EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR
EMDR is an evidence-based integrative psychotherapy which helps those suffering from PTSD, C-PTSD, dissociation, trauma, panic attacks, complex grief, phobias, and other psychiatric and mental health issues. EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model which posits that much of psychopathology is due to the incomplete and maladaptive formation processing of traumatic and distressing life experiences in either childhood or adulthood. This impaired processing can affect the client’s ability to integrate these experiences in an adaptive or healthy manner which may be experienced by the client emotionally, cognitively and/or somatically.
How Does It Work?
EMDR works on the neurological processes of the mind helping to alleviate thoughts, memories and feelings which may be difficult to move past. Trauma can become frozen in time, but by activating the traumatic memory in a stabilised and safe way and adding bilateral stimulation at the same time, the client can create new, more adaptive neural pathways for their past experiences. (www.emdrassociation.org.uk)
There is somewhere you are meant to be. It is here, now, in this moment.”
What to Expect
Jennifer uses a combination of lightbar and pulsator technology for the face-to-face client as the upsetting memories are targeted and the neural pathways are activated. Most clients will experience a softening, or a dilution, of their worst memories as they become more fully integrated in the client’s system. The EMDR client can say as much or as little (sometimes even nothing at all if they choose) about the upsetting content of their trauma, as they process their way quickly through trauma targets. In this treatment model, the client does not have to feel retraumatised by using or repeating certain words or thoughts. EMDR will not be less effective because of the use, or lack of use, of triggering words. This can be especially helpful when working to process intensely upsetting material or memories.
Virtual EMDR is also available, using a specialised software (www.bilateralbase.com) so clients from other regions and other countries can still complete effective EMDR processing and integration. Further information and a more detailed explanation of EMDR is available here.
Fees
EMDR therapy is available at £70 per 50-minute session (in-person or remote). Jennifer may suggest longer EMDR sessions (usually 75 minutes in length) for some clients working with traumatic material as adequate processing time is essential.