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!
Today, on UK FND Awareness Day 2025, I’m excited to share a new video that I hope will offer encouragement, information, and support to those living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). This day is all about raising awareness, breaking down stigma, and sharing resources — and I wanted to contribute something that feels both practical and hopeful.
Why I Made This Video
FND can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially when you’re first diagnosed. I know how important it is to have access to clear, information. This video is my way of helping to demystify psychological therapies and highlight useful resources to show how they can become valuable tools on your journey with FND.
What’s in the Video
In this video, I talk through different psychological therapies that have been shown to help people manage FND symptoms, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). These approaches can offer practical strategies and help build resilience.
But therapy isn’t the only resource out there. I also share helpful apps, websites, books, and even a comic that can provide everyday support and inspiration. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a loved one, or just want to understand more, I hope this video leaves you feeling empowered and hopeful.
Why It Matters
Awareness days like today are a reminder that no one has to face FND alone. With the right support and tools, it’s possible to navigate the challenges and build flexibility in the way we respond.
Join the Conversation
I’d love for you to watch the video and share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. The more we talk about FND, the more we can help each other feel seen, understood, and hopeful.
Grief is a universal experience, yet it affects each of us in deeply personal ways. Whether from the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or another life transition, grief can sometimes feel overwhelming and unending. While time can ease the pain, certain therapies can actively help us process grief in a healthier, more meaningful way.
Two powerful, evidence-based approaches—EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)—offer unique ways to navigate grief, heal from loss, and rebuild a life that honors both your pain and your growth.
What is EMDR, and How Can It Help with Grief?
EMDR is best known as a trauma therapy, but it is increasingly used to help people process grief and loss. Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro, EMDR helps individuals reprocess distressing memories by using bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping) to reduce the emotional intensity of painful thoughts and experiences.
How EMDR Supports Grief Healing
Reduces Emotional Overwhelm: EMDR helps process and reduce the intensity of sadness, guilt, or trauma-related symptoms that can accompany grief.
Reframes Painful Memories: Instead of feeling trapped in the past, EMDR allows you to process memories in a way that feels meaningful.
Encourages Adaptive Healing: EMDR doesn’t erase grief—it helps integrate the loss into your life in a way that allows for emotional balance.
Many people who experience complicated grief (prolonged or traumatic grief) can find that EMDR helps them release some of the emotional blockages keeping them stuck.
What is ACT, and How Can It Help with Grief?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to accept their emotions rather than suppress or avoid them. Instead of fighting against grief, ACT helps you develop psychological flexibility—allowing you to feel your emotions fully while still taking steps toward a meaningful life.
How ACT Supports Grief Healing
Encourages Emotional Acceptance: ACT teaches that pain is a natural part of life, and fighting grief often makes it worse. Instead, ACT promotes making space for your emotions.
Aligns Actions with Values: ACT helps people identify and make moves towards what truly matters—whether that’s relationships, creativity, or self-care.
Uses Mindfulness to Reduce Suffering: Through mindfulness techniques, ACT helps individuals stay present rather than getting stuck in rumination about the past or fear of the future.
By embracing grief rather than avoiding it, ACT empowers people to integrate loss into their lives in a way that fosters growth and meaning.
Which Therapy is Right for You?
EMDR and ACT offer valuable tools for grief healing, but they serve different purposes:
If you feel stuck in painful memories or trauma-related grief, EMDR may help reprocess those emotions in a way that brings relief.
If you struggle with avoidance, emotional suppression, or difficulty moving forward, ACT can help you accept your grief while building a fulfilling life.
The approaches are complementary: a combination of both can often be the most effective strategy.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Grieve Alone
Grief is not something to “get over,” but it is something you can learn to live with in a way that allows for healing and peace. Whether through EMDR, ACT, or another therapeutic approach, support is available.
If you or someone you love is struggling with grief, consider reaching out to me or another mental health professional trained in these therapies. Healing is possible, and you deserve the space to process your loss in a way that honors your experience.
💙 Have you tried EMDR or ACT for grief? Share your thoughts in the comments.
When most people think of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, they often associate it with healing past traumas. While EMDR is indeed renowned for its transformative power in processing distressing memories, its applications extend far beyond the past. One of its most innovative uses is addressing anxiety and fear about future events through techniques like the Flashforward and Future Template. These approaches empower people to break free from paralysing fear of the unknown and build confidence to face what lies ahead.
The Flashforward Technique: Facing the Worst-Case Scenario
What is it? The Flashforward Technique in EMDR is designed to tackle anticipatory anxiety by targeting imagined worst-case scenarios. This technique helps clients confront their fears about what might happen and process the intense emotional response tied to these fears.
How it works: The therapist begins by supporting the client to imagine the feared future event. This might be a catastrophic failure, a personal loss, or any overwhelming possibility causing distress. Once the worst-case scenario is visualized, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to process the emotions and reduce the fear’s intensity.
Why it helps: By addressing the fear at its core, the Flashforward Technique desensitises the individual to the catastrophic imagery, allowing them to think about the future without the same level of dread or avoidance. Clients often report feeling a sense of calm and resilience as well as thinking differently about the future event after engaging in this process.
The Future Template: Building Confidence for What’s to Come
What is it? The Future Template prepares clients to handle future situations with confidence and ease. Rather than addressing fears directly, this technique installs a positive and adaptive response to upcoming challenges.
How it works: The therapist collaborates with the client to imagine a future event where they want to feel empowered and capable. This might be a job interview, public speaking event, a driving test, or even navigating a challenging conversation. Once the scenario is envisioned, we use bilateral stimulation to reinforce positive beliefs and emotions associated with the event. This helps the brain “rehearse” success, strengthening neural pathways that support confidence and competence.
Why it helps: The Future Template helps clients mentally prepare for upcoming situations by shifting their mindset from fear to empowerment. It replaces self-doubt with positive beliefs like “I am capable” or “I can handle this.” This shift allows clients to approach future events with a sense of readiness and self-assurance.
Who Can Benefit from These Techniques?
Both the Flashforward Technique and Future Template are effective for individuals experiencing:
Performance anxiety: Fear of public speaking, auditions, or presentations
Life transitions: Moving to a new city, starting a new job, or entering a new relationship
Anticipatory grief: Anxiety about losing a loved one or other impending challenges
Generalized anxiety: Persistent worry about the future
Combining the Past, Present, and Future in EMDR
EMDR therapy is unique in the way it addresses past, present, and future concerns. By processing past traumas, clients often find that their present triggers and future fears become less overwhelming. The Flashforward Technique and Future Template take this a step further by directly targeting how individuals perceive the future, ensuring they’re not just free from their past but also equipped to thrive moving forward.
Final Thoughts
The future is inherently uncertain, and it is natural to sometimes feel apprehensive about what’s to come. However, with the tools provided by EMDR—particularly the Flashforward Technique and Future Template—individuals can transform their relationship with the future. These techniques address anxiety, replacing it with a sense of calm, confidence, and readiness.
If you’re struggling with future-focused anxiety or want to explore how EMDR can help, consider EMDR. The journey to a brighter, more empowered future could be just a session away.
As an “EMDR Practitioner”, qualified to work with adults and children, EMDR is one of the therapies I offer. Whilst it was originally developed for helping people to overcome traumatic experiences, it has since been found to be effective in treating a wide range of other concerns including:
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Phobias
Performance anxiety
Nightmares
Chronic illness
Depression
Grief and loss
Pain
Addictions
Behavioural issues
Relationshiop issues
The first stage of EMDR therapy involves assessment of the current problems, and what the client wants to work on. Sources of support and techniques to stay grounded and manage difficult symptoms are also explored and practiced. A plan is made collaboratively, taking into account pastexperiences, how their effects are manifesting in the present, and the client’s hopes for the future. Techniques the client can use to stay well in the here and now are also explored and strengthened before embarking on processing. Once the client feels ready, EMDR processing can begin.
The process involves the client bringing a target memory to mind, and the therapist supporting them to make side-to-side movements with their eyes, arms or via tracking sounds or tactile stimulation. It is thought that these side-to-side movements help the mind to shift into a mode where it is able to process unpleasant memories, taking away their power. This does not mean that the memories are gone, but the client’s relationship with them shifts to a more manageable, healthy one. Some people describe it as shifting from having a traumatic, vivid and visceral memory to simply “something that happened”. They might also find that their physical symptoms, such as pain or tension, improve.
EMDR Association explanation video
Prince Harry talks about his experiences of EMDR
EMDR can be helpful for adults and children. Adaptations can be made for people at different developmental levels and with different sensory needs.
EMDR association explanation video for children
You are welcome to contact me if you would like to explore EMDR therapy options.
