About EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful psychological treatment that has been used effectively for over 20 years in a variety of international settings and cultures with many different types of psychological distress.
Often disturbing events happen in our lives that stay with us. The brain cannot process information as it ordinarily does. One moment can become ‘frozen in time’ and remembering the trauma may feel as bad as going through it for the first time. This is because the images, sounds, smells and feelings still seem to be there – they haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way that they relate to other people.

EMDR has a positive effect on how the brain processes information. Following an EMDR session, the person no longer relives the trauma. They still recall that an incident happened, but it no longer feels upsetting.

How does it work?
One or more sessions are required to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. Often people notice a significant improvement of their symptoms after the first session. Selma will also discuss the EMDR procedure with you in more detail and give you the opportunity to ask questions. The typical EMDR session takes about 60-90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances and the severity of the trauma determines how many treatment sessions are necessary.
During EMDR, Selma works with you to identify a specific problem as a focus for the treatment session. You then call to mind the disturbing issue or event, what was seen, felt, heard, thought, etc. Selma then asks you to focus on the fingertips while moving them from left to right (eye movements) to stimulate both sides of your brain. These eye movements are offered until the memory becomes less disturbing and associated with a positive thought and belief about yourself.

Outcomes of EMDR
Less emotional distress when thinking of the traumatic event
Relief of flashbacks or panic attacks
More emotional balance
Improved control over your emotions
Less hypervigilance
Improved self confidence