What is EMDR?
EMDR helps you gently process the past so it no longer holds you back, allowing you to move forward with clarity, confidence, and calm.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps people recover from the lasting impact of difficult or traumatic experiences.
When something overwhelming happens, the brain doesn’t always process it properly. This can leave memories feeling “stuck”, continuing to trigger distress, anxiety, or negative beliefs long after the event has passed. EMDR works by helping the brain safely reprocess these memories, so they no longer feel as intense or overwhelming. In simple terms, it helps your mind heal from the inside out.
EMDR is best known for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also be very effective for a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and burnout. It can be used with people of all ages.
It is an internationally recognised therapy, recommended by organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the World Health Organisation, and the NHS.
With over 10,000 trained therapists in the UK alone, EMDR has helped millions of people worldwide move forward from past experiences and feel more like themselves again.
EMDR can also be delivered using the “butterfly hug,” a gentle self-tapping technique that is especially helpful when sessions are carried out remotely.
How EMDR helps with burnout
EMDR can gently support recovery from burnout by helping your brain process the deeper stress and emotional load that has built up over time. It works by using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to support the brain’s natural information processing system, allowing difficult experiences to be reprocessed and stored in a less distressing way. As this begins to shift, many people notice a softening of overwhelm, a sense of calm returning, and more space to reconnect with themselves. Over time, this can bring back clarity, energy, and a feeling of being more like yourself again.
EMDR FAQ's
What is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help the brain process distressing or traumatic experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, alongside talking therapy to help reduce the emotional intensity of difficult memories.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, but it may also help with:
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Anxiety
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Panic attacks
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Burnout and stress
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Childhood trauma
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Low self-esteem
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Phobias
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Grief and loss
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Medical trauma
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Relationship trauma
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Performance anxiety
Is EMDR recommended by NICE?
Yes. EMDR is recommended by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
What does EMDR feel like?
Everyone experiences EMDR differently. Some people notice emotions, body sensations, thoughts, or memories coming up during sessions. Others feel calmer, lighter, or more emotionally settled afterwards. Sessions are always paced carefully and safely.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories that may feel “stuck”. During sessions, you’ll briefly focus on a memory while using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or audio tones. Over time, the memory often becomes less emotionally distressing.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes, when provided by a properly trained therapist, EMDR is considered a safe and well-researched therapy approach. Your therapist should spend time helping you build coping and grounding skills before processing difficult memories.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person. Some people notice improvement within a few sessions, while others with more complex or long-term trauma may benefit from longer-term therapy. The pace is tailored to your needs.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. EMDR can be delivered effectively online using secure video platforms. Many people find remote EMDR convenient and comfortable, especially when working from home.
What happens in the first EMDR session?
The first sessions usually focus on getting to know you, understanding your experiences, and building emotional safety and coping strategies. Trauma processing does not usually begin immediately.
Will EMDR make me feel worse before I feel better?
Sometimes emotions or memories may temporarily feel more noticeable between sessions as the brain continues processing. Your therapist will help you manage this safely using grounding and stabilisation techniques.
Is EMDR only for big trauma?
No. EMDR can also help with experiences that may not seem “big” but still had a lasting emotional impact, such as bullying, criticism, relationship difficulties, emotional neglect, or chronic stress.
Can EMDR help with childhood trauma?
Yes. EMDR is often used to work with childhood experiences that continue to affect self-esteem, relationships, anxiety, or emotional wellbeing in adulthood.
What if I don’t remember everything that happened?
That’s okay. EMDR does not require perfect memory recall. The therapy works with the memories, emotions, body sensations, or beliefs that are available to you now.
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware, and in control throughout the session.
How do I know if EMDR is right for me?
A consultation or assessment session can help explore whether EMDR may be helpful for your specific difficulties, goals, and circumstances.