EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) for trauma in Inverness
What is EMDR therapy and what is it used for?
EMDR is a therapy that can help us process upsetting memories by replicating the rapid eye movement (REM) process that automatically happens when we are sleeping.
When people have difficult experiences and get upset, sometimes their brains are unable to process the full experience and as a result they can get stuck in the moment. As a result, they may experience flashbacks of the experience, which can add to the distress and mean that they re-live the experience over and over again.
During the EMDR process, your therapist will ask you to move your eyes from side to side while thinking of the upsetting experience. This action enables the brain to process the ‘stuck’ memories. EMDR is not a talking therapy, so you do not have to talk about your painful experience, but you may choose to, if it helps you. The aim of EMDR is not to remove the memory, but instead to make the association with the memory less painful and disturbing.
What issues can EMDR help with?
EMDR is mainly used to help with traumatic feelings that have resulted from being involved in or witnessing an upsetting event such as a physical assault, a road traffic accident, or the loss of a loved one. It is most commonly used for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) however it is increasingly being used to treat other conditions such as panic attacks, eating disorders, physical/sexual abuse, grief, anger, stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (PCD), phobias, pain disorders, personality disorders, and anxiety.
Does it work?
Research has shown that EMDR is particularly helpful for trauma-related issues such as phobias and PTSD, however it is not suitable for all types of psychological trauma/difficulty. For this reason, you will be thoroughly assessed by your EMDR practitioner before treatment to ascertain whether EMDR is a suitable approach for you. Sometimes we will suggest other approaches either as an alternative to or to prepare you for EMDR.
How do I find out more or make a booking?
We would be delighted to answer and questions you may have about our EMDR service or to book an appointment for you with one of our experienced practitioners. To find out more please contact us.
