What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from distressing memories and trauma. It is particularly helpful for anyone who feels “stuck” in past experiences that continue to impact daily life.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly discuss the trauma. Instead, it uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess distressing experiences, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing for more adaptive thoughts and responses.
EMDR is often quick and effective. The number of sessions varies depending on your needs, but many people complete around 12 sessions.
What happens in an EMDR session?
Sessions are usually conducted online and follow a structured process with four main stages:
-
Assessment & Planning – Understanding your needs and co-designing a treatment plan.
-
Resource Development – Building coping strategies to support you during emotional distress and preparing for treatment.
-
EMDR Treatment – Guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds are used while you recall specific memories. This helps your brain reprocess the memory in a way that reduces emotional intensity.
-
Review & Adjustment – Reflecting on progress and updating the plan together.
Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your pace and comfort, and usually conducted online.
Who can benefit from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR can support individuals experiencing a wide range of challenges, including:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) – survivors of abuse, accidents, natural disasters, or combat veterans
Anxiety & Panic Disorders – reducing distressing thoughts and overwhelming emotions
Depression – especially when linked to past trauma or negative self-beliefs
Phobias & Fears – desensitising triggers and reprocessing fearful experiences
Grief & Loss – providing relief from complicated grief and emotional distress
Chronic Pain & Illness-Related Trauma – addressing the emotional impact of medical conditions
Performance Anxiety & Self-Esteem Issues – improving confidence and reducing self-doubt
Client Testimonial
Before starting EMDR therapy with Gabrielle, I struggled daily with flashbacks, nightmares and avoided places tied to my trauma. I was sceptical that it could help, as I've spent years in psychotherapy after a life-changing injury.
From the beginning, Gabrielle put me at ease - she is kind and warm, and has made me feel truly seen and understood. Her knowledge of disability and the unique challenges Disabled people face made me feel really validated throughout the process. The safe and supportive space she creates has been key to helping me open up to EMDR.
Over the course of our sessions, I no longer experience flashbacks and nightmares, and I feel more confident discussing my trauma rather than being overwhelmed by it.
EMDR with Gabrielle has made a huge difference in my life, and I’m really grateful for the progress I’ve made with her support.
If you’d like to discover how EMDR could help you process past experiences and regain emotional balance, I’d love to hear from you. Sessions are usually conducted online.