What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing.

It’s a proven therapy technique that helps people heal from traumatic memories and distressing life experiences—without having to relive every detail.

Why explore EMDR counselling?

• Trauma happens when we experience something overwhelming that our mind and body can’t fully process.

• Unprocessed trauma can get “stuck” in the brain, causing emotional triggers, anxiety, or strong reactions in everyday life.

• EMDR helps move these memories into a healthier place in your mind, so they don’t cause problems in the present.

How Does EMDR Work?

1. Nervous System Care:
 First, you learn to notice and manage stress in your body. This keeps you safe and comfortable during therapy.

2. Memory Processing:
 You briefly recall a difficult memory while doing something called bilateral stimulation—like moving your eyes side to side or tapping on each hand.

3. Why Bilateral Stimulation?

• This helps your brain process the memory in a new way.

• It mimics what happens during REM sleep (the deep sleep stage when we process memories).

• Your brain learns, “I’m safe now,” even when thinking about the past.

4. Positive Thinking:

• You’ll also work on building positive beliefs about yourself to replace the negative ones left by trauma.

What Does a Session Look Like?

• You’re always in control of the process.

• The therapist guides you, but you decide what to focus on and when to pause.

• The goal is reprocessing (not reliving) the memory—so you feel better, not worse.

How Will I Know It’s Working?

• Over time, old memories feel less upsetting.

• Triggers and strong emotional reactions decrease.

• You gain more confidence and emotional balance.