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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

EMDR Therapy

The weight of a traumatic experience can feel overwhelming and isolating, and hold individuals back from moving forward in life. 

At PULSE, we offer EMDR therapy by a clinical psychologist trained and experienced in the approach, as well as general psychotherapy. We aim to provide a safe, compassionate space for you to explore your experiences, discover healing and begin the journey towards a life filled with greater peace and fulfilment.

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What is EMDR?

EMDR is a therapy approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Learn more about trauma.

EMDR is based on the theory that traumatic memories can remain partially processed or unprocessed in the brain, leading to distressing symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional distress.

Therapist conducting EMDR therapy with a client

EMDR therapy helps individuals by guiding them through a structured eight-phase process, during which they revisit and reprocess traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through side-to-side eye movements, hand-tapping, or auditory cues.

This process is believed to help the brain reorganise these memories and reduce their emotional charge, ultimately reducing the impact of the trauma on the individual's life.

Case Study

Marilyn was 18 years old when she was sexually violated by her partner. Over the years, she developed intimacy issues.

Symptoms

Difficulties being physically intimate with her subsequent partners

Recurring memories of a scene where a man touched her breasts and she could feel the sensation on her breasts each time the memory was recalled, prompting feelings of fears and disgust.

Experience flashbacks and reliving of her past during sexual intimacy

Created problems in her current relationship

Difficulties being physically intimate with her subsequent partners

Experience flashbacks and reliving of her past during sexual intimacy

Will always remember a scene where a man touched her breasts and she could feel the sensation on her breasts each time the memory was recalled, prompting feelings of fears and disgust

Created problems in her current relationship

Therapy

Marilyn underwent 8 sessions of therapy involving:
  • Exploration & assessment of the problem
  • Practice on creating a safe space and effective coping strategies to help her self-soothe during times of emotional distress
  • Psychoeducation on trauma and the process of EMDR
  • EMDR sessions to process the memory of her being sexually violated

Outcome

  • No longer experienced the physical sensation of being touched when she recalled the memory of the trauma
  • No longer felt as fearful and disgusted
  • Improved relationship with her partner

Preparing for EMDR Therapy

Facing past trauma is a very challenging experience. Due to this, EMDR therapists tend to spend a significant amount of time working with the individuals to build trust and create a safety plan to ensure that the individual can manage any emotional distress that arises during EMDR sessions.