Understanding EMDR Therapy and How It Supports Healing

At Caroline Ellison Counselling, I understand that trauma and distressing experiences can have a profound impact on your mental and emotional well-being. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy is a proven, effective approach which will help you process difficult memories and move toward healing.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a structured psychotherapy that enables you to reprocess and make sense of distressing memories. Developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR uses specific techniques—including guided eye movements—to facilitate the brain’s natural ability to heal from trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR targets the underlying cause of distress by working directly with how traumatic memories are stored in the brain.

How Does EMDR Work?

During an EMDR session, you will be guided to recall a traumatic or distressing memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as moving your eyes back and forth, tapping, or listening to alternating sounds. This process helps to activate your brain’s information processing system, allowing the traumatic memory to be reprocessed and integrated more adaptively.

Over time, this can lead to a reduction in emotional distress and a greater sense of control and resilience. EMDR therapy is typically structured into several phases, including history-taking, preparation, assessment, desensitization, installation, body scan, and closure, ensuring a safe and supportive environment throughout your journey.

How Is EMDR Used?

EMDR is highly effective in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including:

- - Trauma and PTSD & CPTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
  - Anxiety – panic disorders
  - Depression
  - Phobias
  - Grief and loss
  - Childhood abuse or neglect
  - Pain Conditions

As a trained EMDR practitioner I will work collaboratively with you to identify areas of distress and develop a personalized treatment plan. The goal is to enable you to process past experiences and develop healthier perspectives, leading to lasting relief and emotional well-being.

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you’re seeking an innovative and compassionate approach to overcoming trauma or distressing memories, EMDR may be right for you. Reach out today by emailing Caroline Ellison Counselling to find out more about how this therapy can support your healing journey.

Face-to-Face and Online Counselling

I offer Individual Counselling, EMDR Therapy and Couples Therapy in-person and online. I will support you with kindness, compassion, empathy and understanding. Working collaboratively, I will provide a safe, confidential space for you to express and process your emotions. I work with adults and carers.

I have experience and work with a wide range of issues such as: anxiety, stress, overwhelm, bereavement, grief and loss, depression and low mood, family and relationship difficulties, building confidence and self-esteem, trauma, long term and life limiting illness, counselling for carers.

I have a special interest in counselling for carers, patients and family members of long term and life limiting illness such as Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Cancer.