EMDR Therapist Hertfordshire
If you are looking for an EMDR therapist here in Hertfordshire we offer EMDR therapy in Cuffley, Hertfordshire. EMDR therapy is the leading evidence based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It can also be used for a number of other mental health conditions. These include obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, trauma symptoms, anxiety and problematic tinnitus.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy. EMDR is a relatively new type of somatic psychotherapy. Unlike a number of other therapies it does not rely on talking but is based around the concept of rapid eye movement.
EMDR has a number of phases which contain strict protocols. Two of the main phases of EMDR therapy are desensitisation and reprocessing. These phases are completed with the use of bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation can take the form of eye movements, taps to the body or auditory beats.
When traumatic experience is reprocessed the mind and body are then able to heal naturally. The trauma is put into the past where it belongs as opposed be being felt psychologically and somatically in the present.
Dr Francine Shapiro, who developed the practice of EMDR therapy in 1989 found that only three 90-minute sessions of EMDR therapy could alleviate symptoms of PTSD in over 77% of the patients that she treated.
EMDR Therapist Hertfordshire
Matthew Alderton
MA, BSc, PG Dip, PG Dip Psych
I am a counsellor, psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner. I work with clients who have a variety of mental health and somatic difficulties. I use EMDR in an adjunct way as part of psychotherapy and counselling sessions. EMDR is the leading evidence based approach to PTSD and trauma symptoms. It is also an effective tool to help with tinnitus, phobias, OCD, addiction and eating disorders. Many mental health difficulties are a sign of maladaptive coping following historical trauma. If the underlying trauma is reprocessed it can have a positive affect on current symptoms.
I work in an integrative and holistic way using a number of approaches to help with mental health difficulties. I take into account a person's ecology as wells who they are in mind, body and soul. I am approachable and down to earth which can help you feel well held and comfortable working through your phobic difficulty. I look forward to hearing from you.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR can help with a number of different mental health conditions which have trauma as their root cause. I use EMDR in an adjunct way. This means that I usually incorporate it into a counselling or psychotherapy session when it is appropriate and could be helpful. I also use it as a stand alone therapy.
PTSD
EMDR is the leading evidence based treatment for PTSD.
OCD
EMDR can be used as a way to desensitise OCD triggers.
Tinnitus
EMDR can help with trauma associated tinnitus.
Addiction
EMDR can be used to reprocess trauma at the root of an addiction.
Phobias
EMDR can help process trauma at the root of a phobia.
Eating Disorder
EMDR is used to reprocess trauma at the root of an eating disorder.
Bilateral Movement
EMDR therapy utilises bilateral stimulation. Bilateral stimulation referrs to a gentle stimulation of the right and left side of the body alternately. Bilateral stimulation is carried out at different speeds depending on the EMDR therapy phase of treatment.
This can include following a finger, light stick or moving ball. It can also include physical body tapping, auditory beats or bleeps or vibrating buzzers. Or a combination of several forms of billateral stimulation.
Trauma & Somatic Therapy Explained
This video explains the journey a person might go on, in relation to experiencing trauma, the nature of trauma and how somatic therapy (including EMDR) has helped them overcome trauma.
Warning: (this video contains scenes some viewers might find upsetting).
EMDR Therapy Benefits
PTSD Symptoms Cessation
EMDR therapy can help to reduce PTSD symptoms in relation to intrusions, flashbacks, negative feelings, triggers and calm the nervous system.
Connection
A trauma or multiple traumas might make you feel like disconnecting from other people and withdraw. You may not feel like yourself. EMDR treatment can help you to reconnect with loved ones and feel like you are back to your old self.
Relaxation
PTSD symptoms might include hyper-arousal where you feel like you are on guard, acting aggressively or have difficulty sleeping or concentrating. EMDR therapy can help restore you back to a place of homeostasis.
Related difficulties
The experience of trauma can cause secondary difficulties like anxiety and depression. Once you have processed your trauma it will help to reduce symptoms from associated difficulties. It can also help progress in relation to other therapies which may not have previously worked.
Client's Experience Of EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapist Hertfordshire
My home based practice is based in Cuffley, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6
My home based practice is located in leafy green Hertfordshire. A five minute walk from Cuffley train station and located ten minutes by car from junction 24 and 25 of the M25.
My Hertfordshire based practice is ideally located to serve clients in: Ware, Hatfield, London Colney, Waltham Cross, Harlow, Hertford, Potters Bar, Stevenage, Baldock, Hoddesdon, Enfield, Cheshunt, Broxbourne, St Albans, Hitchin and Barnet.
Therapy Enquiry
If you would like to book therapy with us or have a therapy enquiry please fill in our contact form.