EMDR Therapy
“The past affects the present even without our being aware of it.”
— Francine Shapiro
Supporting you to heal from trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain
At Life Growth Psychology, we offer EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) – a highly effective and research-supported approach to helping people recover from distressing life experiences.
If you’ve been through trauma, feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, or keep revisiting painful memories, EMDR might be the therapy that helps you move forward.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured psychological therapy that helps people process distressing memories and experiences that have not been fully resolved. It works by activating your brain’s natural healing processes through bilateral stimulation – typically guided eye movements, sounds, or taps.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require you to go into detail about your trauma. Instead, it helps your brain reprocess these experiences so they no longer hold the same emotional charge.
People often describe it as “getting unstuck” – gaining relief from intense feelings or reactions that previously felt uncontrollable.
How does EMDR work?
When we experience something traumatic or overwhelming, the brain can sometimes store that memory in a “frozen” or unprocessed state. This can lead to symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, emotional numbness, or an overactive stress response.
EMDR helps to "unlock" these memories and encourages the brain to reprocess them more adaptively, similar to how we process daily events during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, but it is also effective for a wide range of emotional and psychological issues, including:
Childhood trauma or abuse
Anxiety and panic attacks
Grief and complicated bereavement
Low self-worth and inner criticism
Phobias and specific fears
Relationship trauma and attachment wounds
Performance anxiety (e.g., work, sport, or public speaking)
Medical trauma, birth trauma, or accidents
Even if you’re not sure whether your experience “counts” as trauma, EMDR may still be helpful in processing stuck or painful emotions.
What happens in EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase framework. It’s structured, but also highly individualised. Your therapist will guide you through the process at a pace that feels safe for you.
Here’s a general outline of what to expect:
Initial sessions focus on understanding your history and current concerns, setting goals, and establishing emotional safety.
You’ll learn grounding and self-soothing strategies so you feel supported and in control.
When you’re ready, we begin targeting specific memories or themes, using bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess these experiences.
Over time, the memory may still exist – but it will feel less vivid, less distressing, and more manageable.
We then work to strengthen positive beliefs as part of the healing process.
Sessions may feel intense at times, but your therapist will work with care and transparency to ensure you're not overwhelmed.
Why Choose Life Growth Psychology?
We are trained in EMDR Therapy and trauma-informed care
We offer a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental environment
We understand that safety and trust are essential for healing
We take a collaborative approach – you're always in the driver's seat
Still Not Sure if EMDR is Right for You?
It’s normal to have questions. EMDR isn’t the right fit for everyone, and that’s okay. We’re happy to talk with you about your options and help you decide what’s best for your needs.
Want to Discover More?