EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people recover from trauma and emotional distress. It works by helping your brain reprocess painful memories using guided eye movements or other forms of gentle, rhythmic stimulation. You don’t have to talk in detail about what happened – just think about it while your therapist guides you through the process. Over time, the memory becomes less distressing, and the emotional charge fades. EMDR is used to treat PTSD, anxiety, grief, phobias, and more – often bringing lasting relief where other approaches haven’t.

Yes, EMDR therapy is widely recognised as an effective treatment, especially for trauma and PTSD. In the UK, it’s officially recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a first-line treatment for PTSD in both adults and children. This means EMDR meets rigorous standards for clinical evidence and effectiveness. Many people find EMDR brings lasting relief when other therapies haven’t worked.

The cost of EMDR therapy can vary depending on the therapist’s experience and location. At Derby EMDR Hub, sessions are priced at £100 per hour, which reflects the specialist training and care involved in this evidence-based approach. While it is a financial commitment, many clients find EMDR to be a highly efficient form of therapy – with noticeable results in fewer sessions compared to some traditional approaches.

EMDR therapy is used to help people heal from trauma, PTSD, and other emotionally distressing experiences. It’s also effective for treating anxiety, depression, phobias, panic attacks, grief, low self-esteem, and the lasting impact of abuse or neglect. If past events are affecting how you feel, think, or behave today, EMDR can help reprocess those memories so they no longer cause the same emotional reaction. It’s a flexible, evidence-based approach used across a wide range of mental health challenges.

Yes – EMDR therapy is strongly supported by scientific research and clinical evidence. It has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in treating PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and related conditions. In the UK, it is officially recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a first-line treatment for PTSD. Numerous international studies have confirmed that EMDR helps reduce symptoms by allowing the brain to reprocess distressing memories, often more quickly and effectively than traditional talk therapy.

An EMDR session typically begins with a brief check-in and a focus on a specific memory, thought, or feeling you’d like to work on. With your therapist’s guidance, you’ll bring the memory to mind while following a form of bilateral stimulation – such as side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds. This helps your brain process the memory in a new, less distressing way. You stay fully alert and in control throughout. Sessions often include moments of reflection, emotional release, or insight, and end with grounding techniques to help you leave feeling stable and supported.

Yes – EMDR therapy is considered safe and well-tolerated for most people. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach used by trained professionals to help you process distressing memories in a manageable way. While some people may feel emotional or tired during or after a session (which is normal), your therapist will guide you through the process at a pace that feels right for you. EMDR is not about reliving trauma – it’s about helping your brain safely reprocess it so it no longer feels overwhelming.

EMDR therapy might be a good fit if you’re dealing with the effects of past experiences – like trauma, anxiety, low self-worth, or memories that still feel emotionally charged. It can be especially helpful if talking in detail about those experiences feels too overwhelming. EMDR takes a different approach from traditional talk therapy, and many people find it brings relief when other methods haven’t. At Derby EMDR Hub, we offer an initial phone call to talk through your needs, answer any questions, and help you decide if EMDR is the right path for you.

At Derby EMDR Hub, we believe in the value of in-person sessions and currently offer EMDR therapy face-to-face only. Being in the same room allows us to create a grounded, supportive space where you can feel fully safe and focused throughout the process. For many clients, this personal connection enhances the overall experience and effectiveness of therapy.

No – while EMDR was originally developed to treat PTSD, it’s now widely used to help with a range of other issues too. EMDR can be effective for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, grief, low self-esteem, and the emotional impact of difficult life experiences like abuse, neglect, or relationship breakdowns. If something from your past still affects how you think, feel, or react today, EMDR may help – even if you don’t have a formal PTSD diagnosis.

No – EMDR doesn’t erase your memories, but it does help change how they affect you. After treatment, you’ll still remember what happened, but the memory will feel less intense, less painful, and more like something from the past – not something you’re reliving. Many people say the memory is still there, but it no longer controls their emotions or reactions the way it used to. EMDR helps your brain file the memory away properly, so you can move forward with more peace and clarity.

Yes – EMDR is safe and effective for children and teenagers, and is often used to help with things like trauma, anxiety, fears, low confidence, bullying, and loss. However, Dr. Lydia Evans doesn’t currently offer her services to children or teens, but can signpost towards a professional that can offer their services.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommends 8 – 12 sessions of EMDR for a single incident trauma, more sessions may be required if you have experienced multiple traumas. If you have a restricted budget or specific number of sessions in mind, we can explore how to make best use of financial or time limitations. Typically, fewer EMDR sessions are needed compared to traditional talk therapy due to accelerated progress within sessions and ongoing processing between sessions.

No – EMDR is a complete therapy in itself and doesn’t require other therapies to be effective. It’s designed to help your brain naturally process and resolve distressing experiences, often leading to meaningful results on its own. However, in some cases, EMDR can be combined with other approaches like talk therapy or CBT if it suits your individual needs or goals. Your therapist will help you decide what’s best for you, but many people find EMDR alone provides the clarity and relief they’re looking for.