EMDR Counselling in Northwich

Photo of Sharon Pritchard, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Sharon Pritchard
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Northwich CW8
my approach is faithful to the person-centred, empowering individuals to make their own choices, whilst using techniques from CBT and EMDR to effect change in the here and now.
I am an experienced cognitive behaviour therapist, EMDR practitioner and counsellor. I offer individual therapy, working with anxiety and mood disorders, using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), EMDR and Counselling in Northwich, Cheshire. I qualified at Keele University with a BSc (Dual Hons.) degree in Psychology and Criminology and subsequently studied for the Post-graduate Diploma in Counselling, passing at Masters level, and the MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at The University of Chester. I trained with Dr Michael Paterson to Level 4 in EMDR in 2015.
my approach is faithful to the person-centred, empowering individuals to make their own choices, whilst using techniques from CBT and EMDR to effect change in the here and now.
I am an experienced cognitive behaviour therapist, EMDR practitioner and counsellor. I offer individual therapy, working with anxiety and mood disorders, using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), EMDR and Counselling in Northwich, Cheshire. I qualified at Keele University with a BSc (Dual Hons.) degree in Psychology and Criminology and subsequently studied for the Post-graduate Diploma in Counselling, passing at Masters level, and the MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy at The University of Chester. I trained with Dr Michael Paterson to Level 4 in EMDR in 2015.
01606 533441 View 01606 533441
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 Joanne Robertson, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Joanne Robertson
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Northwich CW8
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 Janine Lee Norris, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Janine Lee Norris
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Northwich CW8
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 Lynda Hill, MA, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Lynda Hill
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Northwich CW8
With a background in both Psychology and Counselling, I have been immersed in offering psychological therapeutic support to different communities almost all my adult life. This has included supporting families through illness and loss, working with University students and counselling individuals with a history of complex trauma. I am passionate about combining my own personal experiences, my accumulated knowledge and specific training in Psychology and Person-Centred Counselling to offer you a compassionate and safe therapeutic space to explore your own experiences in a way that best suits your unique needs.
With a background in both Psychology and Counselling, I have been immersed in offering psychological therapeutic support to different communities almost all my adult life. This has included supporting families through illness and loss, working with University students and counselling individuals with a history of complex trauma. I am passionate about combining my own personal experiences, my accumulated knowledge and specific training in Psychology and Person-Centred Counselling to offer you a compassionate and safe therapeutic space to explore your own experiences in a way that best suits your unique needs.
01606 664232 View 01606 664232
Photo of Michael Ryan Delaney - Delamere Health Ltd, MBACP, Counsellor
Delamere Health Ltd
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Northwich CW8
People stay with us when alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs or addictive behaviour have become a problem in life. We believe that with the right support anyone can permanently break the addictive cycle and grow beyond addiction.
People stay with us when alcohol, drugs, prescription drugs or addictive behaviour have become a problem in life. We believe that with the right support anyone can permanently break the addictive cycle and grow beyond addiction.
0330 058 1956 View 0330 058 1956
Photo of Dr Graham Simpson-Adkins, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Graham Simpson-Adkins
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northwich CW9
I aim to support any adult, child, young person, family or organisation to maximise their potential and effectively manage the difficulties that life often brings. I believe that by building an understanding of your social, emotional, psychological and physical needs, you can be supported to feel safe, ready to cope and able to achieve the goals that matter to you. My aim will be to help you to explore your needs, to better understand the difficulties you face and to provide tailored psychological support, based on a wide range of evidence based interventions to help develop solutions that work for you.
I aim to support any adult, child, young person, family or organisation to maximise their potential and effectively manage the difficulties that life often brings. I believe that by building an understanding of your social, emotional, psychological and physical needs, you can be supported to feel safe, ready to cope and able to achieve the goals that matter to you. My aim will be to help you to explore your needs, to better understand the difficulties you face and to provide tailored psychological support, based on a wide range of evidence based interventions to help develop solutions that work for you.
01925 931591 View 01925 931591
Photo of Dr Kate Rose, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Kate Rose
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Northwich CW8
I help people to overcome their past, so that they can embrace their future. So often, the things we are struggling with in life, can be linked back to our early life experiences or difficult life events, which can have a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves, our relationships with others and our overall well being. My goal is to help my clients understand and make sense of their past experiences and explore how their current difficulties may fit into this. I help them to learn new skills and break old patterns so that they can reclaim the life that they want.
I help people to overcome their past, so that they can embrace their future. So often, the things we are struggling with in life, can be linked back to our early life experiences or difficult life events, which can have a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves, our relationships with others and our overall well being. My goal is to help my clients understand and make sense of their past experiences and explore how their current difficulties may fit into this. I help them to learn new skills and break old patterns so that they can reclaim the life that they want.
01829 701714 View 01829 701714

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of James Hampson, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
James Hampson
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Higher Walton WA4
These psychological approaches include, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with 13 years' experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults. I am skilled in working with the following presentations: depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic, health anxiety and phobias. In addition to my private therapy practice, I also work as a clinical psychologist in the NHS offering supervision and CPD to other clinicians.
These psychological approaches include, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist with 13 years' experience working with adolescents, adults and older adults. I am skilled in working with the following presentations: depression, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic, health anxiety and phobias. In addition to my private therapy practice, I also work as a clinical psychologist in the NHS offering supervision and CPD to other clinicians.
01925 933418 View 01925 933418
Photo of Lynsey Corner - The Therapy Corner, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
The Therapy Corner
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Warrington WA1  (Online Only)
EMDR is a modality I used with multiple presentations and proves to be effective, especially for PTSD.
Hi my name is Lynsey and I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse in which I specialise in child and adolescent mental health. I am BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapist. I have completed the specialised EMDR training for children which enables me to work with children and young people from the age of 2 years old.
EMDR is a modality I used with multiple presentations and proves to be effective, especially for PTSD.
Hi my name is Lynsey and I am a Registered Mental Health Nurse in which I specialise in child and adolescent mental health. I am BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapist. I have completed the specialised EMDR training for children which enables me to work with children and young people from the age of 2 years old.
0151 453 4604 View 0151 453 4604
Photo of Hannah Nicholson, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Hannah Nicholson
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Warrington WA4
I draw on a range of psychological therapy models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I work privately and in the NHS. In my NHS post I specialise in the perinatal and postnatal period, supporting pregnant people, new parents, and families with infants up to their second birthday. My expertise in the NHS encompasses a broad spectrum of mental health challenges, including postnatal depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, perinatal anxiety, trauma and PTSD, and parent-infant bonding/attachment difficulties. I have dedicated my work to understanding and supporting people to work through experiences of trauma or other difficult life experiences to help them to thrive in life in line with their values and goals.
I draw on a range of psychological therapy models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing ( EMDR).
I work privately and in the NHS. In my NHS post I specialise in the perinatal and postnatal period, supporting pregnant people, new parents, and families with infants up to their second birthday. My expertise in the NHS encompasses a broad spectrum of mental health challenges, including postnatal depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, perinatal anxiety, trauma and PTSD, and parent-infant bonding/attachment difficulties. I have dedicated my work to understanding and supporting people to work through experiences of trauma or other difficult life experiences to help them to thrive in life in line with their values and goals.
01925 989031 View 01925 989031
Photo of Karen Foran Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Karen Foran Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knutsford WA16  (Online Only)
Hi everyone, I'm a psychotherapist working online. My approach is integrative, meaning I use different therapy methods, such as EMDR, that will help with your recovery process. My speciality is working with trauma, specifically sexual trauma and childhood trauma. When we are faced with challenges in our life the opportunity to discuss with someone impartial who will not judge you, can be a positive step. My experience enables me to support you to make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Together we can identify what might be stopping you from reaching your full potential.
Hi everyone, I'm a psychotherapist working online. My approach is integrative, meaning I use different therapy methods, such as EMDR, that will help with your recovery process. My speciality is working with trauma, specifically sexual trauma and childhood trauma. When we are faced with challenges in our life the opportunity to discuss with someone impartial who will not judge you, can be a positive step. My experience enables me to support you to make sense of your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Together we can identify what might be stopping you from reaching your full potential.
0161 696 8402 View 0161 696 8402
Photo of Ben Lea - Resilient Therapies, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Resilient Therapies
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Knutsford WA16
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 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
Photo of Amanda Jane Cassidy, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Amanda Jane Cassidy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Tarporley CW6
I have since completed my training in EMDR which compliments my practice.
I enjoy working with clients, building a collaborative therapeutic relationship which supports a mutual understanding of their presenting difficulties. My role also helps to increase the client knowledge of evidence-based CBT strategies or EMDR to support beneficial change and reaching the clients identified goals. I draw upon my experiences of working as a cognitive behavioural therapist and mental health nurse, providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental environment where clients can talk openly and access the support they are seeking.
I have since completed my training in EMDR which compliments my practice.
I enjoy working with clients, building a collaborative therapeutic relationship which supports a mutual understanding of their presenting difficulties. My role also helps to increase the client knowledge of evidence-based CBT strategies or EMDR to support beneficial change and reaching the clients identified goals. I draw upon my experiences of working as a cognitive behavioural therapist and mental health nurse, providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgemental environment where clients can talk openly and access the support they are seeking.
01829 700799 View 01829 700799
Photo of Pauline Earle - Between You and Me Integrative Therapy, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Between You and Me Integrative Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Tiverton CW6
Waitlist for new clients
I have over 20 years experience as Senior Counsellor in the NHS, training and supervising other counsellors, delivering CBT psycho-educational courses and providing EMDR for traumatised people from diverse cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and religious beliefs.
Reaching out can be hard. Are you feeling overwhelmed? struggling to cope with your situation? your emotions? your experiences? If your trust has been damaged, talking to someone who will take time to understand you can be a huge relief. Perhaps you need support through a crisis or you are at the end of your tether with multiple stresses. Even if you have longterm issues that seem stuck, talking to someone can make a difference. You may gain insight into the roots of your difficulties and find qualities in yourself that have never had a chance to develop. The aim is to help you live a more rewarding life.
I have over 20 years experience as Senior Counsellor in the NHS, training and supervising other counsellors, delivering CBT psycho-educational courses and providing EMDR for traumatised people from diverse cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations and religious beliefs.
Reaching out can be hard. Are you feeling overwhelmed? struggling to cope with your situation? your emotions? your experiences? If your trust has been damaged, talking to someone who will take time to understand you can be a huge relief. Perhaps you need support through a crisis or you are at the end of your tether with multiple stresses. Even if you have longterm issues that seem stuck, talking to someone can make a difference. You may gain insight into the roots of your difficulties and find qualities in yourself that have never had a chance to develop. The aim is to help you live a more rewarding life.
01392 549093 View 01392 549093
Photo of Abigail Methley, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Abigail Methley
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Lymm WA13  (Online Only)
I have specialist expertise in supporting people who have experienced traumatic events and difficult life circumstances, through my work as an EMDR and schema therapist.
Welcome. I am a Clinical Psychologist who can help you understand your experiences (both recent and longer-term), move on from patterns and traumatic experiences that keep you feeling stuck and hold you back, increase your confidence and hope for the future, and find ways to build a life that includes the things most important to you. I am keen to provide therapy in a way that fits how you like to work, including appreciating autism, ADHD and additional cognitive needs. I am only currently accepting self-referrals from adults and only offer daytime weekday sessions via Zoom.
I have specialist expertise in supporting people who have experienced traumatic events and difficult life circumstances, through my work as an EMDR and schema therapist.
Welcome. I am a Clinical Psychologist who can help you understand your experiences (both recent and longer-term), move on from patterns and traumatic experiences that keep you feeling stuck and hold you back, increase your confidence and hope for the future, and find ways to build a life that includes the things most important to you. I am keen to provide therapy in a way that fits how you like to work, including appreciating autism, ADHD and additional cognitive needs. I am only currently accepting self-referrals from adults and only offer daytime weekday sessions via Zoom.
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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 Haylea Archer, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Haylea Archer
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Knutsford WA16
Hello, my name is Haylea and I'm an Art Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression or have experienced trauma. Or maybe you dont seem to be reaching your goals but you cant put your finger on why. Together we can work together in creating a sense of trust and safety, because when people feel safe, they can do anything. There is such a deep and rich experience that can be had, when art materials and body based practises are involved in therapy. My work is informed by psychodynamic, attachment theory, polyvagal theory and the neurosequential model. I look forward to meeting you.
Hello, my name is Haylea and I'm an Art Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist. Perhaps you are struggling with anxiety, depression or have experienced trauma. Or maybe you dont seem to be reaching your goals but you cant put your finger on why. Together we can work together in creating a sense of trust and safety, because when people feel safe, they can do anything. There is such a deep and rich experience that can be had, when art materials and body based practises are involved in therapy. My work is informed by psychodynamic, attachment theory, polyvagal theory and the neurosequential model. I look forward to meeting you.
0151 453 3257 View 0151 453 3257

See more therapy options for Northwich

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.