Finding Freedom Through EMDR Therapy



Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative form of therapy that can help you break free from emotional difficulties rooted in past experiences. Developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR leverages the brain's natural healing abilities to reprocess traumatic memories and update associated negative emotions and beliefs.

If you're struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, anger problems, or other conditions related to past events, EMDR may be able to help you find relief. Read on to learn how it works and whether it could benefit you or book EMDR therapy in London or online with Kove.

The Origins of EMDR Therapy


EMDR was born out of a chance observation made by Francine Shapiro as she was walking through a park. As thoughts about some personal issues bounced around in her mind, she noticed her distress lifting as sunlight filtered flickering through trees.

Curious about this experience, Shapiro began studying how rhythmic bilateral stimulation could alleviate emotional disturbances. Her early research on using eye movements to treat PTSD in combat veterans yielded promising results.

Since then, EMDR has been extensively researched and is now a recommended treatment approach for PTSD. It has also been proven effective for a wide range of other conditions.

The 8 Phases of EMDR Treatment


Modern EMDR therapy follows an 8-phase approach:History taking - The therapist assesses your history and symptoms.
Preparation - You and the therapist map out a treatment plan targeting specific memories underlying current problems.
Assessment - Key disturbing memories are linked to related negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
Desensitization - Bilateral stimulation techniques are used while you focus on targeted memories, allowing new insights and perspectives to emerge.
Installation - New positive beliefs are strengthened.
Body scan - The therapist checks whether any tension remains stored in your body related to the targeted memory.
Closure - The therapist ensures you leave the session feeling stable.
Reevaluation - Progress is reviewed at the next session before moving to new targets.

This approach creates a safe space for you to confront painful memories and reprocess them in a more constructive way. Rather than avoiding unpleasant memories, you engage with them directly along with the difficult emotions they evoke. This stimulates your nervous system to reorganize the memory into a less distressing form.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy


Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR immediately accesses the emotions bound to disturbing memories. This sets powerful internal healing processes into motion right from the start of treatment.

Additional benefits of EMDR include:

  • Effectively treats PTSD and trauma
  • Alleviates symptoms of anxiety, depression, addiction, chronic pain and more
  • Identifies and transforms negative self-beliefs
  • Creates rapid change with lasting effects
  • Requires fewer sessions than other therapies

Bilateral Stimulation: The Key to EMDR’s Effectiveness


Central to EMDR is the use of bilateral stimulation techniques while processing memories or distressing thoughts. The most common technique is guided horizontal eye movements. However, alternating taps, tones or other forms of rhythmical stimulation applied to both sides of the body can produce similar beneficial outcomes.

Though the mechanisms involved are not fully understood, research suggests these techniques activate the same neurological processes that allow us to process memories and emotions while dreaming. The stimuli seem to facilitate connection and communication between the brain areas integrating memories, sensations, beliefs and feelings related to the traumatic events. This ultimately permits the information to properly consolidate in a healthier, more adaptive form.

Is EMDR Right for You?


EMDR has proven particularly effective for treating PTSD and trauma-related conditions. However, countless studies have also demonstrated its benefits in relieving symptoms of other mental health disorders like:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Addictions
  • Phobias
  • Chronic pain
  • Eating disorders
  • And more

If you feel trapped in emotional suffering because of upsetting life events, EMDR may help you break free. The majority of people experience rapid relief within 6 to 12 sessions. Results are often seen after just a few appointments.

Take Control of Your Mental Health

Don’t allow past experiences to limit your potential for happiness in the present and future. EMDR therapy empowers you to process and release old traumas so you can enjoy a healthy, vibrant emotional life.

We invite you to schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our compassionate therapists. This brief call gives you the chance to:
  • Ask questions and determine if EMDR is suited to your needs
  • Learn how the therapy works
  • Discuss your history to see if you’re a good candidate
  • Get tailored advice from an EMDR expert

Don’t settle for just coping when real, lasting healing is possible. Call today on 0207 856 0464 and take the first step toward freedom from trauma! 

We offer EMDR in London and online, we look forward to helping guide you on your journey toward happier, healthier living.

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