Question 1

What is EMDR?

Accepted Answer

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a therapy approach that helps you process and release distressing memories, emotions, and beliefs. It’s particularly effective for experiences that still feel “stuck” in your nervous system, even if they happened a long time ago.

Question 2

How does it work?

Accepted Answer

When we go through something overwhelming, the brain doesn’t always file the memory away properly. Instead, it can stay “live,” along with the emotions, body sensations, and negative self-beliefs that formed at the time — for example, “I’m not good enough” or “I’m unloveable.”

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (gentle eye movements, taps, or sounds) to help your brain reprocess those experiences so they feel resolved rather than reactive. Over time, the memory feels like something that happened in the past, not something that still defines you now.

Question 3

Will I have to talk about everything in detail?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. You don’t have to describe every aspect of what happened if you don’t want to. EMDR is focused on how your brain has stored the experience, not retelling the story. We work with the feelings, beliefs, and sensations linked to the memory — at a pace that feels safe for you.

Question 4

What kinds of issues can EMDR help with?

Accepted Answer

EMDR is best known for helping with trauma, but it’s also effective for anxiety, low self-esteem, people-pleasing patterns, and that “stuck” feeling where old beliefs keep shaping your present-day reactions.

Question 5

How will I feel after EMDR?

Accepted Answer

Most people describe feeling calmer, lighter, and less emotionally triggered by things that used to feel overwhelming. You may notice you can respond to situations — rather than reacting automatically — and feel more confident in yourself.

Question 6

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you want to work on and how long those patterns have been there. Some clients notice shifts after a few sessions, while deeper, long-held beliefs can take longer to fully reprocess. We’ll discuss this together so it feels manageable for you.

Frequently asked questions