Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people process and heal from traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses on how traumatic memories are stored in the brain and helps the brain reprocess these experiences so they are no longer overwhelming.
EMDR is effective for a range of difficulties, including:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Complex PTSD (cPTSD)
- Anxiety and panic
- Phobias
- Depression and low self-esteem
- Distressing memories or flashbacks
Many clients find EMDR particularly powerful because it can reduce the intensity of distressing memories without needing to relive them in detail, making it a gentle but highly effective approach.
How EMDR Works
EMDR therapy involves a structured eight-phase approach:
- History Taking and Assessment: Explore your current difficulties, identify target memories, and assess readiness for EMDR.
- Preparation: Learn coping and grounding skills to manage emotional distress safely during sessions.
- Assessment of Target Memories: Focus on the specific traumatic memory, including associated thoughts, emotions, and body sensations.
- Desensitisation: Through guided bilateral stimulation (often eye movements), the brain reprocesses the memory, reducing emotional intensity.
- Installation: Positive beliefs and adaptive coping strategies are strengthened.
- Body Scan: Physical sensations related to the memory are processed and integrated.
- Closure: Ensure stability and grounding before ending the session.
- Reevaluation: Assess progress and determine next steps in subsequent sessions.
Over time, EMDR can help reduce the emotional charge of past trauma, improve present functioning, and support long-term healing.
What is Attachment-Informed EMDR?
Attachment-Informed EMDR integrates principles of attachment theory with standard EMDR protocols. It recognises that early relational experiences — including disruptions, neglect, or insecure attachments — shape how we respond to stress, relationships, and emotional challenges later in life.
Attachment-Informed EMDR focuses on:
- Creating a safe and secure therapeutic relationship as the foundation for healing.
- Processing trauma while attending to attachment needs, fostering emotional regulation and relational security.
- Strengthening the ability to trust oneself and others, which is often impacted by early relational experiences.
- Addressing not only specific traumatic events but also the wider relational and developmental impact of attachment disruptions.
This approach is particularly effective for individuals with:
- Complex PTSD or developmental trauma
- Difficulty trusting others or forming stable relationships
- Chronic emotional dysregulation
- Histories of early neglect or abuse
How EMDR Helps
EMDR therapy allows clients to:
- Reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories
- Integrate past experiences in a way that feels safe and manageable
- Develop a more compassionate and grounded sense of self
- Improve emotional regulation and relational patterns
- Reclaim daily life from the lingering effects of trauma
Attachment-Informed EMDR adds an extra layer of safety and relational support, making it highly effective for those whose trauma involves early relational or attachment-based experiences.
A Compassionate and Safe Space
EMDR, and especially Attachment-Informed EMDR, provides a supportive, non-judgemental environment where clients can process difficult experiences at their own pace. The therapy works with your mind and body, helping you move from feeling “stuck” in the past to living more fully in the present.
If you are ready to explore EMDR or Attachment-Informed EMDR, I invite you to reach out. Healing from trauma is possible, and you do not have to face it alone.