EMDR Therapy in Leamington Spa & Birmingham

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a clinically recognised, evidence-based therapy designed to help people recover from traumatic experiences, PTSD, and distressing memories.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works directly with the brain’s natural healing processes — allowing you to safely reprocess difficult memories without being overwhelmed by them.

During an EMDR session, you’ll be gently guided to focus on distressing memories while engaging in specific eye movements or bilateral stimulation. This helps the brain “unstick” the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and creating space for emotional healing.

GET IN TOUCH

How EMDR Therapy Works

EMDR targets the way trauma is stored in the brain.

When a traumatic or distressing event isn’t fully processed, the memory can remain “stuck,” causing emotional distress, anxiety, flashbacks, or triggers years later.

In our EMDR sessions, we help you:

• Access the memory in a safe, controlled setting
• Reprocess it through guided eye movements or tactile stimulation
• Reduce its emotional charge
• Build new, healthier associations

This allows your brain to file the memory away correctly — so it no longer controls your emotional state.

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

An EMDR session typically follows an eight-phase approach:

1. History Taking: The therapist gathers information about your past experiences and current symptoms.
2. Preparation: You learn about the EMDR process and develop coping strategies for managing distress.
3. Assessment: You identify specific memories to target during the session.
4. Desensitisation: Through bilateral stimulation, you process the target memory, reducing its emotional impact.
5. Installation: You work to reinforce positive beliefs that counteract the negative ones associated with the trauma.
6. Body Scan: You check for any residual physical tension related to the traumatic memory.
7. Closure: The therapist helps you return to a state of equilibrium before concluding the session.
8. Re-evaluation: In subsequent sessions, the therapist assesses your progress and addresses any remaining issues.

SPEAK TO US

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Many clients experience profound improvements after a series of EMDR sessions. Benefits often include:

• Significant reduction in anxiety, stress, and emotional reactivity
• Less intensity around past traumatic memories
• Improved sleep and overall emotional regulation
• Increased self-esteem and resilience
• Greater ability to live in the present, not the past
• Accelerated healing compared to some traditional therapy methods

EMDR is widely used to treat PTSD, trauma, panic attacks, phobias, anxiety disorders, and unresolved grief.

What EMDR Can Help With

EMDR can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is particularly well-known for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences.
• Anxiety and Panic Disorders: By addressing the root causes of anxiety, EMDR can provide relief from persistent anxiety and panic attacks.
• Depression: EMDR can help individuals work through underlying traumatic experiences that may contribute to depressive symptoms.
• Phobias: EMDR can assist in desensitising the emotional responses associated with specific fears, making it easier to confront and overcome phobias.
• Emotional Distress: Whether stemming from loss, relationship issues, or other life events, EMDR can help individuals process their emotions and move towards healing.