Seeking help for mental health problems is a courageous step. This complete guide aims to provide clear information about EMDR and how it can help you find relief. If you have ever wondered, “EMDR: what is it and how does it work?”, it is essentially a highly structured psychological therapy designed to help the brain process traumatic memories. At Select Psychology, a dedicated provider of private therapy in Newcastle and the North East, our accredited professionals offer this effective treatment in a compassionate and supportive environment.
The Silent Weight of the Past: Understanding Traumatic Stress
We all carry memories, but some traumatic experiences are built differently. When a traumatic event occurs, it can overwhelm our natural healing process, leaving the memory “stuck” in its raw, original state. This often leads to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other persistent symptoms like anxiety and emotional disturbance. These distressing events don’t feel like the past; they feel like they are happening in the present tense.
At Select Psychology, we recognize that traumatic stress requires specialized care. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a unique type of psychotherapy that doesn’t just manage ptsd symptoms—it aims to resolve them. It is an evidence-based therapeutic process that allows the brain to finally “file away” those memories correctly.
The “File Cabinet” of the Mind: EMDR Therapy for Trauma Recovery
To understand the basics of this therapy, imagine your brain is a giant, high-speed filing system. When something healthy happens, your brain processes it and puts it in a neat folder. But when a traumatic event strikes, the brain drops the file on the floor. Every time you are reminded of that experience, it is like stepping on that open file, triggering intense traumatic stress.
An EMDR client works with a qualified emdr therapist to pick up those files. Unlike counselling or traditional behavioural therapy, which may focus heavily on talking through the details, the goal of emdr therapy is to reprocess the memory so it no longer causes physical or emotional pain.
The Science of the “Back and Forth”: Bilateral Stimulation in EMDR
The engine of emdr treatment is bilateral stimulation. This involves an external stimulus, such as following a therapist’s hand with your eyes or listening to alternating tones. Extensive research by organizations like the EMDR Institute and the EMDR International Association suggests this helps the brain bridge the gap between its emotional and logical centers.
This rhythmic movement mimics REM sleep, allowing for an overview of the memory without being overwhelmed by it. It is a core part of the successful emdr therapy model recognized by the EMDR Association UK and other global bodies.
The Journey Through the Phases: What to Expect During an EMDR Session
Your treatment plan begins with a thorough assessment and history-taking. At Select Psychology, we ensure every young person or adult we treat feels safe before the deep work begins. This includes learning a body scan technique to identify where you hold tension and creating a “Safe Place” in your mind.
During the session, you focus on the memory while the external stimulus is applied. You might notice shifts in your thoughts or physical sensations. Your therapist will guide you through this, ensuring the process remains manageable and supportive.
The “EMDR Hangover”: Navigating Potential Side Effects
Because this is a deep therapeutic process, it is common to feel tired afterward. Your brain is doing significant work to reorganize traumatic memories. Treating the days following a session with self-compassion is a vital part of the recovery journey.
Why It Works When Talk Therapy Doesn’t: Comparing EMDR vs CBT
While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a fantastic tool for changing negative thought patterns, EMDR works differently. Many other therapies are “top-down,” relying on logic to fix emotion. EMDR is “bottom-up,” addressing the physical and emotional data stored in the nervous system. By resolving the emotional disturbance at its source, the mind finally finds peace.
Is EMDR Right for You? Treatment for PTSD and More
Our primary customers include adults and young people seeking support for various mental health problems. Beyond traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is effective for:
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders
- Phobias and Performance Anxiety
- Child and Adolescent Therapies
- Complex Grief and Relationship Issues
Starting Your Journey: Finding an EMDR Therapist in the North East
At Select Psychology, we believe in accessibility and evidence-based care. We offer face-to-face sessions at several locations across the North East as well as online consultations. We provide a wide selection of accredited practitioners through a simple booking system.
Your Path to Peace Starts Here
You don’t have to keep living in the shadow of what happened. Imagine waking up without the weight of the past pressing down on your chest—where a memory is just a story, not a storm. At Select Psychology, our compassionate specialists are ready to help you navigate the road from surviving to truly thriving. Whether you are ready to start today or just have questions about how we can support your unique journey, we are here to listen.
Take the first step and book your initial assessment today or speak with our friendly team to find the right therapist for you.