What is EMDR?​

EMDR works by supporting the brain’s natural capacity to process experiences that have become “stuck” or overwhelming. When something distressing or traumatic happens, the nervous system can become overloaded, leaving memories stored in a fragmented or unprocessed way.

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These unprocessed memories can continue to affect you in the present, showing up as:

• intense emotions

• intrusive thoughts or images

• physical sensations in the body

• patterns of anxiety, avoidance, or self-criticism

 

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or gentle tapping) to help the brain reprocess these experiences, so they can be remembered without the same emotional charge.

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Importantly, EMDR allows memories to be processed without the need for prolonged retelling or detailed verbal recounting, which many people find makes the work feel more manageable and contained.

Many people also find that EMDR helps them understand their responses with greater compassion, rather than feeling broken or out of control.

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EMDR, safety, and the therapeutic relationship​

EMDR is not something that is done to you. It takes place within a collaborative and attuned therapeutic relationship, where safety, pacing, and trust are central.

Before any memory processing begins, we spend time building stability, inner resources, and a sense of safety.

 

Throughout the work:

• you remain present and in control

• processing stays within your window of tolerance

• we pause or adjust if anything feels too much

 

The quality of the therapeutic relationship is a vital part of EMDR, particularly when working with trauma.

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How I offer EMDR​

I work consistently within the standard eight-phase EMDR protocol, adapting the pace and focus in response to your individual needs and readiness.

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Within this framework, my approach may include:

• careful preparation and resourcing

• Compassion-Focused Therapy

• somatic awareness

• regulation and integration practices, including iRest Yoga Nidra, where appropriate

• IFS-informed parts work (supporting protective and wounded parts of self)​

You can read more about how I integrate parts-informed approaches within EMDR here →

 

In all cases, the EMDR protocol itself is not altered or replaced. Integrative approaches support preparation, processing, and integration around the protocol rather than modifying it.

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Some people prefer a more structured, EMDR-focused approach, while others benefit from additional support around regulation or parts work, particularly where trauma is complex or long-standing. We decide together what will best support you.