I receive repeated requests for a clear introduction to EMDR (eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing) – what it is, who it can help, and what sessions look like. On that basis, I made the following video:
EMDR is a powerful type of therapy that was initially developed by Francine Shapiro for working with traumatic events, but which has since been found to be effective with a wide range of other mental health concerns. It can also be helpful beyond mental health, for example in coaching.
The “eye-movement” part of the name EMDR is also somewhat misleading, as we do not have to use eye-movements. We can use tapping, which can be performed either by the therapist or via self-tapping. We can use left-right sounds. We can also use more creative techniques like painting or even drumming. The main thing we are looking for is something that help us to keep one part of our attention on the event we are processing, and another in the here and now.
I hope the video is helpful. If you have any questions, do get in touch!