EMDR Therapy
Making space for healing, at your own pace.
Sometimes difficult experiences continue to affect how we feel, think and respond to the world, even long after those experiences have passed.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that can help people process distressing memories and experiences.
At Exceptionally You, I offer EMDR therapy as part of an individualised, trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming approach to supporting children and young people.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach that helps people work through memories and experiences that continue to cause distress.
Sometimes, overwhelming experiences can remain connected with difficult emotions, physical sensations and beliefs about ourselves or the world.
EMDR uses a structured process that may include eye movements, alternating tapping or other forms of bilateral stimulation while working with aspects of a distressing memory.
The aim is to help reduce the distress associated with these experiences and support more adaptive ways of understanding them.
EMDR doesn't erase memories or change what happened. Instead, it can help change how those experiences affect us in the present.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is best established as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related distress.
It may be considered when someone is experiencing difficulties such as:
Distressing memories of past experiences
Trauma-related anxiety or fear
Nightmares or intrusive memories
Feeling overwhelmed by reminders of difficult experiences
Negative beliefs about themselves connected to past events
Emotional or physical responses associated with traumatic experiences
Not everyone experiencing these difficulties will need or benefit from EMDR. Together, we can explore whether it is an appropriate option.
What happens during EMDR therapy?
EMDR involves more than eye movements or processing difficult memories.
We begin by getting to know you, understanding your experiences and identifying what you would like support with.
Before any memory processing begins, we spend time developing a shared understanding of your needs and ensuring you have appropriate ways to manage distress.
When you're ready, EMDR may involve working with aspects of a difficult memory while using eye movements, tapping or another suitable form of bilateral stimulation.
You don't necessarily need to describe every detail of a distressing experience aloud.
Sessions are guided by your needs, readiness and responses. There is no expectation that you will begin processing traumatic memories immediately.
EMDR for neurodivergent young people
Every person experiences and processes the world differently, and this matters in trauma therapy.
For neurodivergent children and young people, I consider communication preferences, sensory experiences, processing time, emotional awareness and individual support needs when planning EMDR therapy.
This might involve adjusting how information is explained, using different ways to communicate, allowing additional preparation time or adapting aspects of the process where clinically appropriate.
My approach is collaborative, with attention to choice, predictability and consent throughout therapy.
Being neurodivergent isn't something that needs to be treated or changed through EMDR.
The focus is on supporting the person with distressing experiences and difficulties that are meaningful to them.
Is EMDR right for me or my young person?
EMDR can be helpful for some people, but it isn't necessarily the best starting point for everyone.
Suitability depends on a range of factors, including the difficulties being experienced, individual circumstances, current supports and readiness for trauma-focused work.
An initial appointment provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, ask questions and consider whether EMDR or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate.
Getting started
You don't need to know whether EMDR is the right approach before making contact.
If you're interested in exploring EMDR therapy for yourself or your young person, you're welcome to get in touch.
We can discuss what you're looking for and whether my approach might be a suitable fit.