EMDR in Bristol | Trauma Therapy & EMDR Counselling
I offer EMDR as a stand-alone treatment, and as part of a more explorative therapy. The first step is simply understanding what has brought you here and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Sometimes our minds know that an experience is over, yet our bodies continue to respond as though it is still happening. A distressing event (or series of connected events) may be long in the past, but it can continue to shape how we think, feel and relate to ourselves and others. You might notice recurring anxiety, emotional overwhelm, intrusive memories, shame, hypervigilance, or a sense of feeling stuck.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences that have become “stuck”. Rather than asking you to relive traumatic memories in detail, EMDR supports the brain’s natural ability to integrate these experiences so they become part of your history rather than something that continues to intrude on the present.
EMDR is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as one of the evidence-based treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While the strongest evidence is for trauma, EMDR can also be helpful for a range of other difficulties where distressing life experiences continue to affect the present.
What is EMDR?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, usually through guided eye movements or gentle alternating taps, while focusing on specific memories or experiences. Although researchers are still exploring exactly how it works, a substantial body of evidence suggests that EMDR helps the brain reprocess memories that have remained emotionally unresolved.
People often describe memories becoming less vivid, less emotionally charged and less intrusive. The memory itself isn’t erased or forgotten; instead, it becomes integrated into your life story in a way that no longer carries the same emotional intensity.
What does the research say?
EMDR is one of the most extensively researched psychological therapies for trauma. Numerous clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness for PTSD, which is why it is recommended by NICE.
Researchers continue to debate the precise mechanisms involved. While bilateral stimulation appears to play an important role, it is likely that several different processes contribute to therapeutic change. What seems clear is that EMDR can help people process distressing experiences so they no longer remain “stuck”.
At the same time, research across psychotherapy consistently shows that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is one of the strongest predictors of a positive outcome, regardless of the specific approach being used. For me, EMDR is therefore not simply a technique but something that takes place within a safe, collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship.
Is EMDR right for everyone?
Not always.
Although EMDR can be remarkably effective, it isn’t something I rush into. Before beginning memory processing, we’ll spend time understanding what has brought you to therapy and making sure you feel safe, supported and emotionally resourced.
For some people this preparation phase is relatively brief. For others, it becomes an important part of the therapy in its own right. There is no pressure to move forward until we both feel the time is right.
How I work with EMDR
I offer EMDR in two ways.
Some clients come specifically for EMDR because they would like to process a particular traumatic experience or have been recommended the approach. In these cases, EMDR becomes the primary focus of our work.
Others come for longer-term therapy, where EMDR forms one part of a broader integrative approach. Alongside EMDR, I draw on person-centred, psychodynamic and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches. Depending on what emerges in our work together, we may move between talking therapy and EMDR, allowing each to inform the other.
Whether we’re working in a focused way with EMDR or within longer-term therapy, I don’t see EMDR as a technique that replaces the therapeutic relationship. Lasting change comes not only from effective therapeutic methods, but from working together in a relationship where you feel safe, understood and accepted.
What happens during an EMDR session?
Every EMDR journey is different, but therapy generally follows the same broad stages.
Getting to know you
We’ll begin by exploring what has brought you to therapy, your personal history and what you hope to achieve. Together we’ll decide whether EMDR feels like the right approach and identify the memories or experiences we may work with.
Preparation
Before any memory processing begins, we’ll develop the emotional resources needed for the work ahead. This might include grounding techniques, ways of regulating strong emotions, and ensuring you feel able to manage whatever arises during therapy. There is no pressure to move on until we both feel you’re ready.
Processing
When the time is right, we’ll work with specific memories using bilateral stimulation, usually through guided eye movements or alternating taps. My role is to guide the process while your brain does the work of integrating experiences that have remained emotionally unresolved.
Review
We’ll always finish by helping you return to the present before ending the session. Between appointments it’s common to notice new thoughts, feelings, dreams or memories as your mind continues processing. We’ll review these together and decide what feels most helpful next.
There is no fixed timeline with EMDR. Some people move into memory processing quite quickly, while others benefit from spending longer building safety and stability first.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR may be helpful for:
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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Single-incident trauma
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Childhood and developmental trauma
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Anxiety and panic
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Distressing memories
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Low self-esteem
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Shame
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Grief and loss
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Phobias
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Performance anxiety
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Experiences that continue to feel emotionally unfinished
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does EMDR cost?
For standalone EMDR, I offer 90-minute sessions that cost £100. The longer session length allows time for the preparation, processing and integration that EMDR work often involves.
If EMDR forms part of longer-term therapy, the session length and fee are discussed together based on what feels most appropriate for the work we are doing. This may involve shorter or longer sessions depending on your needs and the nature of the therapy.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. In many cases EMDR can be delivered effectively online using secure video sessions. We’ll first make sure you have a private, comfortable space where you feel safe and won’t be interrupted. Some people prefer to meet in person, while others find online sessions just as effective.
Do I have to talk in detail about what happened?
No. Unlike some forms of therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to describe traumatic experiences in detail. While I’ll need enough information to understand what we’re working with, the focus is on helping your brain process the memory rather than repeatedly talking through every detail.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It depends on what has brought you to therapy. A single traumatic incident may require relatively few sessions, whereas childhood trauma or longstanding relational difficulties often benefit from longer-term work. We’ll review progress together as therapy unfolds rather than deciding on a fixed number of sessions in advance.
Will EMDR make me relive my trauma?
EMDR involves bringing difficult memories into awareness, but the aim isn’t to leave you feeling overwhelmed. We’ll work at a pace that feels manageable, and I won’t begin memory processing until we both feel you have enough stability and support to do so safely.
Is EMDR only for trauma?
No. Although EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, it can also be helpful where distressing experiences contribute to difficulties such as anxiety, panic, phobias, low self-esteem or grief.
What happens in the first session?
The first session isn’t about starting EMDR immediately. It’s an opportunity for us to understand what has brought you to therapy, explore your history, discuss your goals, and think together about whether EMDR is the right approach. Just as importantly, it’s a chance for you to get a sense of whether working together feels right.
EMDR Therapy in Bristol
I offer EMDR therapy for adults from my consulting room in central Bristol, as well as online where appropriate.
If you’re considering EMDR, or you’re simply wondering whether it might be the right approach, the first step is a conversation. Get in touch to arrange an initial meeting and see whether working together feels right.