EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy originally developed to treat trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It was developed by psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro in the 1980s and aims to reduce the distress associated with traumatic or emotionally overwhelming experiences.
EMDR focuses on helping the brain process memories that may feel emotionally unresolved or “stuck.” When difficult experiences overwhelm the brain’s natural processing system, memories can continue to carry the emotional intensity, physical sensations, and beliefs connected to the original event. This can leave people feeling as though parts of the experience are still being reactivated in the present.
How EMDR works
EMDR sessions do not rely heavily on talking through traumatic events in detail. Instead, the therapy follows a phased and structured approach.
During the processing phase, attention is brought to a particular memory while also using bilateral stimulation, most commonly side-to-side eye movements. This process is thought to help the brain reprocess difficult experiences so they feel less emotionally charged and distressing over time.
As memories become more processed, many people notice:
reduced emotional intensity
less reactivity to triggers
changes in negative beliefs about themselves
a greater sense of perspective and emotional relief
EMDR and long-standing patterns
Beyond acute trauma, EMDR can also be helpful for addressing long-standing emotional patterns and negative beliefs that developed through earlier life experiences.
For many people, difficult relational experiences, emotional neglect, or repeated criticism can contribute to deeply ingrained beliefs such as:
“I’m not good enough”
“I’m at fault”
“I have to do more”
“I can’t trust people”
By targeting the experiences connected to these beliefs, EMDR can help reduce their emotional hold and create space for more adaptive and balanced perspectives.
Over time, this can help reduce patterns such as overcompensation, perfectionism, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm, while improving self-worth and emotional wellbeing.