Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective psychological treatment that has helped, adults, young people and children re-live many distressing symptoms resultant from trauma and associated distress. EMDR has also been applied to other issues including depression, anxiety, sexual abuse and phobias.

EMDR is a non-drug, non-hypnotic psychotherapy procedure.

Proven Effectiveness

Major health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) recognise EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD. Research has shown EMDR can significantly reduce emotional distress associated with traumatic memories and can significantly shorten the length of treatment and enhance results often far beyond the scope of talking therapy alone.

Key Benefits of EMDR

Key findings in neuroscience have discovered that our emotional wounds are stored in a part of the brain that is not easily accessible to language (sometimes referred to as the emotional brain). EMDR helps by engaging the brain’s natural healing processes through bilateral stimulation, allowing painful experiences to be processed and integrated without relying solely on talking or logical reasoning. This helps emotional memories become less overwhelming, so the mind and body can respond to past experiences with greater calm, clarity, and resilience.

How BTA can help you

EMDR therapy is structured, collaborative, and tailored to the individual. Sessions are conducted at a pace that prioritises emotional safety and stability throughout the therapeutic process. Your EMDR Therapist will work with you in a safe and confidential way to track whatever comes to the surface until the negative aspects are neutralised. Every individual is different, and your therapist may provide resources and supportive techniques to support you between sessions.

It is important that you feel safe and secure with your therapist. Our EMDR therapists are Associate Therapists of EMDR-Birmingham and have undertaken the appropriate training to a high standard. A significant number of our Associate Therapists are accredited EMDR practitioners. All our therapists are committed to maintaining rigorous professional and ethical standards. Many also possess qualifications and experience across diverse health and social care fields, including psychology, psychotherapy, and counselling.

We provide consulting spaces in both the Midlands and London. In addition, many of our therapists offer sessions online.

We also offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Integrative Therapy (IT). To learn more about the other ways we can support you, visit www.cbt-birmingham.co.uk.