Emdr (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing)

EMDR is a therapy first established in 1987 and in 2006 the treatment was recognised by NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) for post traumatic stress disorders. Its usage now has broadened to help with other issues including panic states, anxiety, loss and sexual problems.

To explain the therapy, it is understood that when a disturbing event occurs this is normally automatically processed by the brain. However, in some cases a memory may become inappropriately locked with the original sights, sounds and smells and can be distressingly reactivated under certain conditions.

It is thought that EMDR therapy helps the brain heal these disturbances through stimulation of alternative sides of the brain. This resembles the brain's own mechanisms for processing memories through Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep and using EMDR reduces the symptoms naturally and under your own control. The alternate stimulation can be carried out in a visual, auditory or tactile way depending on your own preferences and you will have an opportunity to try these out.

EMDR therapy includes an assessment of your symptoms, more information giving a greater understanding of brain function, use of the bilateral techniques and therapeutic processing - usually a treatment package of some 10 sessions.