has been undertaken demonstrating the value of EMDR for treating psychological trauma and distress.
Why Work With Me?
As it can be complex and powerful for clients, only qualified practitioners in the field of mental health can train in EMDR. I have completed a three level training route to become an EMDR advanced practitioner and my training is approved by EMDR-Europe Association and by EMDR international association.
I have also undertaken related training on trauma, including developmental and complex trauma and have worked previously in the UK and overseas with people who have experienced trauma in childhood and adulthood.
Would EMDR Therapy Work For Me?
EMDR has a sound evidence base for working with trauma and accordingly I use it to treat people who have experienced:
childhood physical, sexual and emotional abuse and neglect – war related trauma – accidents – rape and assault
Increasingly practitioners are using EMDR for a range of other disturbances and traumas. As well as the issues above, to date, I have used EMDR successfully for:
low self-esteem – self-harm – bullying – school based difficulties – guilt – self-criticism – compulsions – addiction – bereavement and loss – anxiety – obsessive thinking – abandonment – domestic violence – anger – shame – phobias
Many people find EMDR very helpful in reducing distress / trauma.
If you would like to enquire about EMDR therapy or book a first session please click below.
