Neural Network
Neural Network

EMDR Therapist London

If you are looking for an EMDR therapist in London we offer EMDR therapy in picturesque, Little Venice, Paddington, London. 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 Therapy London

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Herts Oak Tree Leaf And Acorns

EMDR Therapist Herts

I am also available leafy green Cuffley, Hertfordshire.

Matthew Alderton Psychoitherapist

EMDR Therapist London

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.

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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. 

smashed car light

PTSD

EMDR is the leading evidence based treatment for PTSD. 

PTSD treatment
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OCD

EMDR can be used as a way to desensitise OCD triggers.

OCD therapy
Tinnitus lady

Tinnitus

EMDR can help with trauma associated tinnitus. 

Tinnitus retraining therapy
Poker gambling

Addiction

EMDR can be used to reprocess trauma at the root of an addiction. 

Addiction therapy
Needles

Phobias

EMDR can help process trauma at the root of a phobia.

Phobia therapy
Eating disorder lady

Eating Disorder

EMDR is used to reprocess trauma at the root of an eating disorder. 

Eating disorder

How Does EMDR Work?

Many mental health difficulties stem from underlying historical trauma and are symptoms of maladaptive coping. Essentially when someone experiences a trauma it can feel overwhelming and we are not able to integrate it. Time moves on and different symptoms manifest which we do not attribute to the trauma. If trauma is at the root of a mental health difficulty EMDR can be helpful. If a mental a health difficulty causes trauma EMDR can also be helpful.

Once we have  we might work on psycho-education, stabilisation and history taking. EMDR therapy can begin.

EMDR is divided into a set of stages  and strict protocols. It is a way of reprocessing and desensitising trauma. It does not work in a traditional therapeutic way which incorporates meandering around a trauma, dipping your toe in. It helps us to meet the trauma in a direct way. 

We approach the trauma whilst carrying out bilateral stimulation. This can be in the form of eye movements, tapping or auditory beats. When we do this we are able to neutralise our reaction to it. This enables us to move from stuck trauma to adaptive information processing. We can then put it into the past as opposed to experiencing historical trauma in the present somatically and psychologically. It might be likened to taking out the poison from a wound. It then enables us to heal naturally. 

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.

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EMDR Session

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).

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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.

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EMDR Therapy London FAQ's

How long will EMDR therapy last?

EMDR therapy is usually used as part of broader psychotherapeutic approach. Every person's situation is different in relation to the type of trauma experienced or the symptoms they might be experiencing. If EMDR is used in an adjunct way for a one off trauma it is usually a short term approach to PTSD.

What happens in an EMDR session?

EMDR therapy follows a set number of protocols with a past, present and future focus. Some of the main protocols EMDR sessions involve could include: history taking, preparation for the processing of trauma using bilateral stimulation to desensitise you to a trauma or reprocess the meaning of a trauma.

How can I get the most out of EMDR therapy?

The best way to get the most out of EMDR therapy is to complete the therapy. Not completing therapy can lead to PTSD symptoms returning post therapy. It is also important to keep an open mind and trust the EMDR process.

Client's Experience Of EMDR Therapy

JW - St Johns Wood

I'm more relaxed and happy again. I wish I had the opportunity to do EMDR years ago. 

MA - Barnet

I'm so pleased I won't have to re-explain my trauma again to any more therapists. I have finally made some progress. Thank you.

CA - Harringay

I feel like my old self again

NH - Paddington

This therapy has really helped me. It's been a complete game changer

LC - Baldock

Designation

I used to feel like the trauma I endured over twenty years ago was still happening to me. I don't feel like that any more

EMDR Therapist London

My London based practice is based in picturesque Little Venice Paddington, London.

Centre For Counselling & Psychotherapy Education
Beauchamp Lodge
Little Venice
Paddington
London
W2 6NE

Beauchamp Lodge is a five minute walk from Warwick Avenue tube station and a ten minute walk from Paddington station. 

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Therapy Enquiry

If you would like to book therapy with us or have a therapy enquiry please fill in our contact form. 

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