Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Do you feel crippled by bad memories? Are you ready to stop letting hurtful memories hold you back? EMDR may help. EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. This is a psychotherapy treatment designed to help reduce the pain and anxiety caused by traumatic memories. EMDR works by requiring you to mentally revisit past distressing or traumatic memories while performing a form of bilateral sensory input; this could be side-to-side eye movements or a tapping of the hand. The method was first developed in 1988 by Francine Shapiro, who noticed that certain movements could diffuse disturbing thought patterns, especially movement of the eyes. Differing from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing does not involve vivid descriptions of the traumatic event or a direct challenging of the participants’ beliefs. In this sense, EMDR is a gentler yet similar exercise to CBT. To put it simply, EMDR helps to move the storage of a bad memory to a more functional part of the brain – no surgery, no pain, no invasive treatments required.
Why do people choose me?
- My holistic approach to health and wellbeing sets me apart from other counsellors.
- I view every client as an individual and endeavour to approach every case from a neutral ground from which we can learn and build.
- I always deliver a light touch, a strong listening ability, and outstanding empathy.
- Together we explore positive memories and nurturing figures from your past in order to create an atmosphere of calm which can then be revisited later in the treatment.
- We slowly work through negative feelings held by you; this could be trauma, anxiety, or poor self-image, all at your own pace.
Explore my other services
Hypnosis
I can help you to free yourself from unhelpful beliefs, habits or negative thought patterns with the use of Ericksonian hypnosis. This method allows us to create a script together, using words and phrases that have meaning for you, facilitating a way to loosen blocks you may have to change or to help with pain management. Hypnosis allows us to engage fully with your mind, bringing the underlying causes of relationship dysfunction to your conscious awareness, where we can work towards resolving them.
Individual Relationship Counselling
I have extensive experience and training in many areas of the counselling field, however my speciality is working with individuals who are experiencing relationship pain, whether with partners, or with various family members or even within friendships. Providing insights into the dynamics of your relationship, learn to apply an assertiveness that takes care of both your needs and the needs of your relationship. When relationships become unbalanced, it can be beneficial to attend a session on your own.
Couples Counselling
I work with couples who are experiencing negative and destructive patterns of communicating and help them develop the skills for forming and maintaining healthy and loving relationships. I also work with couples who have committed to a relationship and want to learn how to make it work as well as they can. Whether you and your partner are arguing more often, find your relationship has lost its spark, or there is a major difference in opinion across cultural, racial or financial aspects, couples counselling can help you reconnect with your partner and in many cases leave with a stronger bond.
Emotional Freedom Therapy
Developed from Thought Field Therapy by psychologist Roger Callahan, this is an energetic therapy which uses our body’s energy system to release blockages created by negative thought patterns. We release these by tapping on acupressure points throughout the body, rather like ‘do it yourself’ acupuncture, without the needles. I have been doing EFT with my clients for 14 years and many report feelings of immediate relief as well as the reassurance and comfort that comes with knowing you have a tool you can use any time you need it. EFT works especially well for those who have experienced a trauma of some kind
Meditation
I offer meditation practice and instruction for those who are interested in learning more about themselves and who wish to foster an increased ability to self soothe and relax, using various breathing techniques. Creating awareness of your surroundings, meditation encourages you to see your partner’s needs more clearly, helping you work towards common ground. Teaching forgiveness, developing gratitude, spreading positivity, and bringing contentment, meditation can help keep you connected with your partner.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy offers you the chance to understand how your current problems stand on the shoulders of your history, in your family of origin relationships and throughout your childhood and young adult life. It gives you the chance to uncover patterns and themes that endure to this day and contribute to the triggers you experience in your relationship with others. Reduce stress, feel better, and work towards achieving your personal goals.
Are you experiencing any of these problems?
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a major problem for many people around the world; It can affect any particular person who is going through or has gone through a difficult time.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can be completely draining and may arise from any negative situation.
EMDR is a method of coping with this extremely unpleasant condition.
The aim of EMDR is to supply the client with an effective method to cope with challenging life occurrences and as an end goal, overcome the negative feelings they may be experiencing.
Anxiety
Most people will experience some form of anxiety within their lifetime.
Affecting 1 in 4 adults each year; anxiety is the most common form of mental illness.
Life is moving faster, cities are busier, and a constant flow of information through social media, 24-hour news channels, and advertising can lead us to feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable in our daily lives.
For many people suffering from anxiety, something as simple as walking down the street may seem difficult and extremely unpleasant. EMDR and the practice of removing negative feelings through bilateral movement is a great way to restore some normality to one’s life.
Trauma
Dealing with trauma can be exhausting.
Trauma is a type of damage to the mind that occurs as a result of a distressing event. Trauma often results from an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds one’s ability to cope.
Often, we are not aware that we have been traumatised, and it may take time – possibly therapy or hypnosis – to understand the extent to which a past event in our lives may have hurt us.
But wounds heal, and through EMDR, you will learn the necessary tactics and practices to keep a steady mind.
Negative self-image
For those with low self-esteem or a negative image of themselves, EMDR can be a strong tactic to eliminate these feelings that can creep up behind us at the worst possible moments.
If the pressure is on and you need to perform at your best, a strong knowledge of EMDR can help you feel equipped to stabilise your mind and head out into the world with your head held high.
If you have repeatedly experienced difficulties relating to any of these issues, counselling is an effective method of helping to alleviate negative emotions and distress.
Benefits of EMDR
- EMDR may reduce your distress and anxiety caused by traumatic events.
- EMDR has a promising rate of success in clients who have undergone EMDR treatment has been observed.
- EMDR may increase your ability to function in daily life.
- EMDR may help you manage stressors before they grow.
- EMDR may encourage you to begin continuous self-improvement.
- EMDR may help you restore a positive future outlook.
Are You Struggling With Your Relationship?
- Talk to me >
Getting started with EMDR
Step One – Book a free 10 minute phone consultation
Taking the first step to attend counselling can be a challenge.
Convenient, flexible and with your needs in mind, let’s chat about your expectations and concerns in a complimentary 10 minute phone consultation.
Step Two – Make an Appointment
If you choose to go ahead and book a counselling session we’ll arrange a time that’s suitable to you and your partner (if applicable).
As a safe and transparent space my consulting room is private, tranquil, and completely confidential.
With your privacy my priority, there are no notes unless requested, with any notes taken yours to access at all times.
As an experienced counsellor it is my goal to equip you with the skills to overcome your obstacles in the real world, not to stay in the cycle of counselling long-term.
EMDR
What to Expect
#1 First Meeting
I’ll start off with an overall approach to fully understand your unique challenges.
Together we’ll attempt to establish a clear picture with you, for a deep understanding of who you are and where you’ve been with regards to trauma, negativity and positivity throughout your life.
#2 Preparation
I will teach you some specific techniques so you can rapidly deal with any emotional disturbance that may arise.
A relationship of trust between us will be formed.
The theory of EMDR, how it is implemented, and what you can expect during and after treatment will be explained in full.
#3 Assessment
During this phase I will attempt to activate the memory that is being targeted in the session, by identifying and assessing each of the memory components: image, cognition, affect and body sensation.
#4 Desensitization
This phase focuses on your disturbing emotions and sensations.
An opportunity arises in this stage to identify and resolve similar events that may have occurred which may be associated with the target.
#5 Installation
The goal here is to concentrate on and increase the strength of the positive belief that you have identified to replace your original negative belief.
#6 Body Scan
During the body scan phase I will ask you to bring the original target event to mind and see if any residual tension is noticed in the body.
#7 Closure
The closure ensures that you leave at the end of each session feeling better than at the beginning.
If the processing of the traumatic target event is not complete in a single session, I will assist you in using a variety of self-calming techniques in order to regain a sense of equilibrium.
#8 Re-evaluation
Here I will check to make sure that your positive results have been maintained, I will also identify any new areas that need treatment and continue to reprocess your additional targets.
It is as important to complete the eight phases of treatment, as it is to complete an entire course of treatment with antibiotics.
The core treatment is the recollection of negative, traumatic memories, and dispelling them through bilateral stimulation, i.e. eye movement or hand tapping.
Testimonials
‘My life changed after undergoing EMDR, I’d recommend it to anybody. I used to have a lot of difficulty dealing with the stress that stemmed from a pretty major negative event five years ago. Since working with EMDR counsellors at Amanda Woolveridge Counselling, I’ve noticed my head is a lot clearer, and I’m well equipped to deal with any future difficulties life may have in store.’
Seth
‘I found EMDR to be super interesting. It’s the first therapy that has actually worked for me. What’s cool is that it’s not particularly challenging to learn, either. The whole process – which you are guided through – is simple, safe and easy. I’m very happy I went along. Attending that first session was the best decision I have made in a long, long time.’
Laurel
EMDR
Have questions or need free advice?
Have questions or need free advice?
Get a free 10 minute phone colsultation today.
Book an appointment