EMDR Therapy in the UK

What does EMDR treat?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was first used to treat individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Since then, it has been shown to be useful in treating numerous other mental health conditions that have their roots in traumatic or distressing experiences.

For instance, EMDR shows promise for depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, and various phobias related to past traumas. The purpose of EMDR therapy is to help people process distressing memories in a less emotionally-charged way. 

Is EMDR therapy for everyone?

EMDR therapy can be beneficial for anyone struggling with the direct effects of traumatic or overwhelming experiences. People of all ages, including adolescents and children, can benefit from EMDR. However, trauma-focused work can be extremely challenging and even retriggering for some individuals. Qualified therapists are trained to assess readiness and ensure the process feels safe and manageable. 

What does an EMDR session look like?

EMDR therapy involves 8 distinct phases. These stages are designed to help people process their traumatic memories in a safer, more adaptive way. Each phase is carried out under therapeutic supervision in the following order:

1. Patient history. Gathering information to understand the person’s experience.
2. Preparation. Educating the patient on how EMDR works, building coping skills, and ensuring the patient is ready for trauma-focused work.
3. Assessment. Identifying the specific memory, image, or belief to target and establishing a baseline.
4. Desensitization. Processing the traumatic experience through bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory stimulation) to reduce emotional intensity.
5. Installation. Developing more adaptive thoughts related to the traumatic event.
6. Body scan. Assessing any physical sensations and emotional responses linked to the memory and processing.
7. Closure. Ensuring the person feels stable at the end of the session and providing strategies to maintain this stability between sessions.
8. Re-evaluation. Reviewing the person’s therapeutic process to plan the next treatment steps.

Throughout the process, a therapist provides practical support and monitors progress, following EMDR standard protocols. A unique aspect of EMDR is that it does not require a detailed retelling of the traumatic event. Instead, patients focus on the underlying emotions, feelings, and beliefs associated with the memory. This is why many find EMDR therapy to be a gentler and more comfortable approach than other therapies.

How can EMDR help?

EMDR is a method to manage distressing memories associated with past traumatic experiences that have not been fully processed. Research indicates that EMDR therapy can significantly decrease symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and subjective distress. Findings suggest that reprocessing can increase self-awareness, promote positive beliefs and behaviors, and reduce intrusive memories. Collectively, these contribute to sustained improvement in emotional state. 

Additionally, EMDR may lead to sustained remission in PTSD. One study found that 77% of participants showed sustained remission after completing 12 therapy sessions. Compared with CBT, EMDR often requires fewer sessions and less homework, which many patients find to be another advantage.

EMDR therapy in the UK

If you’re looking for EMDR therapy in the UK, this listing is here to help. This directory includes verified therapists across the country who specialize in trauma recovery. To find a specialist you can feel confident and comfortable with, there are several aspects to consider:

• Accreditation. Verify that your potential therapist is a member of a professional association, such as UKCP, HCPC, or another licensing board, and check that they hold a current license.

• Education and training. In the UK, EMDR therapists must undergo professional training.

• Specialization and practice. Evaluate the therapist’s experience with PTSD or trauma-informed therapy.

• Therapy formats. Choose a preferred format: online, face-to-face, or hybrid; for in-person therapy, review cities and locations listed.

Many therapists also offer a free initial consultation or an introductory call, so you can assess fit before committing.