Charlotte White. Psychologist. EMDR Therapist. Photographer: Breeana Dunbar

TRAUMA THERAPY

Eye Movement, Desensitisation & Reprocessing

Feeling stuck in the past?

Have you ever felt stuck in the past? Like a difficult memory keeps replaying in your mind, causing anxiety, sadness, or even nightmares? Or like you cant break free of old patterns. You're not alone. Many people experience these lingering effects of past traumas, big or small.

That's where Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) comes in. EMDR is can be a powerful tool to regain emotional stability and move forward.

Here’s the gist.

  • Speech Bubbles

    Phase 1 & 2: Getting Ready & Building a Foundation

    First we want to get a good understanding of your history and whats been going on for you. We might talk about specific memories or situations that are currently causing you distress but only if it feels safe to do so.

    Building Safety: Most importantly, you'll learn tools and techniques to help you manage strong emotions that might come up during or between sessions. This makes sure you feel stable and in control throughout your therapy.

  • Overlapping Circles

    Phase 3: Targeting the Memory

    In this step, we will pick a specific memory to focus on and figure out all the pieces of it. This typically involves noting what emotions and sensations it brings up for you now, as well as what meaning you made from this event.

    Its important to note here that you don’t need to talk about the memory if you don’t want to. Your brain already knows what to do.

  • Eye

    Phase 4: Processing the Memory

    This is the most well-known part of EMDR, where your brain does the heavy lifting to reprocess the memory. You'll briefly hold the memory in your mind while we guide you through bilateral stimulation (BLS), usually side-to-side eye movements or gentle tapping.

    The goal isn't to "think through" the memory, but to let your brain make connections. After each set of BLS, we'll ask what you notice. This process repeats until the memory becomes less vivid, less emotional, and your distress reduces.

  • Puzzle

    Phase 5: Installation

    Once the distress is gone, it's time to solidify the positive change.

    Strengthening the Good: You'll focus on your chosen positive belief while doing another set of BLS. The goal is to feel that positive thought is completely true.

  • Magnifine glass

    Phase 6: Body Scan

    This step is a final check to make sure your body feels as calm as your mind.

    Check for Leftovers: You'll quietly scan your body from head to toe while thinking of the memory and the new positive belief. If you feel any lingering discomfort or tension we’ll use more bilateral stimulation to clear that out.

  • Diamond

    Phase 7: Closure

    This phase is used to gently wrap up the session.

    Coming Back to the Present: We will make sure you feel grounded and calm before you leave. If the memory wasn't fully processed, we’ll discuss the tools you need to keep yourself stable and contained until your next session.

  • Paper Plane

    Phase 8: Re-evaluation

    This is where your next session will begin.

    Checking Your Progress: We will check in on the previously worked-on memory to make sure the distress has stayed low and the positive belief is still strong. If everything looks good, we'll move on to a new memory to work on!

What can EMDR help with?

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Anxiety & Panic Disorders

  • Depression

  • Phobias

  • Grief & Loss

  • Childhood Trauma

  • Sexual Assault or Abuse Survivors

  • Addiction and Substance Abuse

  • Chronic Pain and Illness

  • Low Self-Esteem and Negative Self-Beliefs

  • Relationship Issues (e.g. attachment issues)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! EMDR can be used in person, or virtually.

  • The number of sessions needed can vary depending on the individual and the complexity of the issues being addressed.

  • During the initial sessions, we will work with you to build trust, understand your concerns, and establish a sense of safety. Only once this foundation is in place will be able to begin the EMDR process, ensuring you're fully prepared and comfortable to start addressing the trauma effectively.

  • While EMDR helps you process difficult memories, it does not force you to relive traumatic events in a way that feels unsafe. The goal is to reduce the emotional intensity of the memories, not to re-traumatise you. We will go at your pace, ensuring the process is manageable and safe.

Curious about EMDR therapy?

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