EMDR

EMDR Therapy in Chorley and Online

I offer Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing - EMDR - therapy in Chorley and online for adults who are struggling with trauma, distressing memories, anxiety, grief, and other experiences that may still feel emotionally overwhelming.

​

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a well-researched therapy that helps the brain process distressing experiences so they feel less overwhelming in the present.

​

My approach to EMDR is warm, trauma-informed, and paced carefully around you. We do not rush into difficult material. We first work on safety, trust, grounding, and helping you feel more resourced before moving into deeper processing.

​

What is EMDR?

When something traumatic or deeply distressing happens, the memory can sometimes feel as though it has not been fully processed. Instead of feeling like something in the past, it can continue to show up in the present through:

• flashbacks

• intrusive thoughts or images

• nightmares

• anxiety or panic

• strong emotional reactions

• physical sensations that feel hard to explain

• feeling triggered by reminders of what happened

​

EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity. During EMDR, we use bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, tapping, sound, or buzzers — while working carefully with the memory.  Over time, many people find that the memory feels less distressing, less immediate, and less powerful, even though they still remember what happened.

​

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR is often used for trauma, but it can also be helpful for a wider range of difficulties where past experiences are still having an emotional impact in the present.

I may use EMDR to support clients with:

• trauma and distressing memories

• bereavement-related trauma

• complicated grief

• anxiety and panic attacks

• stress

• depression

• phobias

• sleep difficulties linked to distress or trauma

• self-esteem difficulties

• performance anxiety

​

What are EMDR sessions like?

EMDR is much more than simply using eye movements or tapping.  When we work together using EMDR, sessions may include:

• talking through what has happened and what you would like help with

• identifying the memories, images, beliefs, or sensations that feel most distressing

• learning grounding and calming techniques

• building emotional safety and stability

• using bilateral stimulation to help process distressing material

• strengthening more positive and compassionate beliefs about yourself

​

We work at a pace that feels manageable for you. You will not be pushed to go faster than feels safe.