EMDR Therapy
A powerful, evidence based therapy for processing trauma.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence based therapy that helps people process and recover from distressing or traumatic experiences. It is widely recognised as an effective treatment for trauma and related difficulties.
When we go through overwhelming or frightening events, the brain’s natural way of processing information can become disrupted. Instead of being stored as a past memory, the experience can feel as though it is still happening in the present. This can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, low mood, or strong emotional reactions.
EMDR helps the brain to reprocess these difficult memories so they feel less distressing and more like something that happened in the past, rather than something that is still happening now.
EMDR is recommended by organisations such as National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When is EMDR helpful?
EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the NHS (NICE guidelines) as a frontline treatment for:
- Trauma and PTSD - Including single incident trauma (accidents, assaults, medical events) and complex or childhood trauma.
- Anxiety and Panic - Such as panic attacks, phobias (e.g. flying, driving, medical procedures), social anxiety, and performance anxiety.
- Depression - Particularly when linked to difficult life experiences, loss, or early adversity.
- Low Self-Esteem and Shame - When negative core beliefs stem from past experiences.
- Grief and Loss - Complicated or traumatic grief reactions.
- Chronic Pain and Stress Related Conditions - Where distress and past experiences may contribute to ongoing symptoms.
Is EMDR Right for You?
EMDR is widely recognised for treating PTSD, but it can also help with many situations where past experiences continue to affect your present life. You may benefit from EMDR if:
- Certain memories still feel “stuck.” Some experiences remain vivid, emotionally intense, or intrusive.
- Your body reacts before your mind does. You notice physical responses such as a racing heart, tight chest, nausea, or sudden panic in specific situations, even when you logically know you are safe.
- Talking hasn’t brought the relief you hoped for. You’ve explored your history in therapy but still carry the same emotional weight or triggers.
- You hold persistent negative beliefs about yourself. Thoughts like “I’m not safe”, “I’m not good enough,” or “It was my fault” feel deeply rooted and hard to shift.
- You struggle with specific fears or phobias. For example, an intense fear of flying, medical procedures, public speaking, or other situations that limit your life.
Our Values
Empowerment
Collaboration
Inclusivity
Compassion
Integrity
Face to face and online EMDR therapy to help process trauma and difficult experiences.
Does EMDR Work Online?
Yes. EMDR can be delivered online by making small adjustments to the standard approach. This allows therapists to guide you safely through the process using video sessions. Online EMDR is particularly suitable for people who cannot attend a clinic or who prefer the comfort and privacy of their own space.
Learn more on our Online Therapy Dorset page.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. EMDR is a well‑researched, evidence‑based therapy supported by a large body of scientific research. It is recommended by organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for the treatment of post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Research shows that EMDR can help reduce the emotional intensity of difficult memories and improve symptoms such as anxiety, distress, and negative beliefs about yourself. Many people find they can make meaningful progress without needing to go into detailed descriptions of traumatic events.
No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain fully awake, aware, and in control throughout the session. You can pause at any time, ask questions, or let your therapist know if something feels too much.
No. EMDR does not erase or remove memories. The aim of EMDR is to help the brain process distressing experiences so that they feel less emotionally overwhelming.
After processing, people usually still remember what happened, but the memory often feels more distant, calmer, and less triggering. Instead of reliving the experience with strong emotional or physical reactions, many people find they can think about it without the same level of distress. In simple terms, EMDR helps change how a memory is stored and experienced and not whether it exists.