EDMR Therapy
Processing difficult experiences and finding a way forward.
Sometimes, difficult or traumatic experiences can continue to affect us long after the events themselves have passed. Memories may remain distressing, certain situations can trigger strong emotional reactions, and experiences from the past can influence how we feel about ourselves and the world around us.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychological therapy that helps people process distressing memories and reduce their ongoing emotional impact.
At Field and Mind Psychology, Carla Fadelli offers EMDR as part of an individualised, trauma-informed approach to psychological care, supporting people to work through difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable and safe.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychological therapy originally developed to help people experiencing difficulties following traumatic or distressing events.
EMDR is based on the understanding that some experiences may not be fully processed at the time they occur. Instead, the memories can remain distressing and continue to influence our emotions, beliefs, physical sensations and responses to everyday situations.
During EMDR, a therapist guides the client through a structured process while using bilateral stimulation, which may involve side-to-side eye movements, alternating sounds or gentle tapping.
This process aims to support the brain's natural information-processing system, helping distressing memories become less emotionally overwhelming and allowing more adaptive perspectives to develop.
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Not everyone responds to difficult experiences in the same way. Sometimes, however, the emotional impact of an experience can continue to influence everyday life.
You might notice:
Intrusive memories, images or unwanted thoughts.
Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or on edge.
Strong emotional reactions to particular situations, people or reminders.
Avoiding places, conversations or experiences associated with the past.
Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, fear or helplessness.
Difficulty feeling safe, relaxed or connected to others.
Negative beliefs about yourself, such as feeling unworthy, powerless or not good enough.
Physical responses such as tension, a racing heart or feeling frozen when reminded of an experience.
These responses can sometimes occur even when you know intellectually that the original situation is over.
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EMDR is most established in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be considered as part of psychological treatment for people experiencing difficulties associated with other distressing life experiences.
These may include:
Childhood trauma and adverse experiences.
Accidents, injuries or medical trauma.
Abuse, neglect or interpersonal trauma.
Grief and distressing losses.
Relationship trauma and difficult interpersonal experiences.
Anxiety associated with distressing memories.
Persistent feelings of shame, guilt or fear connected to past experiences.
The suitability of EMDR depends on each person's circumstances, history and individual treatment needs. An initial assessment helps determine whether this approach may be appropriate.
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EMDR follows a structured, phased approach. Therapy does not begin with immediately revisiting distressing memories. Preparation and establishing emotional safety are important parts of the process.
1. History taking and assessment
Carla works with you to understand your experiences, current difficulties, personal history and therapy goals. This helps identify which memories or experiences may be contributing to your present concerns.
2. Preparation and emotional regulation
You will learn strategies to manage emotional distress and develop resources to help you feel more grounded and supported during therapy. This stage helps establish a foundation for the processing work.
3. Identifying target memories
Together, you identify specific memories, experiences, beliefs and associated emotional or physical responses that may be appropriate to address through EMDR.
4. Memory processing
During this stage, you briefly focus on aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, guided by your therapist. This may involve eye movements, alternating sounds or tapping.
The aim is to support the processing of the memory so that it becomes less distressing and no longer has the same emotional intensity.
5. Strengthening helpful beliefs
As processing progresses, therapy may help strengthen more adaptive beliefs and perspectives about yourself, your experiences and your ability to move forward.
6. Review and ongoing care
Your progress is reviewed throughout treatment. Carla will help determine whether further processing, additional support or other therapeutic approaches may be beneficial.
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EMDR is different from traditional talk therapy. Although you will discuss relevant experiences and memories, you do not need to describe every detail of a traumatic event aloud for the therapy to take place.
During processing, people may notice changes in thoughts, feelings, images or physical sensations. Experiences vary from person to person.
You remain aware and in control throughout the session. You can communicate with Carla, pause the process or stop when needed.
EMDR can sometimes bring up difficult emotions, which is why preparation, pacing and emotional support are important throughout treatment.
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EMDR can be helpful for many people, but it is not necessarily the right approach for everyone or at every stage of their therapeutic journey.
Factors such as current emotional stability, personal circumstances, trauma history and available support are considered before beginning memory processing.
For some individuals, additional preparation or other therapeutic approaches may be recommended first.
Carla takes an individualised approach, ensuring that therapy is guided by your needs, readiness and treatment goals.
A trauma-informed and personalised approach
At Field and Mind Psychology, Carla recognises that experiences of trauma and distress are deeply personal.
There is no expectation to rush through difficult memories or experiences. Therapy is approached collaboratively, with attention to emotional safety, choice, trust and individual readiness.
EMDR may also be incorporated alongside other therapeutic approaches, including Schema Therapy, CBT and other trauma-informed interventions, depending on what may be most helpful for you.
The aim is to help you develop a different relationship with past experiences, so they have less influence over your present and future.
Interested in EMDR Therapy?
You do not have to continue carrying the emotional weight of difficult experiences alone.
If you are wondering whether EMDR may be suitable for you, Carla welcomes you to get in touch to discuss your circumstances and explore possible treatment options.