EMDR at Thriving Young Minds

EMDR at Thriving Young Minds

In addition to our standard therapy services for children, young people and families, we are now able to offer EMDR therapy for children aged 11+, young adults and parents. 

What is EMDR?  

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and distressing life events. It involves using bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as eye movements, to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact. 

EMDR can be used to treat all forms of distress that are psychologically stored, helping individuals to reprocess and heal from traumatic and distressing life experiences. However, EMDR can also be used to treat a variety of conditions beyond trauma, such as: 

  • Depression: EMDR can help address the underlying causes of depression and alleviate its symptoms. 
  • Anxiety: It is effective in reducing anxiety by helping individuals process distressing memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms. 
  • Bereavement: EMDR can assist individuals in processing grief and loss, making it easier to cope with bereavement. 
  • Chronic Pain: EMDR has been shown to be beneficial for individuals experiencing chronic pain, as it helps address the psychological aspects of pain. 
  • Phobias: EMDR can reduce the emotional intensity associated with phobias and improve overall emotional regulation. 
  • Addiction: EMDR can reduce the emotional intensity associated with addiction and improve overall emotional regulation. 
  • Eating Disorders: By helping individuals process distressing memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms, EMDR can reduce the emotional intensity associated with eating disorders. 

How Does EMDR Work?  

There are various stages to EMDR therapy which include history taking and risk assessment, treatment planning, preparation activities, assessment and activation of targeted memories/experiences followed by desensitisation, evaluation and reviews. 

During an EMDR processing session, the therapist will guide the client through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (such as tapping, lights, sounds or hand pulsars) while the client focuses on a specific traumatic memory. This process helps the brain to reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional intensity and allowing the individual to develop healthier coping mechanisms. 

EMDR is not about reliving or retelling; it is a somatic therapy that aims to help clients process psychologically stored distress using a protocol which activates experience through brief thoughts, feelings, images, beliefs and bodily sensations, so there is no expectation (or need!) for clients to relive their trauma in detail.    

Benefits of EMDR: 

  • Effective for Trauma: EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related conditions. 
  • Reduces Anxiety and Depression: EMDR can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression by addressing the root causes of these conditions. 
  • Improves Emotional Regulation: Clients often experience improved emotional regulation and a greater sense of control over their emotions. 
  • Quick Results: Many clients experience significant improvements in a relatively short period of time compared to other therapeutic approaches. 

EMDR can be beneficial for individuals of all ages who have experienced trauma or distressing life events. It is particularly effective for those with PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health conditions related to trauma. 

Is EMDR Safe?  

EMDR is considered a safe and effective treatment for trauma and related conditions. However, it is important to work with a qualified and experienced EMDR therapist to ensure the best possible outcomes. You can find out more about EMDR here. 

The EMDR therapist at Thriving Young Minds, Hayley, has completed accredited training with The EMDR Academy and receives clinical supervision by an experienced EMDR consultant to ensure high standards of ethical practice are always upheld. 

If you would like to find out more about EMDR at Thriving Young Minds, complete an enquiry and we will be in touch to discuss your needs further.