EMDR

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Helping you process difficult experiences and move forward.

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At Coastal Counselling and Psychotherapy, we provide EMDR therapy in Newcastle and online for people experiencing the ongoing effects of trauma, distressing life experiences, anxiety, painful memories and other emotional difficulties.

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EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing — is a structured form of psychotherapy designed to help the brain process distressing memories and experiences that may continue to affect how you feel, think and respond in the present.

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For some people, talking about what happened can provide insight but does not completely change the emotional or physical reaction connected to the memory. EMDR therapy aims to help the brain reprocess these experiences so they become less emotionally intense and less disruptive in everyday life.

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WHAT IS EMDR THERAPY?

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When something overwhelming or distressing happens, the brain does not always process the experience in the same way it processes ordinary memories. A difficult memory may remain strongly connected to the emotions, physical sensations and beliefs that were present at the time. This can mean that something happening in the present — a conversation, situation, feeling, sound or relationship experience — triggers a reaction that feels much bigger than the current situation would normally explain. You may know logically that you are safe, while your body reacts as though the original experience is happening again.

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EMDR aims to help the brain process these memories more effectively.

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The goal is not to erase the memory or forget what happened. Instead, the memory may become something you can recall without experiencing the same level of emotional or physical distress.

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WHAT CAN EMDR HELP WITH?

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EMDR is commonly associated with trauma and PTSD treatment, but it may also be helpful when past experiences are continuing to influence present-day thoughts, emotions, relationships or behaviour.

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EMDR therapy may be considered for:

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• Trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms
• Distressing or intrusive memories
• Childhood trauma or difficult early experiences
• Anxiety and fear
• Panic responses
• Relationship trauma
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Family violence and coercive relationships
• Grief and distressing loss
• Shame, guilt or low self-worth
• Relationship breakdown or betrayal
• Accidents, injuries or medical trauma
• Workplace incidents
• Repeated rejection, criticism or humiliation

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You do not necessarily need to have experienced one major traumatic event to benefit from EMDR.

Repeated experiences over time — particularly during childhood or within important relationships — can also shape how a person sees themselves, other people and relationships.

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HOW DOES EMDR WORK?

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EMDR usually involves identifying a particular memory or experience, together with the thoughts, emotions and physical sensations connected to it. During processing, your therapist may ask you to briefly focus on aspects of the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This commonly involves guided side-to-side eye movements, although other forms of alternating stimulation may also be used.

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You remain awake, aware and in control throughout the process.

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EMDR is not hypnosis.

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You can stop at any time, and you do not have to describe every detail of an experience for EMDR to be used.

As processing occurs, people may notice that memories begin to feel less intense, new perspectives emerge, or the physical reaction associated with the memory gradually reduces.

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WHAT HAPPENS DURING EMDR COUNSELLING?

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EMDR is more than simply moving your eyes from side to side. It is a structured therapeutic approach.

We begin by understanding what has brought you to counselling, what you are experiencing now and the experiences that may be contributing to those difficulties.

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Before processing difficult memories, your therapist will also help you develop strategies for managing distress and staying emotionally regulated. Together, we identify relevant memories, triggers, thoughts and beliefs before beginning EMDR processing. The pace of therapy is tailored to you. EMDR does not require you to rush into traumatic memories before you feel sufficiently prepared.

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DO I HAVE TO TALK ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED?

No.

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One of the reasons some people prefer EMDR is that it does not always require a detailed verbal description of traumatic or distressing experiences. Your therapist will need enough information to understand what you are experiencing and to determine whether EMDR is appropriate, but you generally do not have to repeatedly describe every detail of what happened. This can be particularly helpful for people who find repeatedly talking about traumatic experiences overwhelming.

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CAN EMDR BE DONE ONLINE?

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Yes. EMDR can also be provided through online counselling where appropriate. Online EMDR uses the same structured therapeutic principles as face-to-face therapy, with bilateral stimulation adapted to the online environment. For some clients, online EMDR provides greater flexibility and allows them to attend therapy from the comfort and privacy of their own home. Whether you attend EMDR therapy in Newcastle or online, we will first discuss your needs, circumstances and suitability for the approach.

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EMDR FOR CHILDHOOD AND RELATIONSHIP TRAUMA

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Trauma does not always come from one major event. Experiences such as criticism, emotional neglect, rejection, abandonment, bullying, betrayal, emotional abuse or unpredictable relationships can gradually contribute to beliefs such as:

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• I'm not good enough.
• I'm unlovable.
• I can't trust people.
• I have no control.
• I have to keep everyone happy.
• I'm responsible for other people's emotions.

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EMDR can help work with the experiences underlying these beliefs, rather than simply trying to think differently about them.

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IS EMDR RIGHT FOR ME?

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EMDR is not automatically the right approach for every person or every difficulty.

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Before beginning EMDR processing, we will discuss your history, current concerns and therapy goals.

Sometimes preparation and stabilisation work is recommended first. At other times, EMDR may form one part of a broader counselling approach. Therapy is collaborative, and the pace and direction of the work are discussed with you throughout the process.

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EMDR THERAPY NEWCASTLE AND ONLINE

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Coastal Counselling and Psychotherapy provides EMDR therapy, trauma counselling and psychotherapy in Newcastle and online. If difficult experiences from your past continue to influence how you feel, respond or relate to others today, EMDR may be worth exploring.

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Our aim is to provide a respectful, supportive and trauma-informed environment where therapy progresses at a pace that feels manageable for you. You can attend sessions face-to-face in Newcastle or access online EMDR therapy from home.

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If you would like to discuss EMDR therapy, trauma counselling or PTSD counselling in Newcastle or online, contact Coastal Counselling and Psychotherapy to arrange an appointment or learn more about whether EMDR may be suitable for you.