EMDR Therapy

Starting EMDR therapy can feel both hopeful and uncertain — especially if you’re considering it because something from the past still feels unresolved or overwhelming. This page is here to gently guide you through what EMDR involves and what you can expect from working with me.

What Is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain process distressing or traumatic experiences.
Sometimes when we go through something overwhelming — whether a single event or ongoing stress — the memory can become “stuck.” Instead of feeling like something in the past, it continues to trigger strong emotions, anxiety, physical sensations, or negative beliefs about ourselves.
EMDR helps your brain process these memories in a safe and structured way, so they lose their emotional intensity and no longer feel as intrusive or distressing.

How EMDR Works
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (often gentle eye movements, tapping, or audio tones) while you briefly focus on aspects of a memory. This supports the brain’s natural processing system, allowing the memory to be stored in a healthier, more adaptive way.
You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout. You are not hypnotised, and you do not have to go into detailed descriptions of your experience unless you want to.

Over time, many people notice that:
The memory feels more distant
Emotional reactions are less intense
Physical anxiety responses reduce
Negative self-beliefs begin to shift
They feel calmer and more grounded

What the Process Looks Like
EMDR therapy follows a structured, phased approach to ensure you feel safe and supported.
1. Getting to Know You
We begin with talking therapy sessions. This allows me to understand your history, your current challenges, and what you would like support with. We also explore whether EMDR feels appropriate for you.
2. Preparation
Before processing any memories, we focus on building emotional stability and coping strategies. You’ll learn grounding techniques to help you feel steady and in control during and between sessions.
This stage is essential — we move forward only when you feel ready.
3. Processing
When you feel prepared, we begin working with specific memories or experiences. Using bilateral stimulation, we support your brain in processing what has been “stuck.”
You are always in control of the pace. We can pause at any time.
4. Integration
As distress reduces, we strengthen more helpful and compassionate beliefs about yourself. For example, a belief such as “I’m not safe” may begin to shift toward “I am safe now” or “I can cope.”

Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR can be particularly helpful if you are experiencing:
Trauma or PTSD
Anxiety or panic
Distressing or intrusive memories
Emotional triggers that feel overwhelming
Low self-worth linked to past experiences
Phobias or specific fears
If you’re unsure whether EMDR is suitable for you, we can talk it through together.

How It May Feel
It’s natural to feel a little apprehensive before starting EMDR. Some sessions can feel emotionally active as your brain processes memories, but many clients also describe feeling lighter, calmer, or relieved afterwards.
Between sessions, you may notice shifts in thoughts, emotions, dreams, or insights. This is part of your brain continuing to process and integrate the work.

Throughout the process, your safety and emotional wellbeing remain my priority.

A Gentle Reminder
You do not have to relive everything in detail to heal. EMDR is designed to support processing without overwhelming you.
Healing does not mean forgetting what happened — it means the memory no longer controls how you feel about yourself or your life today.

If you are considering EMDR therapy, I would be pleased to discuss how it could support you.

EMDR therapy is provided by Roxanne and costs £85 per session. 

Some confessions may be available