EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing memories, painful experiences and negative beliefs. By combining focused attention with bilateral stimulation - such as guided eye movements, tapping or alternating audio - EMDR supports the brain in reprocessing events so they feel less overwhelming and less intrusive in everyday life.

At Dr Dropin UK, EMDR is available in person and online, offering you flexibility and access to trauma-focused care in whichever format feels most comfortable.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is based on the understanding that difficult experiences can become “stuck” in the brain, stored with their original emotional intensity. This can lead to ongoing symptoms such as anxiety, shame, intrusive thoughts, low mood, physical tension or strong emotional reactions.

EMDR helps by:

• briefly activating the memory or emotional pattern
• applying bilateral stimulation
• allowing the brain to naturally reprocess and integrate the experience

You remain grounded, present and in control throughout. EMDR does not require you to describe the memory in detail, making it suitable even when talking about the event feels too difficult.

Attachment-informed EMDR

EMDR can also work with early relational or attachment-based wounds, such as inconsistent caregiving, emotional neglect or difficult childhood experiences. This helps shift deeply rooted patterns in self-worth, trust and emotional regulation.

What EMDR can help with

EMDR is best known for treating trauma and PTSD, but it is also used effectively for a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties, including:

• Trauma & PTSD
  Processing past events such as accidents, medical trauma, violence, loss or emotionally overwhelming experiences.
• Anxiety & Depression
  Reducing distress connected to persistent negative beliefs (“I’m not safe”, “I’m not good enough”) and emotional patterns that feel stuck.
• Grief & Loss
  Supporting healthy grieving and helping resolve feelings that remain “frozen” or unfinished.
• Attachment & Relationship Difficulties
  Addressing early relational injuries that shape how you relate to others and yourself.
• Stress, Shame & Emotional Reactivity
  Helping reduce strong triggers, bodily reactions, avoidance patterns or self-critical loops.

EMDR can be helpful for both single-incident trauma and more complex or repeated experiences.

What to expect

Your EMDR therapy will typically include the following stages:

1. Assessment & planning
   Understanding your history, current symptoms and goals.
2. Stabilisation & preparation
   Building grounding skills, emotional resources and ensuring safety before processing.
3. Identifying targets
   Selecting memories, images, beliefs or triggers that feel stuck or distressing.
4. Processing
   Using bilateral stimulation while focusing on the target until the emotional intensity reduces and the memory shifts.
5. Integration & future templates
   Strengthening new beliefs and emotional responses, and applying them to future situations.
6. Review & follow-up
   Monitoring progress and identifying any additional areas to work on.

Some people notice meaningful changes in a short number of sessions, while others benefit from a longer, more gradual process depending on their history and needs.

Your therapist

EMDR at Dr. Dropin UK is provided by a trained, trauma-informed counselling psychologist experienced and specialized in EMDR. You can book EMDR therapy - online or in person - through the Dr Dropin UK website or app. No referral is needed.