Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is based on the idea that the mind has a natural capacity to process and recover from overwhelming experiences and trauma.
When something distressing happens, that process can become disrupted, and memories or emotions can remain “stuck,” continuing to affect us long after the event has passed.
EMDR aims to gently support this natural processing to resume. Using a structured and carefully paced approach, it helps people draw on their own internal strengths and resources so that difficult experiences can become less emotionally charged. As this happens, long-held beliefs about ourselves that developed during times of distress can begin to shift.
The aim isn’t to erase what happened, but to help the nervous system recognise that the danger has passed, so memories feel more manageable and less intrusive, and life can begin to feel steadier and safer.
What to expect
In practice, EMDR involves following a gentle back-and-forth movement with your eyes. This might be the clinician’s hand, a light or dot on a screen, including via telehealth, or using a small handheld device if eye-movements aren’t suitable.
While doing this, the client brings a distressing memory or emotion to mind. The process is paused at regular points so the client can notice what’s coming up, and then it continues.
Throughout the session, the clinician checks in about how distressing the memory feels and any beliefs connected to it. This helps guide the work and ensure it is moving at a pace that feels safe and effective.
Clients don’t need to talk about the memory in detail, and sessions often involve less talking than traditional therapy. This allows space for the brain’s own natural processing to take the lead.
Safety, pace and control
Clients remain in control throughout the process, and EMDR can be paused or stopped at any time. Consent and choice are central to the work, and nothing is done without your agreement.
While each clinician brings their own style to EMDR, I currently work closely with the standard EMDR protocol as I continue my training. Although this structure can feel quite contained, it helps ensure the work is safe, steady, and effective.