Initial assessment
A full first session to understand your history and goals
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy for trauma. It helps you process distressing memories so they feel less vivid and less upsetting when they come up, without having to describe every detail out loud. Some people are better suited to Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a talk-based trauma therapy that works on the beliefs a traumatic experience can leave behind, such as self-blame or feeling unsafe. Both are well-established treatments for PTSD. Your therapist will recommend one after your first assessment.
Who is this for?
- Adults living with the after-effects of trauma, such as flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling constantly on edge
- People who have experienced sexual abuse or assault, in childhood or as adults
- Those with a diagnosis of PTSD, or who think they may have it
- People whose past experiences keep showing up in their relationships, sleep, or sense of safety
Relevant for
What's included
EMDR or CPT
The approach that fits your situation, explained before you start
Weekly 50-minute sessions
With the same EMDR and CPT trained therapist
Psychiatrist coordination
Your therapist can work with a Diip psychiatrist if medication is part of your care
The Process
1
Initial assessment
50 minTalk through what happened, how it affects you now, and what you want from therapy. Your therapist will recommend EMDR, CPT, or a period of stabilisation first.
2
Preparation
50 minLearn grounding and calming skills you can use in and between sessions, so that working on difficult memories feels manageable.
3
Trauma processing
50 min weeklyWith EMDR, you briefly hold a memory in mind while following side-to-side eye movements or taps, and notice what changes. With CPT, you work through the thoughts and beliefs the trauma left behind, with short practice between sessions.
4
Review
Check progress against your goals, return to anything still distressing, and plan how to keep the gains.
CPT usually runs for about 12 weekly sessions. The length of EMDR depends on how many experiences you want to work on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. During processing, you hold part of a distressing memory in mind while your therapist guides you through side-to-side eye movements or alternating taps. Over a number of sessions, the memory usually becomes less intense and easier to think about.
Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail?
Not with EMDR. You need to bring the memory to mind, but you don't need to describe it at length. CPT involves more talking and some writing, at a pace you agree with your therapist.
How is EMDR different from CPT?
EMDR works mainly with the memory itself. CPT works with the thoughts and beliefs that formed after the trauma, such as 'it was my fault' or 'nowhere is safe'. Both are evidence-based treatments for PTSD. Your therapist will suggest one after your assessment, and you decide together.
Is EMDR only for PTSD?
It is best known for PTSD, but it is also used for distressing memories that don't meet the full diagnosis, such as abuse, accidents, loss, or frightening medical experiences.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. EMDR and CPT can both be done over video. If you would rather start in person, tell us when you book.
What if I feel worse during therapy?
It's common to feel tired or stirred up after processing sessions, especially early on. The preparation sessions give you skills to manage this, and your therapist will adjust the pace. You can pause or stop at any time.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. Your therapist won't share information without your consent, except in rare situations involving safety. We cover this in detail in your first session.