Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing EMDR in York, Manchester & online.
What is Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing?
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy commonly used to help people resolve distressing events and subsequent problems, such as re-living of experiences that are in the past, experiencing flashbacks or upsetting images or sounds replaying, disturbed sleep, depression or anxiety.
EMDR works on the basis that when traumatic events occur, people feel overwhelmed in the moment and are unable to make sense of what is happening, and they can’t fully move on from what has happened. The event could be one big thing, such as being involved in or witnessing an accident, or it could be something seemingly small that builds on many other things that have been upsetting or overwhelming.
EMDR therapy uses ‘dual stimulation’ to help to clear your brains information processing network which is blocked or imbalanced by a traumatic memory.
How can Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing help?
EMDR is commonly used if you are experiencing traumatic stress, such as PTSD, but can also be used to help a range of mental health problems, such as panic disorder, anxiety or depression.
EMDR can be especially useful in instances where a difficult life event occurred, such as abuse, bullying or the sudden loss of a loved one. EMDR aims to ‘unstick’ the mind and reprocess memories so they are no longer as intense and vivid.
EMDR is not the only therapy that helps people to resolve trauma. When choosing the right ways of working, a therapist will help you to understand the different types of therapy and what will likely be right for you.
What is a Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing session like?
EMDR is delivered by a therapist who has undergone further training specifically in EMDR.
EMDR can be different from other therapeutic approaches as it uses guided exercises alongside actions. This can involve you tapping your hands, listening to an oscillating sound or following a movement with your eyes. These guided exercises and actions can help you work through particular ‘stuck’ points in your memories, by helping your brain reprocess the information at a reduced intensity, reducing the vivid nature of the memory.
The same ways of working can be used to strengthen positive or comforting emotional experiences to help stabilise or resource you.
We understand that seeking therapy can be daunting and that taking the first step can be challenging. We have a team of trained experts available at our clinics in York, Manchester and online.
If you are unsure whether you need therapy within our general adult’s service or our Neuro-diversity service, please get in touch using the form below for more information about our different sorts of therapy. We would be delighted to discuss your situation and needs with you