Resolve distressing memories with EMDR

How does EMDR work?

The main aim of EMDR is to ‘unstick’ distressing memories, and move them to a part of the brain that can recognise these events as being in the past, therefore, helping the person to think about the event without experiencing the same intense level of emotion. These memories are not forgotten, but the person is able to recognise them as being old memories that do not evoke the same level of distress.

What does EMDR involve?

When we meet, I will want to know about your life, what issues have brought you to see me, and what you are hoping to achieve from EMDR. I will also be very interested in how you have supported yourself through past difficulties, and what supportive people and activities you currently have in your life. I will also share supportive strategies with you and will ask you to practice these strategies between sessions.

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After this full assessment and preparation stage clients will identify a particular event, they want work on. Clients are then asked to recall the traumatic event while they also remain aware of what is happening in the present moment, this is achieved by clients following the movement of their therapists’ hand. If clients have eye issues other methods of keeping their attention in the present are available.

During the session different aspects of the trauma are considered such as the images, the feelings, and beliefs the person may hold about themselves. However, one of the great advantages about EMDR is it is not necessary to talk in detail about the traumatic event, which for a lot of people is a relief.