How EMDR supports anxiety, depression & trauma
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When anxiety, depression, or trauma take hold, it can feel like you're standing on shaky ground—pulled between the weight of the past and the uncertainty of what’s ahead. Like a tripod, the key pillars of past, present and future support how you navigate life. When one leg is out of balance—such as unresolved trauma—it can destabilize your emotional well-being and contribute to ongoing anxiety and low mood.
EMDR helps with reseting your internal tripod to;
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Heal the past – by reprocessing any unresolved trauma or unwanted experiences that have accumulated over time, often fuelling anxiety, low mood, and emotional triggers
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Settle the present – by calming your body’s stress response and bringing a sense of stability
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Strengthen the future – by installing new beliefs rooted in safety, confidence, and resilience​​​
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Through bilateral stimulation (typically gentle eye movements), EMDR activates the brain’s natural healing process. It helps you reprocess distressing memories, so they no longer hold the same emotional charge or keep you stuck in old patterns.​
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Whether you're navigating persistent worry, emotional exhaustion, or unresolved trauma, EMDR helps restore your inner balance—so you can live with more ease, presence and purpose.​
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There are 8 phases to the standard EMDR protocol:
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History taking – Gaining an understanding of your story and current concerns
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Preparation – Building inner resources and coping skills
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Assessment – Identifying the memories that still hold emotional charge
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Desensitisation – Reducing the emotional and physical distress linked to those memories
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Installation – Strengthening more adaptive, empowering beliefs
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Body scan – Noticing and releasing residual tension or discomfort
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Closure – Supporting emotional safety between sessions
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Re-evaluation – Ensuring progress is maintained and addressing what’s next​
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✨ Want to know more? Download our EMDR fact sheet to learn how EMDR helps rewire the way the brain processes difficult experiences.
What mental health concerns does EMDR support?​​
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PTSD & other trauma
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Anxiety
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Depression
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ADHD
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Grief and loss
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Chronic pain
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Other distressing events
​PTSD and other trauma:
EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming. It’s a gentle, evidence-based approach that reduces symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional distress—supporting lasting healing and a renewed sense of safety.
Anxiety: Such as generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder or phobias, EMDR helps to address the traumatic memories that may be fuelling anxiety. By integrating elements of gradual exposure, anxiety responses are reduced over time.
Depression: By processing and reprocessing negative memories and beliefs, EMDR helps individuals to experience a reduction in feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or low self-esteem.
ADHD:EMDR helps individuals process past trauma, reduce emotional dysregulation, and improve focus. ADHD symptoms are often exacerbated by anxiety, stress, or unresolved emotional experiences. EMDR helps in desensitising these triggers, allowing individuals to manage impulsivity, improve emotional regulation, and develop better coping strategies.
Grief and loss:EMDR assists in processing complex emotions. It can help individuals work through unresolved feelings or traumatic aspects of the loss, allowing them to move towards acceptance and healing.
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Chronic pain: EMDR helps address the psychological and emotional components that contribute to the perception and experience of pain.
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Through processing and integrating distressing or traumatic memories and experiences, EMDR therapy can lead to significant emotional relief and healing.
What are the advantages of EMDR therapy?
​Rapid results: Many clients experience significant improvements in just a few sessions, making EMDR a time efficient option. EMDR has been referred to as an 'accelerated emotional processing method' as it has been proven to show results quicker than other types of therapy.
Holistic healing: EMDR addresses the root causes of distress, promoting comprehensive mental and emotional wellbeing. It relies on natural brain functions and helps individuals to gain deeper insights into their thoughts and behaviours, enhancing self understanding and personal growth.
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Evidence-based: EMDR is backed by extensive research and recognised by numerous health organisations for its effectiveness in treating trauma and related conditions.
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Experience the benefits of EMDR therapy by embarking on your journey to recovery and resilience with Mind The Way Psychotherapy and Counselling.
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What is integrative EMDR therapy?​
Integrative EMDR therapy is a form of psychotherapy that combines the standard EMDR approach with other therapeutic modalities. It aims to provide a comprehensive and adaptable approach to healing, to meet the diverse needs of clients, and may potentially lead to more profound and sustainable outcomes.
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At Mind The Way Psychotherapy and Counselling, we can integrate the following therapeutic modalities with EMDR to best meet individual needs:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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Internal Family Systems (Parts Work)
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Cognitive Behavioural therapy
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Mindfulness-based strategies
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