Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
July, 2026
Since completing my training in EMDR at the beginning of the year, my initial scepticism, despite it’s strong evidence, has softened. While it’s no magic wand, and not suited for everyone, I have come to see it as a valuable tool that can help people to finish processing memories that were too much at the time.
What has struck me most is that EMDR works with memory reprocessing, not just psychological understanding. This was made clear from day one of my training. However, seeing it happen in the therapy room emphasised how the psychological growth seemed to occur more spontaneously after reprocessing the distressing memories. It seemed that EMDR allowed a client’s brain to finish processing the events that got stuck months or years earlier. Once the memories had been reprocessed, a person’s capacity for healing often seemed to lead them to new conclusions about themselves spontaneously.
Who is it for?
Originally developed in order to treat trauma and PTSD and it has also been used to treat acute stress, specific phobias, anxiety and depression among other problems that can occur after trauma.
How does it work? How is it different to other trauma treatments?
Unlike many evidence-based therapies, EMDR supports a person to bring aspects of the memory to mind without relying as heavily on talking through many details of a traumatic experience. Instead people are guided to bring aspects of the memory to mind while being supported to stay grounded in the present moment.
Although researchers continue to debate the exact mechanisms, dual awareness and bilateral stimulation are what distinguishes EMDR from other evidence-based trauma treatments. Dual awareness refers to the practice of a client being asked to hold in mind an image from the memory while also following my fingers with their eyes. The bilateral stimulation refers to the eye movement which alternates left to right and is sometimes coupled with alternate tapping or other bilateral stimulation practices. It is the dual awareness and bilateral stimulation practices in EMDR that support a person to remain grounded during the exposure phases of the treatment.
Other approaches, such as Somatic Experiencing and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga, may be helpful adjuncts for some people, although the evidence base is currently less extensive than for EMDR, Trauma-Focused CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure.
Reflecting on my experience so far, what has surprised me most is that many people already understood their experiences and why they felt that way. It’s not always the absence of understanding that leaves people feeling stuck. It seemed that once the memories had been reprocessed, new perspectives and relief from symptoms naturally emerged.
If you’d like to know more about EMDR treatment, what to expect and whether you or someone you know may benefit feel free to get in touch.