If you’ve ever felt stuck in the past — as if a memory has hijacked your present — you’re not
alone. Many trauma survivors experience intrusive thoughts, nightmares, emotional
reactivity, and difficulty feeling safe, even years after the trauma occurred.
That’s where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) comes in.
Originally developed in the late 1980s, EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that
helps people heal from trauma by targeting the way distressing memories are stored in the
brain. It doesn’t rely on traditional talk therapy alone. Instead, it uses a structured process
that includes:
● Identifying key distressing memories
● Bilateral stimulation (often through guided eye movements, sounds, or taps)
● Helping the brain “digest” and reprocess the memory
How Does It Work?
When we experience trauma, the brain can store memories in a fragmented and emotionally
raw state. EMDR helps shift these memories from being “live wires” to just another part of
your story — something that happened, but no longer controls your reactions.
What Can EMDR Treat?
● PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
● Childhood abuse or neglect
● Sexual or relationship trauma
● Workplace-related trauma or bullying
● Grief and loss
● Anxiety and phobias
At Charles Mental Health, EMDR is often used alongside other therapeutic approaches to
provide a holistic path toward emotional regulation and resilience. You don’t need to relive
every detail of the trauma — the process is designed to be safe, structured, and
empowering.