Lately, I've been having more conversations with people who are curious about EMDR and whether it might help them.
Some have heard it mentioned on a podcast, others have seen it discussed on social media, and some have come across public figures such as Miley Cyrus, Fern Cotton, Jameela Jamil and Prince Harry speaking openly about their experiences of therapy and trauma recovery.
The question I hear most often is:
"I've heard of EMDR, but what actually is it?"
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a therapy approach that helps people process difficult experiences that may still be affecting them in the present.
Sometimes we know an event is in the past, yet part of us still reacts as though it is happening now. We might find ourselves feeling anxious, overwhelmed, fearful, self-critical, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve us.
EMDR helps the brain process experiences that have not been fully resolved, allowing them to become part of our history rather than something that continues to shape our daily lives.
Although EMDR is often associated with trauma and PTSD, it can also be helpful for:
Anxiety and panic
Phobias and fears
Health anxiety
Low confidence and self-esteem
Grief and loss
Distressing life experiences
Performance anxiety in sport, work, or public speaking
One of the common misconceptions about EMDR is that it involves repeatedly talking through traumatic experiences. In reality, the work is carefully paced and begins with preparation and stabilisation, helping clients feel safe and supported throughout the process.
As an EMDR therapist, I often integrate EMDR alongside counselling, depending on the needs of the individual. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, and part of the initial assessment is exploring what is likely to be most helpful for you.