EMDR Therapy for Trauma, PTSD and Distressing Experiences
At Joanne Wright Psychology, EMDR therapy provides a compassionate and structured approach for people who continue to feel affected by traumatic, frightening or overwhelming experiences. EMDR may help when memories continue to trigger anxiety, panic, intrusive thoughts, distressing images, physical reactions, nightmares or avoidance. Treatment is carefully paced and tailored to your needs, helping you process difficult experiences without judgement and move towards feeling safer, calmer and more in control.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a psychological therapy developed to help people process distressing memories and reduce the emotional and physical reactions connected with them.
EMDR is particularly associated with the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD. NICE recommends EMDR as a treatment option for adults with PTSD or clinically important PTSD symptoms in defined circumstances, and states that treatment should be delivered by an appropriately trained practitioner using a phased approach.
Unlike some forms of therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of an experience repeatedly. You will need to think about aspects of the memory, but Joanne will work with you carefully so that the process feels manageable and you retain control throughout.
What can EMDR help with?
People frequently search for EMDR therapy because they are experiencing symptoms connected with trauma or a particularly distressing event. EMDR is best established as a treatment for PTSD, although trained practitioners may also consider it where difficult life experiences are contributing to other emotional difficulties.
EMDR may be considered where someone is experiencing:
- intrusive or upsetting memories;
- flashbacks or nightmares;
- anxiety or panic linked to a past experience;
- strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders;
- avoidance of particular people, places or situations;
- feelings of fear, shame, anger or helplessness;
- difficulty relaxing or feeling safe;
- sleep or concentration difficulties;
- distress following an accident, assault, medical experience or loss;
- the continuing effects of bullying, abuse, neglect or other adverse experiences.
Experiences that appear manageable to one person can feel overwhelming to another. You do not need to compare your experience with anyone else’s or decide for yourself whether it was “serious enough” to seek help.
EMDR for trauma and PTSD
Traumatic memories are not always stored and recalled in the same way as ordinary memories. A person may know intellectually that an event has ended, yet their mind and body continue to respond as though the danger is still present.
Triggers such as a sound, smell, image, place or physical sensation may bring back the original fear or distress. This can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, heightened alertness, irritability or strong bodily reactions.
EMDR aims to support the processing of these memories so that they become less vivid, emotionally intense and disruptive. The aim is not to erase what happened or suggest that it did not matter. Instead, therapy may help the experience feel more firmly located in the past so that it has less power over your present life.
How does EMDR work?
During EMDR, you are asked to focus briefly on aspects of a distressing memory while also engaging in bilateral stimulation. This means stimulation that alternates from one side to the other.
Depending on the person and the method used, this may involve:
- following a movement or light from side to side with the eyes;
- listening to alternating sounds;
- using alternating taps or another suitable bilateral method.
The exact mechanisms through which EMDR works continue to be studied. One explanation is that holding a memory in mind while concentrating on another task places demands on working memory, which may reduce the memory’s vividness and emotional intensity. EMDR UK describes the process as helping distressing memories become more manageable and more like ordinary memories rather than experiences that continue to feel immediate.
What happens during EMDR therapy?
EMDR is more than simply moving your eyes from side to side. It is a structured therapeutic process that begins with assessment, preparation and the development of a sense of safety.
1. Initial assessment
Joanne will begin by understanding what you are experiencing, how it is affecting your life and what you hope to gain from therapy. Relevant history, current circumstances, emotional wellbeing, physical health, medication and available support may also be discussed.
This stage helps determine whether EMDR is appropriate for you and whether any other support or preparation may be needed first.
2. Preparation and stabilisation
Before processing difficult memories, Joanne will explain what EMDR involves and help you develop strategies for managing distress. These might include breathing exercises, grounding techniques, guided imagery or other emotional-regulation skills.
You will also agree how to pause or stop the process. You remain awake, aware and in control throughout treatment. NHS information emphasises that assessment and preparatory work are important parts of EMDR rather than optional additions.
3. Identifying the target memory
Together, you will identify a particular memory or aspect of an experience to work with. Joanne may ask about:
- the image or part of the memory that feels most difficult;
- the thoughts or beliefs associated with it;
- the emotions you notice;
- any physical sensations;
- how distressing the memory feels at that moment.
You do not have to provide a detailed verbal account of everything that happened.
4. Bilateral stimulation and processing
While briefly bringing the memory to mind, you will follow the agreed bilateral stimulation. After each short set, Joanne will ask what you noticed.
Thoughts, images, emotions, physical sensations or other memories may arise. There is no correct response and you do not have to force anything to happen. Joanne will guide the process while allowing your own associations to develop.
5. Developing more helpful beliefs
Traumatic experiences can leave people with painful beliefs such as:
- “I am not safe.”
- “It was my fault.”
- “I am powerless.”
- “I cannot cope.”
- “There is something wrong with me.”
As processing progresses, EMDR may help strengthen more adaptive beliefs, such as recognising that the event has ended, that responsibility belonged elsewhere or that you now have greater choice and control.
6. Closing and reviewing the session
Each session ends with time to settle, review what has emerged and use grounding or calming strategies where needed. At the next appointment, Joanne will check how you have felt since the previous session and decide collaboratively what should happen next.
Will I have to relive the trauma?
EMDR involves bringing parts of a distressing memory to mind, so some emotional discomfort can occur. However, the intention is not to make you relive the experience without support or to overwhelm you.
Preparation, pacing and emotional safety are central to the process. You can pause at any time, and Joanne will monitor how you are responding throughout the session.
Some people notice temporary tiredness, vivid dreams, new memories or increased emotional awareness between sessions. Joanne will discuss what you might experience and how to care for yourself following treatment.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
There is no single number of sessions that is right for everyone. The length of treatment may depend on:
- the nature of the experience;
- whether there was one event or repeated trauma;
- how long symptoms have been present;
- current stress and safety;
- other psychological or physical-health needs;
- the preparation needed before memory processing;
- your individual response to treatment.
NICE indicates that EMDR for adults with PTSD is typically delivered over approximately 8 to 12 sessions, with additional sessions where clinically indicated, including where there have been multiple traumatic experiences.
This is a guideline rather than a guarantee. Joanne will discuss the proposed approach with you and review progress collaboratively.
Is EMDR suitable for everyone?
EMDR can be effective, but it is not automatically the right treatment for every person or every difficulty. A careful assessment is needed before treatment begins.
Joanne may consider:
- the difficulties you currently experience;
- whether there is an identifiable distressing memory or trauma;
- your ability to manage strong emotions safely;
- current risks or significant life instability;
- your physical and mental health;
- other treatment you are receiving;
- whether another therapeutic approach may be more suitable.
In some circumstances, preparatory therapy or stabilisation work may be recommended before trauma processing begins.
EMDR and neurodivergence
Autistic people and people with ADHD may experience trauma, anxiety and distress in ways that are influenced by sensory processing, communication style, emotional regulation, masking or previous experiences of being misunderstood.
Where appropriate, EMDR can be adapted sensitively to the individual. This may include:
- clearer explanations and predictable session structures;
- additional time to process questions;
- adjustments to sensory stimulation;
- alternatives to sustained eye movements;
- visual supports or written information;
- attention to communication and regulation needs;
- a pace that avoids unnecessary overwhelm.
Support should remain personalised rather than assuming that every neurodivergent person will need the same adjustments.
What are the potential benefits of EMDR?
The outcome of therapy cannot be guaranteed, but successful EMDR treatment may help a person experience:
- fewer intrusive memories or flashbacks;
- reduced distress when recalling an event;
- fewer nightmares;
- less avoidance;
- improved emotional regulation;
- a greater sense of safety;
- reduced shame, fear or self-blame;
- more helpful beliefs about themselves;
- improved confidence in managing triggers;
- greater freedom to participate in daily life.
EMDR does not change what happened. Its purpose is to reduce the extent to which the experience continues to dominate your emotional wellbeing and present-day choices.
Why choose Joanne Wright Psychology for EMDR?
At Joanne Wright Psychology, EMDR is provided within a compassionate, confidential and evidence-informed psychological service. Joanne takes time to understand the person behind the symptoms and does not rush directly into processing difficult memories.
Treatment is guided by:
- a careful initial assessment;
- an individualised therapy plan;
- clear explanations and informed consent;
- appropriate preparation before trauma work;
- collaborative pacing;
- respect for neurodiversity and individual communication needs;
- regular review of progress and wellbeing.
The focus is not only on reducing symptoms, but also on helping you regain confidence, strengthen coping strategies and move towards meaningful change.
Taking the first step
Beginning trauma therapy can feel daunting, particularly when discussing experiences that have been avoided for a long time. You do not need to explain everything during your initial enquiry.
The first step is simply to make contact and briefly describe the support you are seeking. Joanne can then discuss whether an initial consultation or assessment would be appropriate and answer any questions you may have before treatment begins.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychological therapy used primarily to help people process traumatic or distressing memories.
Is EMDR recommended for PTSD?
Yes. NICE recommends EMDR for adults with PTSD or clinically important PTSD symptoms in specified circumstances. It should be delivered using a validated approach by a practitioner trained and competent in EMDR.
Do I need a formal PTSD diagnosis to have EMDR?
Not necessarily. Some people seek help because they have clinically significant trauma symptoms without having received a formal PTSD diagnosis. Joanne will assess your needs and discuss whether EMDR is appropriate.
Do I have to talk about every detail of what happened?
No. You will need to identify the memory and notice associated thoughts, emotions and sensations, but EMDR does not always require a detailed spoken account of every aspect of the experience.
Will I be hypnotised during EMDR?
No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware and in control throughout the session and can ask to pause or stop at any time.
Are eye movements always used?
No. Eye movements are common, but bilateral stimulation can also involve alternating sounds or taps. The method can be adapted according to clinical need, comfort and accessibility.
Can EMDR make me forget what happened?
EMDR is not intended to remove or erase memories. The aim is to help the memory feel less vivid, immediate and emotionally overwhelming.
Can EMDR help with anxiety?
EMDR is best established as a treatment for PTSD. It may also be considered where anxiety is closely connected with a distressing or traumatic experience, but suitability depends on the individual and should be established through assessment.
How quickly does EMDR work?
Some people notice change relatively quickly, while others need a longer period of preparation and treatment. Multiple, repeated or childhood traumas may require more extensive work. No ethical practitioner should guarantee a particular result or number of sessions.
What happens if I become upset during a session?
Joanne will help you prepare for emotional reactions before processing begins. You can pause at any time, and grounding or stabilisation techniques can be used to help you feel present and safe.
Can EMDR sessions take place online?
Online EMDR may be appropriate for some clients, depending on their needs, circumstances, privacy, safety and access to suitable technology. Joanne will discuss whether online or in-person treatment is clinically appropriate.
How do I know whether EMDR is right for me?
The best way to determine this is through an initial assessment. Joanne will consider your symptoms, history, current circumstances, goals and preferences before recommending EMDR or another form of psychological therapy.
Your wellbeing matters
Enquire About EMDR Therapy
We are here to support you on your journey. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing personalised care that meets your unique needs, helping individuals and families thrive. Take a moment to reach out to us.
