What do we do in EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps the brain process traumatic memories that have become “stuck” or frozen in the nervous system. These unprocessed memories can carry an emotional or physical charge that continues to affect us long after the event has passed. EMDR helps unlock these patterns, allowing the brain’s natural healing mechanisms to resume.

The method was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. The story goes that she was walking through a park one day, reflecting on some distressing thoughts, when she noticed that her eyes were moving rapidly from side to side—naturally and rhythmically. Afterward, she realised her emotional intensity had reduced. Intrigued, she began researching this phenomenon and eventually developed EMDR: a therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sound tones) to support the brain’s ability to reprocess disturbing experiences.

EMDR is now widely used for PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, and is backed by decades of clinical research.

We begin by building your inner resources—supporting your capacity for self-regulation and creating a strong foundation of safety. When you're ready, we’ll bring gentle attention to specific memories, using bilateral stimulation like guided eye movements or slow tapping to help your brain reprocess them.

You never have to share details of the memory unless you choose to. This work is collaborative and paced to match your readiness. I integrate EMDR with body-based approaches, tracking what's happening somatically and emotionally so you stay grounded throughout the process.