Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment for all types of trauma. It is a psychotherapy that enables you to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
There is good evidence that EMDR is an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is recommended by the American Psychological Association (USA) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, UK) as an effective treatment for PTSD.
EMDR can also be used very effectively for a wide range of other psychological difficulties, such as phobias, OCD, anxiety, panic, low self esteem, complicated grief, addiction and chronic pain.
For some people, when a traumatic disturbing life event happens to them, the memory of their experience comes crashing back into their mind, forcing them to relive the event with the same intensity of feeling as if it’s taking place in the present moment. These experiences may present as flashbacks or nightmares. These are said to occur because the mind was simply too overwhelmed during the event to process what was going on. As a result, these unprocessed memories and the accompanying sights, sounds, thoughts and feelings are stored in the brain in ‘raw’ form. Here, they can be accessed when something in everyday life triggers a recollection of the original event.
We are all different and manage life’s difficulties in our own ways. What works for one person may not work for another. However, the common aims of EMDR therapy include:
- Reduce re-experiencing trauma memories.
- Help you feel more able to cope with and manage trauma memories without needing to avoid potential triggers.
- Help you feel more able to engage in and enjoy pleasurable activities and relationships.
- Reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, irritation, anger and hyper-vigilance
- Help you deal with pressures and/or conflict and go about your daily life without feeling fearful and panicked.
- Reduce feelings of isolation, hopelessness and depression.
- Boost self-confidence and self-esteem.
We all have positive attributes we are not aware of previously, and we all have the capacity to change… EMDR can foster the resources you need within yourself to make the changes you want to make.
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A few words from our clients…
“ Kam’s support was just what I needed to help me address a number of issues that had been holding me back in different areas of my life. Through working with Kam I’ve been able to implement advice that has enabled me to handle these issues much more confidently and effectively, and I feel her guidance has formed a lasting habit that will help me thrive.”
“Through my therapy sessions with Kam, I have been able to find relief from my anxiety and worry loops; she helped me to challenge my core beliefs and to allow balance in my life. Using mindfulness techniques that I have learned during my therapy, I am confident that I am now better able to navigate my way through various life changes. The use of compassion based therapy has enabled me to learn to deal with trigger events, and also to reframe past memories so I can move on”
“I can honestly say that I wish I had found Kam sooner, she has transformed me as a person.
My sessions with Kam provided me with the tools I needed to climb out of the black hole that I had got myself in to and even today when I have bad days I refer back to these to get me back on track. It has not been an easy journey but with Kam’s kind, friendly and gentle approach I managed to move forwards. During my time with Kam I always felt comfortable and was not afraid to hold anything back.
I now have a much better understanding of myself, I feel grounded and far more confident in all aspects of my life and most importantly I have been able to move forward. I can’t thank Kam enough.”
“My confidence and self-esteem has grown in so many different aspects of my life.”
“ Working with Kam has been inspiring, life changing and so insightful”
“I loved working with Kam. She has a very compassionate approach and I felt comfortable with her straight away. She gave me the tools to get back on track with my mental health and find my focus”