Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

EMDR is used when we have a memory or impactful event from childhood or adulthood, that our brain struggles to process and store in the hippocampus part of the brain, so it re-lives or replays it which can impact us in the here and now. 

Our brain is like a huge library with different sections, almost like sub categories e.g. fact, fiction, true life, romance, horror etc with all our memories and events an individual  book, some we like taking out and re-reading, others not so much. Most of the books get filed away nicely but we often get one that is being constantly checked out, read and re read until it is consuming us and this is because it gets stored in the part of the brain that struggles to process this event, we are not the best librarians. 

EMDR therapy uses BLS or bilateral stimulation in the form of gentle tapping, side to side eye movement, or gentle alternated vibration to help the brain process from one side of the brain to the other to enhance the brains natural ability to process the memory in the form of an image.

EMDR sessions are very structured compared to other therapy, which is why I suggest at least 3 consecutive sessions, each session is 1hr, however, 2hr sessions can be booked on request.

At least 2 sessions is dedicated to history taking, this involves gathering as much information as possible through talking, questions and possible genograms, these are key sessions which outlines goals for counselling, presenting issues and the impact it has, this is a great opportunity to have your own space to talk and  share. 

Once all the history taking is complete and key tools and techniques worked on together we bring in the BLS in the form of gentle tapping or hand held pulsators if working face to face.