EMDR Therapy

An EMDR therapist is a mental health professional who has completed accredited training in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. They’re qualified to guide you through the structured phases of EMDR, helping you process traumatic or distressing memories in a safe, focused way. Many EMDR therapists also have training in other therapeutic approaches and tailor treatment to suit your needs.

Tapping is a form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR. Instead of following eye movements, you might experience gentle, alternating taps on the hands, shoulders, or knees—either self-administered or with the help of the therapist. Like eye movements, tapping engages both sides of the brain, helping to reprocess memories more effectively.

EMDR is not designed to be done alone. The process can bring up intense emotions and memories, and having a trained therapist present is key for safety, support, and clinical effectiveness. That said, once therapy is underway, some therapists may introduce light self-regulation techniques between sessions, but the core reprocessing work should always be done with professional guidance.

EMDR sessions typically last between 50 and 90 minutes. The length may vary depending on the phase of treatment you’re in and the complexity of what you’re working through. Your therapist will help determine the most effective session length for you.

The number of sessions can vary widely. Some people see significant improvement after just a few sessions, especially when working with a single, clearly defined traumatic event. Others may need longer-term treatment if they’re addressing multiple traumas or more complex emotional patterns. Your therapist will help map out a treatment plan based on your goals and experiences.

Both EMDR and brainspotting are trauma-focused therapies that aim to help the brain process unresolved experiences. EMDR uses structured eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, while brainspotting involves finding specific “gaze spots” that seem to access areas of emotional activation. EMDR is more protocol-driven and widely researched, while brainspotting is more exploratory and less standardised. Some therapists are trained in both and may integrate elements of each depending on what suits you best.

EMDR is highly effective for many people, particularly those dealing with trauma, anxiety, or negative self-beliefs. That said, like any therapy, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your therapist will help assess whether EMDR is the right approach for you, and may recommend other interventions alongside or instead of it, depending on your needs.

It can be. EMDR often brings up strong emotions and vivid memories, especially in the reprocessing phase. But you’re not expected to face this alone—your therapist will guide the process carefully, helping you stay grounded and supported throughout.