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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment for mental health conditions characterised by unprocessed trauma, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, depression, and attachment-related difficulties. This therapy's core philosophy centres around adaptive information processing and the resolution of traumatic memories that remain dysfunctionally stored in the brain.

Unprocessed trauma refers to distressing experiences that become "stuck" in the nervous system with their original intensity of emotion, physical sensation, and negative belief. These traumatic memories continue to be triggered in the present, causing flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, and emotional distress. Whilst the original event is over, the memory remains frozen in time, interfering with current relationships, emotional wellbeing, and daily functioning.

EMDR employs evidence-based techniques that facilitate the brain's natural healing process through bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) whilst recalling traumatic memories. This allows the brain to reprocess stuck memories, reduce their emotional intensity, and integrate them adaptively. Research demonstrates significant improvements in PTSD symptom reduction, decreased anxiety and depression, resolution of negative trauma-related beliefs, and improved psychological functioning across various trauma presentations.​

Despite its proven efficacy and international recognition by the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS), and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), EMDR remains underutilised in many treatment settings, with relatively few fully trained EMDR practitioners compared to other mental health treatments. This scarcity makes access to specialised EMDR services particularly valuable for individuals with trauma-related conditions.​

In practice, our practitioners have observed significant changes in clients with trauma and PTSD. They have experienced relief from intrusive memories and flashbacks, developed new perspectives on traumatic events, released long-held shame and guilt, and shown marked improvement in their ability to feel safe, connected, and emotionally present in their lives.​

At our practice, we are committed to delivering this specialised therapy with care and professionalism. Our team is composed of qualified professionals, each an EMDR Level 1 and Level 2 trained practitioner with extensive training in this evidence-based therapeutic approach. Their expertise lies in tailoring the 8-phase EMDR protocol to meet the unique needs of each individual, ensuring that our clients receive effective, trauma-informed, and empathetic care.

 

What Makes EMDR Different

Traditional trauma therapy often requires repeated, prolonged exposure to traumatic memories through detailed verbal recounting.

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EMDR allows the brain to process trauma without needing to talk extensively about the details. The bilateral stimulation facilitates the brain's natural information processing system, similar to what happens during REM sleep, enabling memories to be metabolised and integrated adaptively.

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Conditions We Treat with EMDR

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

• Childhood trauma and developmental trauma

• Attachment trauma and relational wounds

• Anxiety disorders and panic disorder

• Depression stemming from trauma

• Grief and traumatic loss

• Medical trauma and birth trauma

• Single-incident trauma (accidents, assaults, natural disasters)

• Performance anxiety and phobias

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Evidence-Based & Internationally Recognised EMDR is recommended as a first-line treatment for PTSD by:

• World Health Organisation (WHO)

• International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS)

• National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) - UK

• American Psychological Association (APA)

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With 30+ randomised controlled trials, 12+ systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and large sustained effect sizes, EMDR is one of the most thoroughly researched and validated treatments for trauma.

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Our Commitment to Excellence

Our EMDR-trained practitioners have completed rigorous Level 1 and Level 2 EMDR training through accredited programes, ensuring adherence to the highest international standards of EMDR practice. We are dedicated to ongoing professional development, consultation, and advanced EMDR training to provide you with evidence-based trauma treatment.

Your healing journey deserves expert, compassionate care. We're here to walk alongside you.

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy modality for treating trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Here are some key findings:

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Effectiveness for PTSD

EMDR has been found highly effective for people with PTSD. Meta-analyses of 30+ randomized controlled trials show large effect sizes for EMDR treatment, with outcomes equivalent to or exceeding other evidence-based trauma therapies (Schubert & Lee, 2009; McMullen & Lee, 2024).

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Key Research:

• 12+ systematic reviews and meta-analyses support EMDR efficacy

• 30+ randomized controlled trials demonstrate effectiveness

• Large treatment effects sustained at follow-up

• https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.3.3.117

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Improvements Across Symptom Domains

EMDR leads to improvements in:

• Intrusion symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive memories)

• Avoidance behaviours (staying away from trauma reminders)

• Hyperarousal (heightened startle response, irritability, sleep problems)

• Negative cognitions (self-blame, worthlessness, safety concerns)

• Psychological distress measured by Impact of Events Scale

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Studies show EMDR reduces the vividness and emotional intensity of traumatic memories, with memories becoming more "distant" and historical rather than re-lived (Lee et al., 2013). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2012.11.001

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