What is EMDR?

EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy originally developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro to treat war veterans. It has become one of the most researched therapies worldwide and is now recommended by leading international health organisations as one of the most effective treatments for trauma, PTSD, and complex PTSD.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR works with the way distressing memories are stored in both the brain and the body. The process works by using guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation (such as tapping or sounds) to help the brain “reprocess” distressing memories in a safe, supported way. Instead of staying stuck and overwhelming you in the present, these memories become properly stored so they no longer hold the same emotional charge.

Why EMDR Works

When we experience trauma or distress, the nervous system can become “stuck” in survival mode making everyday life feel exhausting. This can leave us feeling anxious, hypervigilant, or emotionally flooded by triggers that don’t match our current reality.

EMDR is effective because it helps the brain and body unlock and reprocess these stuck memories, moving them from a place of overwhelm into a place of resolution.
Over time, the emotional charge softens, triggers lose their intensity and the nervous system learns to feel safe again.  This allows you to regain a sense of safety, balance, and control, so you can live more fully in the present.

The EMDR Process: 8 Phases of Healing

To help you feel informed and supported, here’s what you can expect during the EMDR process:

1. Creating a Treatment Plan We start by exploring your history and identifying the areas you’d like to focus on. This is not about reliving every detail; it’s about identifying what feels important to you and mapping out a safe, supportive roadmap for your healing.
2. Building Safety & Resources Before any processing begins, you’ll learn practical tools to help you feel grounded and steady. Together we’ll create a sense of inner safety and a “healing toolkit” you can use both in and out of sessions.
3. Choosing a Memory to Work With In this step, you will choose a memory or experience to focus on, identifying  the emotions, body sensations, and thoughts connected to it. This helps guide the processing in a way that’s clear and supportive.
4. Desensitisation
   Through gentle bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds), your brain begins to naturally reprocess the memory. Over time, the emotional intensity reduces, creating space for calm and healing.
5. Installing Positive Beliefs
   Here, we work on replacing self-limiting beliefs, old  painful thoughts by installing healthier more empowering beliefs. This helps anchor new ways of thinking and relating to yourself, building resilience and supporting healing.
6. Checking in with the Body Because trauma is stored not only in the mind but also in the body, you will pause to notice any bodily sensations that remain. If there’s still tension, we continue processing until your body feels more relaxed and at ease.
7. Closure We end each session with grounding and stabilisation techniques; ensuring you leave feeling safe, centred, and supported even if a memory isn’t fully processed yet. Healing is not a race and we work at the pace that is comfortable for you.
8. Re-evaluation  Moving Forward At the start of the next session, we review the progress made, notice what feels lighter, and identify what still needs care. This ongoing check-in ensures the healing journey is paced gently and effectively.
   
   At Your Path to Calm, EMDR is always delivered in a safe, client-led way, combining nervous system regulation, mindfulness, and grounding practices to support your healing every step of the way.