EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

EMDR therapy uses eye movements to release and process information that has become trapped in the mind body network. When something traumatic happens, or we have extreme fears, they seem to get locked in the nervous system, often with the original picture, sounds, thoughts and feelings. Since the experience is locked there, it continues to be triggered whenever a reminder comes up. It can be the basis for much discomfort and many negative emotions such as fear and helplessness that seem out of our control. These are simply emotions connected with the old experience that are being triggered continuously.

The eye movements used in EMDR appear to unlock the nervous system and allow your brain to process the experience rather like what may be happening in REM or in 'dream sleep'. The eye movements are involved in processing the subconscious material held within your mind.

Although EMDR was originally developed for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it is now used to treat a wide range of conditions including abuse, eating disorders, depression, learning problems, and phobias. EMDR is suitable for most people, including children and as it is your own brain that is doing the healing, you are totally in control at all times.

EMDR is now considered to be the therapy of choice for trauma & PTSD, according to the National Council for Clinical Excellence. It is also effective for anxiety disorders, substance abuse, phobias, pain control and body dysmorphic disorder.

Carole is one of the few therapists to have trained with Sandra Foster PhD, a performance enhancement psychologist & business coach, in Peak Performance Protocol. This is an exciting and effective expansion of the basic EMDR techniques, which reduces performance anxiety both in the workplace and in the arts and sport.