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EMDR Therapy in Aberystwyth and Online Across the UK

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

It is an evidence-based therapy originally developed for trauma and PTSD, but it is also used for anxiety, panic, phobias, low self-esteem, grief, and other difficulties linked to past experiences.
 

EMDR is based on the brain’s natural ability to process and update experiences. When something distressing happens, the brain can sometimes get stuck, meaning the memory or emotions don’t fully process and can continue to feel active in the present.
 

EMDR uses a technique called bilateral stimulation (BLS), such as guided eye movements, gentle tapping, or alternating sounds, to help the brain reprocess these experiences.
 

This helps memories become less intense or upsetting over time, while still remaining part of your past. You remain fully in control throughout the process.
 

Unlike some therapies, EMDR does not require you to go into every detail of what happened. The focus is on helping the brain complete its natural processing so the emotional charge around the memory reduces.

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​​What EMDR can help with?

EMDR may be helpful for:

  • Trauma and PTSD

  • Childhood experiences

  • Anxiety and panic

  • Phobias

  • Low self-esteem and confidence

  • Grief and loss

  • Medical trauma

  • Relationship difficulties

  • Distressing memories

  • Feelings of shame, guilt, or being “stuck”


You do not need to have experienced one single major traumatic event. Sometimes it is a build-up of experiences over time that has an impact.

Is EMDR right for me?

EMDR may be helpful if you:

  • Feel stuck despite understanding things logically

  • Notice strong emotional reactions that don’t feel proportionate

  • Feel triggered by certain situations or memories

  • Struggle with anxiety, fear, or low confidence

  • Find the past still affects how you feel day to day


An initial session allows us to talk through your experiences and decide together whether EMDR feels appropriate.

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What happens in EMDR sessions?

Initial assessment

We begin by talking through what has brought you to therapy and whether EMDR feels like the right approach for you.
 

Preparation and stabilisation

Before any processing work begins, we focus on helping you feel grounded and supported.
 

We may also introduce additional resources such as safe place work to help strengthen your sense of stability before moving into deeper processing.
 

Processing work

When you are ready, we gently begin working with specific memories or experiences using EMDR techniques.
 

Integration and moving forward

As the emotional intensity reduces, we focus on strengthening more helpful beliefs, improving confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing in everyday life.

 

Do I have to talk about everything?

You do not need to go into detailed descriptions of everything that happened. Many people find this reassuring, especially when memories feel difficult to talk about.

Frequently asked questions
 

Is EMDR effective online?
Yes. EMDR can be delivered both online and in person.
 

Will I have to relive traumatic memories?
No. EMDR does not require you to relive experiences in detail. The aim is to reduce the distress linked to them.
 

How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the individual and the complexity of what we are working with.
 

Is EMDR only for trauma?
No. It can also be helpful for anxiety, panic, phobias, grief, confidence issues, and other difficulties linked to past experiences.

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