Question 1

What is EMDR therapy?

Accepted Answer

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps process traumatic memories. It uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements or tapping) to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing experiences.

Question 2

How does EMDR help with childhood or complex trauma?

Accepted Answer

EMDR targets unresolved trauma stored in the brain and body. It allows your mind to process difficult experiences safely, helping reduce self-doubt, shame, anxiety, and relational difficulties caused by past trauma.

Question 3

I’ve done therapy before, why do I still feel stuck?

Accepted Answer

Many people cope with trauma but still feel a “block” underneath. EMDR addresses these unprocessed memories that traditional talk therapy may not fully reach, allowing deeper healing.

Question 4

Is EMDR therapy safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EMDR is recognized by the NHS, NICE guidelines, and WHO for treating trauma, PTSD, and CPTSD. Therapy is guided, paced to your comfort, and focuses on safety.

Question 5

What happens in an EMDR session?

Accepted Answer

Sessions usually start with grounding exercises. You focus on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. You don’t need to talk in detail about the trauma if you don’t want to. The goal is to process memories so they lose their emotional charge.

Question 6

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

It varies. Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes. Single-event trauma may take 8-12 sessions. While complex trauma or multiple past experiences often require longer and may require 12-18 months of treatment or longer.

Question 7

Can EMDR therapy be done online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EMDR is just as effective online as it is in person. You can have effective EMDR sessions remotely using video sessions, allowing you to work safely from home.

Question 8

How do I know if EMDR is right for me?

Accepted Answer

EMDR may be right if you’ve built coping skills but still feel stuck, struggle with relationships or self-esteem, or carry unprocessed trauma that affects your daily life.

Question 9

Will EMDR make me relive the trauma?

Accepted Answer

Not in the way you might fear. EMDR focuses on processing the memory safely, often making it feel less intense rather than re-experiencing it.

Question 10

Can EMDR help with anxiety, flashbacks, or nightmares?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EMDR can reduce symptoms related to trauma, including intrusive memories, flashbacks, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.

Question 11

What does EMDR feel like?

Accepted Answer

EMDR therapy can evoke a range of emotional and physical sensations. While some sessions might leave individuals feeling drained or emotionally exhausted, others can bring about a sense of relief and lightness. The process can involve emotional release, including crying, anger, or sadness, as past traumatic memories are revisited and processed.

Question 12

Why does EMDR make me so tired?

Accepted Answer

Feel tired after EMDR is perfectly normal and a common experienced. You and your brain are working hard to process difficult memories and deep-seated negative beliefs. You may feel emotionally drained and physically tired after a session. Feeling tired is a sign that therapy with working.

Question 13

Is it normal to cry after or during EMDR?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Crying during or after EMDR therapy is completely normal and can actually be a healthy part of the healing process. EMDR helps your brain access and process emotions that may have been stored or suppressed due to trauma.

Crying doesn’t mean you’re “weak” or that therapy isn’t working. It’s a sign that your mind and body are releasing unprocessed emotions. Some people may feel relief, lightness, or even exhaustion afterward.

Question 14

Can EMDR make things worse?

Accepted Answer

EMDR is safe and effective when delivered by a trained therapist. It can be harmful if not delivered by a trained therapist.

Question 15

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

The first step is to get a free 15 minute phone consultation book in. You can discuss your concerns and goals, ask any questions, and see how we connect.

If we feel like EMDR if right for you, the next step would be to book in an initial session and go from there.

Next steps