Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy used to treat the symptoms of trauma and adverse life events. When someone experiences a traumatic event, the thoughts, feelings and memories they have about that event can get stuck, and it can be hard to move on from them. The aim of EMDR is to help the brain to process distressing memories and find resolution. This will reduce their influence and allow you to develop ways to more effectively live your life.
The traumatic events that EMDR can help with include:
- childhood sexual and/or physical abuse or neglect
- natural disaster
- surgical trauma
- road traffic accidents
- workplace accidents
What happens in EMDR?
In a session of EMDR, you will be asked to bring an unpleasant image, memory or negative belief related to your traumatic event or situation to mind. With these thoughts and images in mind, you will then be asked to move your eyes from side-to-side for several seconds. Afterwards you will be asked to breathe deeply and discuss with your therapist what occurred during the exercise. This process in repeated until distress has reduced.
EMDR is recommended by The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a first-line treatment for people with symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It can also help children who experience self-esteem, emotional and behavioural difficulties.
EMDR at The Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic
At the Fitzrovia Psychology Clinic, treatment and therapy for trauma and other conditions is available. We have psychologists with specialist EMDR skills and with a breadth of experience in using EMDR in the treatment of trauma and other conditions.
We seek to establish successful partnerships between client and therapist in order to achieve authentic therapeutic relationships and effective outcomes. The number of sessions you will be seen for will be discussed following the initial assessment and reviewed regularly throughout your treatment.
If you would like to know more about the therapy and treatments we offer for trauma and PTSD from our London or Surrey clinics, please contact us so that you can feel confident in any decisions you make about your treatment. If you are able unable to access our London or Surrey Clinics, online options are also available.