EMDR Counselling York / North Yorkshire

What Is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and restore natural balance.

During sleep, particularly in periods of REM (Rapid Eye Movement), our brains naturally process day-to-day experiences. However, when something overwhelming happens, these memories can become “stuck,” leaving us feeling distressed or triggered. EMDR helps to unlock and reprocess these memories so they no longer carry the same emotional weight.

How EMDR Helps with Trauma

Trauma can occur after experiences such as:

• Sudden loss or illness
• Accidents or injury
• Abuse or violence
• Feeling unsafe or out of control

Sometimes trauma is not experienced first-hand but vicariously, through hearing or witnessing events.

When memories remain unprocessed, they can resurface unexpectedly — triggered by sights, sounds, smells, or other sensations — leading to overwhelm, anxiety, or even flashbacks. EMDR enables the brain to reprocess these memories and reduce their emotional impact.

EMDR and Anxiety

Anxiety often arises without an obvious cause. Panic attacks can happen in situations that logically feel safe. Trauma can disrupt our brain’s ability to filter what is dangerous and what is not — EMDR can help to reset this filter.

One of the benefits of EMDR is that it is not always necessary to know or disclose the full origin of anxiety in order for therapy to be effective. This can provide choice and safety for clients around how much they wish to share.

Why I Chose to Train in EMDR

I have always had a particular interest in helping people with anxiety and trauma. Many difficulties can ease once anxiety is reduced, and I wanted an approach that worked directly with trauma.

I began training in EMDR in 2007, qualified in 2008, and became an EMDR Europe Accredited Therapist in 2012. Before training in EMDR, I sometimes found that trauma work could feel like “going in circles.” EMDR gave me an effective and compassionate way to help clients process difficult experiences and move forward.

While EMDR feels different from other therapies — and may seem unusual at first — my aim is always to introduce it gently and at a pace that feels safe. This allows clients to build confidence in the process and experience just how effective it can be.

Ongoing Training and New Approaches

I am committed to ongoing professional development and regularly attend training to enhance my EMDR practice.

One example is the Flash Technique, which allows work with trauma without fully accessing the raw emotional intensity. This can be particularly helpful for clients who are nervous about revisiting painful memories.

Further Information

If you would like to know more about EMDR, you are welcome to get in touch with me directly. Further resources can also be found at the EMDR Association UK.