Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
An integrative, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to process traumatic or distressing memories.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to process traumatic or distressing memories. When a traumatic event occurs, the brain's natural information processing system can become overwhelmed, causing the memory to remain frozen with its original emotional intensity. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as side-to-side eye movements, tactile taps, or auditory tones) while focusing on the memory to help the brain safely reprocess the experience.
At Kindly Psychology, we use Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help individuals process lingering trauma, reducing the emotional charge attached to painful past events so they no longer intrude on daily life.
How EMDR Can Help You
EMDR is recommended worldwide by peak health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), for trauma recovery. At Kindly Psychology, we use Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for:
Trauma & PTSD
Specialised support for PTSD, complex childhood trauma, and processing difficult life events.
Grief & Loss
Navigating bereavement, major life loss, and complex adjustment.
Anxiety Disorders
Support for generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias.
Physical Health & Wellbeing
Managing the psychological impacts of chronic illness, pain, somatic stress, and injury.
Peer-reviewed literature strongly supports EMDR's clinical impact. A comprehensive meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE (Chen et al., 2014) established that EMDR significantly reduces PTSD symptoms and distress compared to conventional supportive treatments. Additionally, research in Frontiers in Psychology (Landin-Romero et al., 2018) highlighted that EMDR bilateral stimulation facilitates memory consolidation and biological stress reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
No. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR does not require you to recount every painful detail verbally. The processing happens internally while you focus on specific memory aspects alongside bilateral stimulation.
While timeline varies, many clients experience significant relief within 8 to 12 sessions. Complex or relational trauma may require longer-term care.
Yes. EMDR practitioners use specialized digital bilateral stimulation tools (like visual light bars on screen) that deliver equivalent clinical benefits via Telehealth.
We believe in finding the right psychologist for your journey. Book a complimentary call with us to ask your questions or to schedule your initial appointment.
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