Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
EMDR treatment in Morpeth, Northumberland with a Clinical Psychologist
What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing?
EMDR is a powerful psychotherapy that helps us process and heal from traumatic events that are affecting our mental well-being. Dr Sarah Woods is EMDR Europe Accredited
Sometimes problems are triggered by these traumatic events in our lives. When events have been highly stressful there may be disruptions in how the memories are processed. They can then be stored in a way that means events in the now can easily ‘retrigger’ unhelpful thoughts, memories, images, or bodily sensations from the past. Even events from a long time ago can continue to affect our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Often, this happens unconsciously, meaning we are not aware that the past is affecting us.
The traumatic events do not have to be the significant life events we associate with PTSD. They can be what we call ‘small t’ traumas such as being humiliated, criticised by a teacher or the moment we heard some unwanted news.
EMDR therapy stops difficult memories causing as much distress by helping the brain to “reprocess” the memories. It uses the brain’s natural healing to facilitate recovery. Using bilateral stimulation, which means left / right movements of the eyes or tapping, EMDR works to help us reach an ‘adaptive’ resolution. This means that the memories no longer trigger negative emotions, and we are able to let go of negative beliefs about ourselves and unpleasant sensations in the body.
What is EMDR help with?
EMDR is a powerful psychotherapy that helps us process and heal from traumatic events that are affecting our mental well-being.Sometimes problems are triggered by these traumatic events in our lives.
When events have been highly stressful there may be disruptions in how the memories are processed. They can then be stored in a way that means events in the now can easily ‘retrigger’ unhelpful thoughts, memories, images, or bodily sensations from the past. Even events from a long time ago can continue to affect our thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Often, this happens unconsciously, meaning we are not aware that the past is affecting us.
The traumatic events do not have to be the significant life events we associate with PTSD. They can be what we call ‘small t’ traumas such as being humiliated, criticised by a teacher or the moment we heard some unwanted news.
EMDR therapy stops difficult memories causing as much distress by helping the brain to “reprocess” the memories. It uses the brain’s natural healing to facilitate recovery. Using bilateral stimulation, which means left / right movements of the eyes or tapping, EMDR works to help us reach an ‘adaptive’ resolution. This means that the memories no longer trigger negative emotions, and we are able to let go of negative beliefs about ourselves and unpleasant sensations in the body.
What does EMDR help with?
EMDR is best known for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but it can also help with a range of mental health conditions. This includes anxiety, grief, depression, chronic / persistent pain, phobias, panic or headaches.
Does EMDR work?
EMDR is recognised by the National Institute for Clinical Excellent (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). It has been found to be effective in multiple research trials.
It is important your EMDR therapist has completed accredited training and is a member of a regulatory body, such as the HCPC.
How many sessions of EMDR would I need?
It varies and depends on your goals. If there is a specific event or pattern, it can take as few as 4-6 sessions. For wider goals or depending on the history of the problem, sessions can last longer. An assessment would give a clearer answer and an indication can be given at a free initial consultation.
What is the next step?
If you have any questions or are interested please call 07870 241970, email hello@nepsychology.co.uk or please get in touch through the website. We can then have an initial discussion and arrange an assessment. EMDR can be delivered online or in my clinic in Morpeth, Northumberland. Sarah is an EMDR Europe Accredited
My Qualifications
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I hold doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Leeds University (2008) and a Batchelor of Science (honours) degree in psychology from Newcastle University (2003). I am an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and a member of the
Expert Witness Institute.
I keep my skills up to date and have completed post qualification training. This includes advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and accredited EMDR training. I have also completed Bond Solon and Expert Witness Institute training for Expert Witness Reporting.
Who we work with
Contact Us
We can arrange an initial conversation to discuss whether psychology might help and you can ask any questions. It is confidential and there is no obligation to book.