EMDR Counselling in Holmes Chapel

Photo of Joanne Robertson, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Joanne Robertson
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Holmes Chapel CW4
Hi, I'm Joanne, I'm a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and EMDR practitioner based in Knutsford, Cheshire. I specialise in working with adults who are struggling with anxiety problems, low confidence, depression and trauma-related difficulties.
Hi, I'm Joanne, I'm a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and EMDR practitioner based in Knutsford, Cheshire. I specialise in working with adults who are struggling with anxiety problems, low confidence, depression and trauma-related difficulties.
01565 743735 View 01565 743735
Photo of Dr Denise Honeyborne - Dr Denise Honeyborne, Psytribe Psychologists LLP, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Denise Honeyborne, Psytribe Psychologists LLP
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Ed. Psych.
Verified Verified
Holmes Chapel CW4
With background as a child and education psychologist, and trauma therapist ,using EMDR and Energy Psychology, Offering a range of approaches to suit the needs of the individual client.
Offering the experience of a caring and compassionate therapeutic relationship to help create safety and space for healing and growth.Clients include young people and adults who experience distress and suffering through relational, emotional, physical and sexual wounding and abuse.
With background as a child and education psychologist, and trauma therapist ,using EMDR and Energy Psychology, Offering a range of approaches to suit the needs of the individual client.
Offering the experience of a caring and compassionate therapeutic relationship to help create safety and space for healing and growth.Clients include young people and adults who experience distress and suffering through relational, emotional, physical and sexual wounding and abuse.
01625 380996 View 01625 380996
Photo of Lisa Woolfenden, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Lisa Woolfenden
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Holmes Chapel CW4
Hello, my name is Lisa, I’m an accredited, experienced counsellor based in Knutsford, Cheshire. We have all faced times in our lives where we have encountered struggles, felt overwhelmed and maybe experiencing problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues or losing sense of who we are. You may have support from people around you and gain comfort from this, although sometimes what you may want to talk about may not be simply shared. This is when a talking to a professional counsellor may help to explore coping strategies and work together towards the results you may desire.
Hello, my name is Lisa, I’m an accredited, experienced counsellor based in Knutsford, Cheshire. We have all faced times in our lives where we have encountered struggles, felt overwhelmed and maybe experiencing problems such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues or losing sense of who we are. You may have support from people around you and gain comfort from this, although sometimes what you may want to talk about may not be simply shared. This is when a talking to a professional counsellor may help to explore coping strategies and work together towards the results you may desire.
01565 748954 View 01565 748954
Photo of Nicola Segrott, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Nicola Segrott
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Holmes Chapel CW4
I’m Nicola, I work with individuals and couples trying to make sense of change in their lives. Change may be a natural part of human life, but it can be difficult to figure out what happens next when suddenly something new occurs. The emotional effects of life events can knock you off balance influencing the way you think and feel about yourself now and in the future. I hope to help people make sense of the emotional impact of life changes and how they influence day to day emotions. One-to-one therapy gives you the time and place to process the difficult events in your life.
I’m Nicola, I work with individuals and couples trying to make sense of change in their lives. Change may be a natural part of human life, but it can be difficult to figure out what happens next when suddenly something new occurs. The emotional effects of life events can knock you off balance influencing the way you think and feel about yourself now and in the future. I hope to help people make sense of the emotional impact of life changes and how they influence day to day emotions. One-to-one therapy gives you the time and place to process the difficult events in your life.
01270 439922 View 01270 439922

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sarah Jones, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Sarah Jones
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Crewe CW1
I'm qualified in EMDR, Trauma Focused Therapies and Body psychotherapy.
Hi I'm Sarah, as a therapist I love helping people who've been through troubles in life and can't pretend they are OK any longer.  If you've come to that moment where you know you need help processing past experiences to feel better for your future then I have the knowledge and expertise to help. With nearly a decade of experience as a qualified therapist, I have crafted my unique empathetic approach grounded in neuroscience and compassion.
I'm qualified in EMDR, Trauma Focused Therapies and Body psychotherapy.
Hi I'm Sarah, as a therapist I love helping people who've been through troubles in life and can't pretend they are OK any longer.  If you've come to that moment where you know you need help processing past experiences to feel better for your future then I have the knowledge and expertise to help. With nearly a decade of experience as a qualified therapist, I have crafted my unique empathetic approach grounded in neuroscience and compassion.
01270 433316 View 01270 433316
Photo of Karen Harrison - The Therapy Quarters, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
The Therapy Quarters
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Knutsford WA16
Karen has managed a private practice offering counselling, EMDR Therapy, and Clinical Supervision to clients and practitioners internationally. Karen’s work over more than 25 years has been within charitable, public and private sectors alongside working with trainee practitioners from Universities throughout Staffordshire and Cheshire. Karen has experience working with Police and Emergency Blue Light services, Specialist Domestic Abuse services, NHS and care staff, as well as lecturing for a number of years and providing training to external agencies and organisations.
Karen has managed a private practice offering counselling, EMDR Therapy, and Clinical Supervision to clients and practitioners internationally. Karen’s work over more than 25 years has been within charitable, public and private sectors alongside working with trainee practitioners from Universities throughout Staffordshire and Cheshire. Karen has experience working with Police and Emergency Blue Light services, Specialist Domestic Abuse services, NHS and care staff, as well as lecturing for a number of years and providing training to external agencies and organisations.
01782 493360 View 01782 493360
Photo of Hannah Lloyd, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Hannah Lloyd
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Northwich CW8
I am an experienced EMDR practitioner and I am currently training to be a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy teacher.
Hi, I’m Hannah. I have worked in mental health services for over 18 years. I enjoy working with clients to help them understand the development and maintenance of their current difficulties, so that it is possible to make meaningful changes using evidence based CBT strategies or EMDR. I incorporate mindfulness and compassionate approaches into my clinical work. I aim to provide a compassionate, non judgmental, therapeutic environment to clients and understand how difficult it can be to reach out for support. I will do my best to help you feel comfortable and at ease whilst helping you to achieve your goals.
I am an experienced EMDR practitioner and I am currently training to be a Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy teacher.
Hi, I’m Hannah. I have worked in mental health services for over 18 years. I enjoy working with clients to help them understand the development and maintenance of their current difficulties, so that it is possible to make meaningful changes using evidence based CBT strategies or EMDR. I incorporate mindfulness and compassionate approaches into my clinical work. I aim to provide a compassionate, non judgmental, therapeutic environment to clients and understand how difficult it can be to reach out for support. I will do my best to help you feel comfortable and at ease whilst helping you to achieve your goals.
01925 730123 View 01925 730123
Photo of Donna Morgan, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Donna Morgan
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Alderley Edge SK9
Welcome to my profile. I am delighted that you have taken the time to visit. I offer counselling services both online and face-to-face to address a range of issues such as stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, panic attacks and social anxiety. Anxiety is a common reason why people seek therapeutic support. If you are struggling with anxiety, I can help you manage your symptoms and transform your relationship with anxiety. Together, we will identify the most effective evidence-based interventions, such as CBT, EMDR, NLP and TFT.
Welcome to my profile. I am delighted that you have taken the time to visit. I offer counselling services both online and face-to-face to address a range of issues such as stress, low self-esteem, anxiety, panic attacks and social anxiety. Anxiety is a common reason why people seek therapeutic support. If you are struggling with anxiety, I can help you manage your symptoms and transform your relationship with anxiety. Together, we will identify the most effective evidence-based interventions, such as CBT, EMDR, NLP and TFT.
07401 310736 View 07401 310736
Photo of Harriet Barnett - Harriet Barnett Therapies, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Harriet Barnett Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Congleton CW12  (Online Only)
I offer CBT/ EMDR therapy for the following concerns: depression, generalised anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and separation anxiety.
I provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly and access the support you deserve. I believe in building a collaborative therapeutic relationship which supports a mutual understanding of your presenting concerns. You are the expert on yourself, my role is to help develop your knowledge of your experiences by using evidence-based strategies through CBT or EMDR to support beneficial change and reach your goals. During my six years of working in CAMHS, I completed my PGDip in CBT and EMDR training and have worked in the private sector for several years.
I offer CBT/ EMDR therapy for the following concerns: depression, generalised anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social phobia, specific phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and separation anxiety.
I provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental environment where you can talk openly and access the support you deserve. I believe in building a collaborative therapeutic relationship which supports a mutual understanding of your presenting concerns. You are the expert on yourself, my role is to help develop your knowledge of your experiences by using evidence-based strategies through CBT or EMDR to support beneficial change and reach your goals. During my six years of working in CAMHS, I completed my PGDip in CBT and EMDR training and have worked in the private sector for several years.
01260 545409 View 01260 545409
Photo of Dr Charlotte Hazeldine-Baker - Chartered Clinical Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Charlotte Hazeldine-Baker - Chartered Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Macclesfield SK11
I am trained to deliver a range of different therapies including CBT, EMDR, ACT and Compassion Focused Therapy.
At times life can feel overwhelming and emotions can feel like they are getting too much for us to manage. I'm Charlotte, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist trained to offer you the support you need to explore and address these feelings. I will work alongside you in a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental manner to help you to explore your difficulties and to help you gain confidence in how to live your life with less distress. Our sessions together will provide you with a space to allow you to really open up about the things that are on your mind, in a confidential and supportive environment.
I am trained to deliver a range of different therapies including CBT, EMDR, ACT and Compassion Focused Therapy.
At times life can feel overwhelming and emotions can feel like they are getting too much for us to manage. I'm Charlotte, a Chartered Clinical Psychologist trained to offer you the support you need to explore and address these feelings. I will work alongside you in a warm, compassionate and non-judgemental manner to help you to explore your difficulties and to help you gain confidence in how to live your life with less distress. Our sessions together will provide you with a space to allow you to really open up about the things that are on your mind, in a confidential and supportive environment.
0161 524 0863 View 0161 524 0863
Photo of Lucy Bamford-Leggett - Tees Therapy, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Tees Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Middlewich CW10  (Online Only)
I offer an integrative approach, whereby I blend CBT with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR.
Emotional suffering can easily lead to us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and exhausted, affecting our daily lives and overall well-being. If this sounds like you, remember that help is available. I'm Lucy, a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist trained in EMDR and DBT with over 15 years of experience in clinical practice. Although I work with a range of conditions, including Depression and Anxiety, I have a specialist interest in working with individuals struggling with Trauma and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
I offer an integrative approach, whereby I blend CBT with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and EMDR.
Emotional suffering can easily lead to us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and exhausted, affecting our daily lives and overall well-being. If this sounds like you, remember that help is available. I'm Lucy, a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist trained in EMDR and DBT with over 15 years of experience in clinical practice. Although I work with a range of conditions, including Depression and Anxiety, I have a specialist interest in working with individuals struggling with Trauma and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
07412 306167 View 07412 306167
Photo of Ben Lea - Resilient Therapies, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Resilient Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Congleton CW12
Although I provide CBT and I'm registered with the BABCP, I'm an experienced Mental Health Nurse who has also obtained training in other therapies such as EMDR and DBT which allows me to bring in alternative ways of working when appropriate.
I'm Ben, an experienced mental health practitioner who has worked in the NHS for and privately for 14 years. I work with both adults and children online/in person. My main experience within the NHS has revolved around working with children and adolescents in a CAMHS team, working with complex and severe difficulties. I work with people at a pace which they feel comfortable, whilst also ensuring that we set collaborative goals to help improve someone's life. I'm registered with the BABCP and specialise in PTSD but have extensive experience in social anxiety, OCD, worry, depression, low self esteem, health anxiety and panic disorder.
Although I provide CBT and I'm registered with the BABCP, I'm an experienced Mental Health Nurse who has also obtained training in other therapies such as EMDR and DBT which allows me to bring in alternative ways of working when appropriate.
I'm Ben, an experienced mental health practitioner who has worked in the NHS for and privately for 14 years. I work with both adults and children online/in person. My main experience within the NHS has revolved around working with children and adolescents in a CAMHS team, working with complex and severe difficulties. I work with people at a pace which they feel comfortable, whilst also ensuring that we set collaborative goals to help improve someone's life. I'm registered with the BABCP and specialise in PTSD but have extensive experience in social anxiety, OCD, worry, depression, low self esteem, health anxiety and panic disorder.
01260 541934 View 01260 541934
Photo of Patricia Yvonne Taylor, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Patricia Yvonne Taylor
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Congleton CW12
I am an accredited EMDR practitioner.
My counselling model is Person-Centred. Many years experience enables me to offer effective individualised, psychological treatment. I treat most emotional disorders and provide a neutral ground My focus is to individuals heal, energise, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, understanding you and your issues to customise a treatment plan which meets your needs. I will be there for you every step of your journey. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
I am an accredited EMDR practitioner.
My counselling model is Person-Centred. Many years experience enables me to offer effective individualised, psychological treatment. I treat most emotional disorders and provide a neutral ground My focus is to individuals heal, energise, and become aware of their inner strengths. I achieve this by providing a neutral safe space, listening to your concerns, understanding you and your issues to customise a treatment plan which meets your needs. I will be there for you every step of your journey. My goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
01260 545418 View 01260 545418
Photo of Daniel Kearsley - Daniel Kearsley | CBT and EMDR Therapist, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Daniel Kearsley | CBT and EMDR Therapist
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wilmslow SK9  (Online Only)
Hi I’m Dan, I am an Accredited BABCP therapist with over 14 years experience and expertise in CBT and EMDR. My approach is warm, compassionate, and evidence-based. I have worked with hundreds of clients with symptoms of anxiety and low mood and have helped them achieve their goals. I am also an experienced Clinical supervisor and have supervised many Trainee and Qualified CBT therapists.
Hi I’m Dan, I am an Accredited BABCP therapist with over 14 years experience and expertise in CBT and EMDR. My approach is warm, compassionate, and evidence-based. I have worked with hundreds of clients with symptoms of anxiety and low mood and have helped them achieve their goals. I am also an experienced Clinical supervisor and have supervised many Trainee and Qualified CBT therapists.
01707 241522 View 01707 241522
Photo of Janine Lee Norris, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Janine Lee Norris
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Knutsford WA16
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing ( EMDR), which I have found to be powerful tools in helping individuals recover from a wide range of psychological challenges.
Hello, I'm Janine, a dedicated and compassionate trauma-informed therapist. I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with over 9 years of experience helping teenagers, and adults overcome a wide range of psychological challenges. I can successfully treat; anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, phobias, and other mental health problems so that you can enjoy life again as you once did.
My therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing ( EMDR), which I have found to be powerful tools in helping individuals recover from a wide range of psychological challenges.
Hello, I'm Janine, a dedicated and compassionate trauma-informed therapist. I am a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with over 9 years of experience helping teenagers, and adults overcome a wide range of psychological challenges. I can successfully treat; anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, phobias, and other mental health problems so that you can enjoy life again as you once did.
01925 598713 View 01925 598713
Photo of Liddy Carver - Dr Liddy Carver, PhD, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Dr Liddy Carver
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Northwich CW9
Online Counselling/Psychotherapy available via Zoom or Skype. Based in Warrington,Cheshire, I am a highly qualified therapist with a PhD in Counselling and MSc in Clinical Counselling. As an experienced BACP Registered and Accredited Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I provide a safe, professional and confidential talking therapy service for individuals, couples and families. My work is influenced by the Person-Centred Approach based on acceptance, empathy and genuineness. I am also a qualified practitioner in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Regulation) and a Clinical Supervisor trained at postgraduate level.
Online Counselling/Psychotherapy available via Zoom or Skype. Based in Warrington,Cheshire, I am a highly qualified therapist with a PhD in Counselling and MSc in Clinical Counselling. As an experienced BACP Registered and Accredited Person-Centred Counsellor and Psychotherapist, I provide a safe, professional and confidential talking therapy service for individuals, couples and families. My work is influenced by the Person-Centred Approach based on acceptance, empathy and genuineness. I am also a qualified practitioner in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Regulation) and a Clinical Supervisor trained at postgraduate level.
01925 938935 View 01925 938935
Photo of Helen Cleary, MBACP, Counsellor
Helen Cleary
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Wilmslow SK9
This allows me to draw upon evidence-based approaches designed to meet specific situations, ACT, DBT skills, CBT, CFT and EMDR.
Hi, welcome to my profile. I deal with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, trauma, low self-esteem, gender identity, anger and relationship issues. As each client has their own story I believe it is important to understand and provide an approach tailored to your specific needs. This offers every client a safe and comfortable environment where a relaxed working relationship can be created. This will allow us to build a foundation based on trust to explore your reasons for therapy and to explore the impacts of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how they affect your life.
This allows me to draw upon evidence-based approaches designed to meet specific situations, ACT, DBT skills, CBT, CFT and EMDR.
Hi, welcome to my profile. I deal with a wide range of mental health issues including depression, trauma, low self-esteem, gender identity, anger and relationship issues. As each client has their own story I believe it is important to understand and provide an approach tailored to your specific needs. This offers every client a safe and comfortable environment where a relaxed working relationship can be created. This will allow us to build a foundation based on trust to explore your reasons for therapy and to explore the impacts of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and how they affect your life.
01565 748958 View 01565 748958
Photo of Laura McGrath - South Manchester Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
South Manchester Psychologist
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Wilmslow SK9
I am an accredited EMDR therapist and have completed further training in mindfulness, CAT and DBT.
I am an experienced HCPC registered clinical psychologist with over 10 years post-qualification experience. Based in Didsbury, South Manchester, I offer psychological assessment and therapy to young people and adults. I have seen the transformative power of psychological therapy personally and in the hundreds of clients I have worked with over the years so I am passionate about my work. I understand the importance of providing a safe, compassionate and nonjudgemental space for my clients. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, walking and yoga.
I am an accredited EMDR therapist and have completed further training in mindfulness, CAT and DBT.
I am an experienced HCPC registered clinical psychologist with over 10 years post-qualification experience. Based in Didsbury, South Manchester, I offer psychological assessment and therapy to young people and adults. I have seen the transformative power of psychological therapy personally and in the hundreds of clients I have worked with over the years so I am passionate about my work. I understand the importance of providing a safe, compassionate and nonjudgemental space for my clients. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, walking and yoga.
0161 524 1707 View 0161 524 1707
Photo of Dr Madeline Smyth, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych., Psychologist
Dr Madeline Smyth
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Verified Verified
Sandbach CW11
I adopt an integrated therapy approach informed by CFT, CBT, ACT, strengths based approaches, schema thera and EMDR.
You may be struggling with memories of past or recent trauma, having overwhelming feelings or have patterns in your life that you'd like to change. You may have experienced a one off trauma that continues to bother you, or you may have a complex trauma history. You may be worried about your thoughts or behaviour, either towards yourself or others. Perhaps your relationships have not been very healthy and you want to break the cycle. Therapy can help you to address these issues and bring you back to the self you used to be or move you forward to a stronger healthier place.
I adopt an integrated therapy approach informed by CFT, CBT, ACT, strengths based approaches, schema thera and EMDR.
You may be struggling with memories of past or recent trauma, having overwhelming feelings or have patterns in your life that you'd like to change. You may have experienced a one off trauma that continues to bother you, or you may have a complex trauma history. You may be worried about your thoughts or behaviour, either towards yourself or others. Perhaps your relationships have not been very healthy and you want to break the cycle. Therapy can help you to address these issues and bring you back to the self you used to be or move you forward to a stronger healthier place.
View
Photo of Zoe Rivers - Beyond Barriers Therapy Services, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Beyond Barriers Therapy Services
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Knutsford WA16
We are a group of experienced psychologists who support a broad range of emotional health needs; specialising in the effects of adversity and trauma using Compassion-focused therapy, EMDR, CBT, CAT and attachment based approaches (see website).
If you have been struggling with anxiety, self-criticism, shame, low mood, difficult emotions & relationships, it may be the right time to find a trusted therapist; someone to help you understand & grow from the effects of adversity, stress & trauma. Our wellbeing can be affected by many things - work stress, early adversity, significant trauma or relationships, and we do our best to find helpful coping strategies. When our ways of coping don't work so well, we can feel stuck and isolated - psychological therapy can help us move beyond those barriers. I focus on you as an individual, without using labels or diagnoses.
We are a group of experienced psychologists who support a broad range of emotional health needs; specialising in the effects of adversity and trauma using Compassion-focused therapy, EMDR, CBT, CAT and attachment based approaches (see website).
If you have been struggling with anxiety, self-criticism, shame, low mood, difficult emotions & relationships, it may be the right time to find a trusted therapist; someone to help you understand & grow from the effects of adversity, stress & trauma. Our wellbeing can be affected by many things - work stress, early adversity, significant trauma or relationships, and we do our best to find helpful coping strategies. When our ways of coping don't work so well, we can feel stuck and isolated - psychological therapy can help us move beyond those barriers. I focus on you as an individual, without using labels or diagnoses.
07723 490322 View 07723 490322

See more therapy options for Holmes Chapel

EMDR Counsellors

Who is EMDR for?

EMDR was initially developed as a treatment for individuals with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for whom memories of a deeply distressing experience can be inadvertently triggered by random everyday events. The procedure has since been applied in the treatment of many other conditions. For example, it is used by some therapists to treat anxiety disorders including panic and phobias, depression, dissociative disorders, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and some personality disorders. It is suitable for adolescents and adults.

Why do people need EMDR?

People need EMDR as a way to manage distressing memories that in some way hamper the ability to function in the present. The procedure is believed to target the way memories are stored in the brain. Evidence indicates that past disturbing experiences cause ongoing distress because they were not adequately processed, and when such memories are triggered in the present, they are accompanied by all the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations as the initial experience.

What problems does EMDR treat?

First and foremost, EMDR is intended as a treatment for PTSD, to defuse distressing memories that intrude on and impair everyday functioning. It is also often used to help those who are subject to panic attacks, phobias, and other forms of anxiety. In addition, EMDR has been used to treat individuals with depression, eating disorders, and personality disorders.

What happens in EMDR therapy?

First the therapist takes an individual’s history, and then the therapist and client decide which distressing experience(s) will be the target(s) of the exercise, delivered via a side-to-side visual stimulus requiring lateral eye movements. The client will be asked to activate thoughts, feelings, and any body sensations related to the troubling experience. The eye movements are said to reduce the emotional charge of the memory, so that the experience can then be safely discussed with the therapist and digested, minimising its ability to trigger anxiety.