Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing

EMDR is grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that our brains naturally strive to process and integrate experiences, allowing us to move forward in life with resilience and clarity.

However, when a distressing or traumatic event occurs, the brain’s ability to process information can become overwhelmed. This results in memories of the event becoming “frozen” or improperly stored. These unprocessed memories are often accompanied by the intense emotions, physical sensations, and beliefs experienced during the event, which can resurface in disruptive ways, such as flashbacks, anxiety, or negative self-perceptions.

EMDR therapy helps “unlock” these stuck memories by engaging both sides of the brain through bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, taps, or sounds—while you recall specific aspects of the troubling experience. This process enables your brain to reprocess the memory, transforming it into a more adaptive, less distressing form. Over time, this can significantly reduce the emotional charge associated with the memory, helping you feel more grounded and in control.