Leicester Therapy - For all your Counselling Needs

Leicester Therapy - What is EMDR?

What is EMDR

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a structured therapy that helps process distressing memories and reduce their impact. It works by using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds, while you focus on a distressing memory, allowing the brain to reprocess it. The therapy is proven to be effective for PTSD, but can also help with issues like anxiety, phobias, and depression. While EMDR is considered safe when performed by a trained professional, it can temporarily intensify emotions during sessions. You don't always need to talk extensively about the trauma, as the focus is on the associated physical sensations, emotions, and negative thoughts.

How it works and what to expect

Bilateral stimulation: A therapist uses guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds to help your brain reprocess memories.
Memory reprocessing: The goal is to make distressing memories feel less overwhelming by helping the brain reprocess them.
Focus on associations: You'll focus on a disturbing image, negative thoughts, emotions, and body sensations related to the memory.
Less talking: You don't have to talk in detail about the trauma, which can be helpful for those who find it difficult to discuss their experiences verbally.

Effectiveness and applications

PTSD: EMDR is one of the most researched and effective treatments for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Other issues: It can also be helpful for anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, depression, and abuse.
Past trauma: It is effective for both recent and past trauma, including childhood experiences.

Risks and considerations

Temporary distress: You may experience an intensification of emotions as you process past experiences, especially in initial sessions.
Brain processing between sessions: Some people report vivid dreams or sudden memories after a session, which can be a positive shift but may also impact relationships.
Who is not a candidate: EMDR may not be suitable for those in a crisis, with unstable living situations, or with certain untreated mental health conditions.

Session length and number

Session length: A typical session lasts about one hour, though some clients request longer sessions.
Number of sessions: This varies based on individual needs and the complexity of the trauma. Guidelines suggest 8-12 sessions for a single incident trauma, but more complex trauma will take longer.
Ongoing processing: Processing can continue between sessions, so effects can be ongoing.

The 8 Phases of EMDR

The 8 phases of EMDR therapy:

These phases guide the client and therapist from the initial gathering of information and preparation through the processing of a memory and its final evaluation.

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning

This initial phase involves the therapist collecting a client's history and developing a treatment plan, building a strong therapeutic relationship, and establishing safety.

2. Preparation

The client is prepared for the process, with the therapist building coping skills and resources to manage the emotions that may arise during treatment.

3. Assessment

A specific target memory is identified for reprocessing. The therapist works with the client to identify a vivid image, a negative self-belief, and associated feelings and sensations.

4. Desensitisation

The therapist uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, taps, or sounds) while the client focuses on the target memory to help reduce the disturbance associated with it.

5. Installation

This phase aims to strengthen a positive belief that the client wants to associate with the memory, typically by repeating the positive belief while focusing on the desensitized memory.

6. Body Scan

The client scans their body from head to toe while holding both the memory and the positive belief in mind. The therapist processes any lingering physical sensations.

7. Closure

The therapist helps the client return to a calm, present state and provides guidance on how to handle any continued processing that may occur between sessions.

8. Reevaluation

This final phase, often done at the beginning of the next session, assesses whether the reprocessing has been successful and whether the disturbance from the memory has been sustained.

At Leicester Therapy, we recognise that seeking support for mental health is a significant decision. Our accredited and registered BACP psychotherapist offers counselling sessions and EMDR tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle. We specialise in addressing a range of issues, including low self-esteem, anxiety, relationship challenges, addiction, Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and any other emotional difficulties. Conveniently located in the heart of Leicester, our practice provides a confidential and supportive environment for your therapeutic journey. If you're searching for "therapy near me" or "counselling in Leicester," "EMDR Leicester" consider reaching out to us at Leicester Therapy to begin your path toward improved mental health.

If you are looking for warmth and openness please get in touch for a free 20 minute consultation today.

Face to Face is available as well as online, home visits and telephone therapy.

Fees: EMDR is £120 per session. Each appointment lasts up to an hour.

Google Sites

Report abuse