If you’ve been through a difficult or traumatic experience, you may find that certain memories still feel overwhelming, even long after the event. Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or a constant sense of being “on edge” are common signs that your mind and body haven’t fully processed what happened. This is where EMDR therapy can help.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a specialised therapy designed to help people recover from trauma and distressing experiences. It works differently to traditional counselling services or CBT. Instead of focusing only on discussing the past, EMDR helps the brain reprocess difficult memories so they feel less triggering.
EMDR is recognised by organisations such as the NHS and the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How Does EMDR Work?
When something traumatic happens, the brain sometimes struggles to file the memory away properly. Instead of being processed as a past event, it can stay “stuck” — leaving you with intense emotions, vivid images, or body sensations whenever you’re reminded of it.
In EMDR, your therapist guides you to gently recall parts of the memory while using bilateral stimulation (such as moving your eyes side-to-side, tapping, or using sound). This process helps the brain reprocess the memory so it loses its intensity and becomes easier to live with.
Many people describe EMDR as helping the memory feel more “in the past” rather than constantly intruding into the present.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR was first developed to treat PTSD, but research now shows it can also help with a wide range of issues, including:
- Trauma and PTSD (after accidents, abuse, loss, or medical trauma)
- Anxiety and panic attacks (see our anxiety counselling)
- Phobias
- Low self-esteem linked to past experiences
- Depression with underlying trauma
- Grief and loss
What to Expect in an EMDR Session
An EMDR session usually lasts around 50 minutes. In the first few sessions, your therapist will focus on:
- Getting to know your history and current struggles
- Building trust and safety in the therapy space
- Teaching grounding and calming techniques so you feel prepared
When you are ready, your therapist will guide you through the EMDR process. You’ll focus on specific memories while using bilateral stimulation. You are always in control and can pause at any time.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
Many people who have tried other forms of therapy, such as CBT or EFT therapy, find EMDR especially helpful because it works directly with the way the brain stores memories. It doesn’t require you to go into detail about your trauma if you don’t feel comfortable, which can make it easier for some clients to begin.
If you experience recurring distress linked to past events, or if anxiety and panic feel “stuck” despite your best efforts, EMDR may be the right choice.
EMDR Therapy in Accrington
At Unique Wiring Counselling, we offer EMDR therapy in Accrington, as well as online. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you can process difficult experiences and move forward with greater peace of mind.
If you’d like to explore how EMDR could help you, get in touch with us today to book an initial session.