Trauma Recovery Using Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing [EMDR]

I would say without hesitation that EMDR is the most consistently reliable therapeutic intervention I have ever used in 15 years as a therapist and in my work with over 500 clients.

EMDR has many applications.

Flashbacks, disturbing memories and remembered pain are overcome, often with extraordinary speed.

It is effective in working with depression, low self esteem and anxiety.

And in many situations where we want to change the way we want to think or feel about ourselves or someone else.

It is used in phobia cure therapy alongside hypnotherapy and NLP techniques and in overcoming social anxiety. 

In fact, it can be used in any situation where we need to change the way memories affect us or change the way we feel about things.

Comments made by clients after trauma treatment sessions will typically be ‘that’s amazing’ ‘how strange’ ‘how did you do that’. 
I find that EMDR is also successful in treating anxiety, depression, low self esteem,  and phobia where there have been traumatic events in the past, including childhood events.

The effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing [EMDR] was originally identified and developed by Francine Shapiro PhD in the late 1980’s. 

Her book ‘Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing’ includes the story of how she stumbled on the realisation that the simultaneous movement of the eyes whilst focusing on the trauma led to relief from the trauma symptoms. 

Her book also provides a comprehensive guide to the practice of EMDR and includes clinical research references, including her work with multiple rape victims and traumatised war veterans [originally from the Vietnam war].

I qualified to practice Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing [EMDR] in May 2011.

Since then I have incorporated EMDR into my integrative practice as a psychotherapist.

To date, EMDR has been completely successful for me in eliminating the distress of traumatic memories for many clients where Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD] or lesser trauma, has been the main contributor to the client’s diagnosis.

I have also worked with many other cases using EMDR, where anxiety, phobia or depression was alleviated  by identifying and processing ‘buried’ traumatic memories. 

My clients have included an Afgnistan war veteran, survivors of a domestic house fire, victims of traumatic bullying, rape victims, domestic abuse victims, childhood abuse victims, road traffic accident survivors, traumatised police officers and workplace accident victims.

Here is what the war veteran had to say, 

'I had suffered from PTSD since my time serving in the forces I thought I had nowhere to go. I wasn't enjoying life at all. .......I no longer have sleepless nights and my visions and flashbacks  don't happen, plain and simple. Nothing to say, other than to thank you so much.'

EMDR is now included in NICE guidelines and available on the National Health Service. Many NHS staff have been trained in its use.

In my opinion EMDR is the fastest and most effective way of changing the way memories and events affect us. It ranks alongside NLP and Advanced Hypnotherapy in effectiveness and is at it's most powerful when used in conjunction with those approaches.

FEEDBACK FROM EMDR CLIENTS

‘Brian helped me overcome my issues. I had suffered with PTSD from my time serving in the forces. I thought I had nowhere to go. I wasn't enjoying my life at all, now things are awesome, life is fantastic, I no longer have sleepless nights and my visions and flashbacks don't happen, plain and simple. Nothing to say, other than thank you so much’.

‘I can't say thank you enough for getting me back on the road to freedom’.

'I would like to thank you sincerely for your help in dealing with a very troublesome part of my life that had caused me so much grief for so long'.

‘Not knowing a lot about EMDR, I went into my treatment completely blind and not knowing what to expect. Needless to say I feel so much better. The memories I had, unknown to me at the time, were the cause of my problems. I am now sure, thanks to Brian, that I have the confidence to overcome my demons. The hypnotherapy I also found to be so relaxing. I look forward to getting home to listen to my cd’.

'Thank you very much for your help. I now feel I can live life without all the trauma dragging behind me'.

‘I was a bit sceptical as regards the EMDR……but was amazed at the results. Thank you for getting my life back on track’.