What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that allows individuals to get to the core of their emotional difficulties. It works by piecing together how a person’s early life experiences (in some cases, but not always, trauma) act to cause dysfunctional patterns of emotion in the present. EMDR facilitates neurological rearrangements in how negative information is stored in the brain through techniques that tap in to the nervous system. EMDR is a treatment for PTSD as well as other emotional problems like anger, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, relational problems, and so on.
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro and has since gained recognition for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of emotional and psychological issues.
What EMDR Therapy Helps Treat
Before getting into the 5 benefits of EMDR Therapy let’s take a look at what it’s used to address and alleviate symptoms associated with various conditions, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Complex trauma, distrust, dysfunctional relationship patterns and attachment difficulties
- Low Self Esteem
- Anxiety and Panic Disorders
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
5 benefits of EMDR therapy:
1. PTSD Resolution: EMDR is effective in helping individuals resolve traumatic memories. It allows reprocessing of emotions linked to highly troubling events, reducing the weight and immediacy of distressing memories.
2. Reduced Anxiety and Depression: EMDR can be a powerful tool in addressing the underlying causes of anxiety and depression. Often these conditions are linked to negative events across developmental years, or periods of dysfunctional self-orientation when growing. EMDR can help get to the core of mood disorders in a way that isn’t covered by some standard talking therapies.
3. Improved Self-Esteem: EMDR assists individuals in reframing the distorted self-beliefs that develop across damaging relational experiences in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Dealing with patterns of unhelpful self image at their core can lead to significant improvements in self-worth.
4. Enhanced Coping Skills: EMDR equips clients with new coping mechanisms and strategies to manage stress and adversity effectively. By processing past traumas, individuals develop healthier ways to handle challenging emotions and situations.
5. Holistic Healing: EMDR recognizes the mind-body connection and promotes holistic healing. It acknowledges that trauma can manifest physically, emotionally, and mentally, and aims to restore balance across these domains, supporting overall well-being.
Now we have discussed the 5 benefits of EMDR therapy lets take a look at some FAQs
10 FAQs about EMDR Therapy

Is EMDR suitable for children?
How long does an EMDR session typically last?
What should I expect during an EMDR session?
How many EMDR sessions are usually needed?
Is EMDR safe for everyone?
Are the effects of EMDR long-lasting?
Can EMDR be combined with other forms of therapy or medication?
Do I have to recall traumatic memories during EMDR therapy?
Is EMDR a proven therapy, and does it have scientific support?
What are the positive effects of EMDR therapy?
Emotional Regulation: EMDR helps individuals develop better emotional regulation skills. It can assist in reducing emotional reactivity, allowing individuals to cope more effectively with intense emotions and stress.
Improved Self-esteem and Self-confidence: EMDR can promote a more positive self-concept by helping individuals reframe negative beliefs about themselves that may have developed as a result of the trauma. This can lead to increased self-esteem and self-confidence.
Enhanced Cognitive Functioning: EMDR often leads to clearer thinking and better cognitive functioning. Trauma can disrupt cognitive processes, and by processing the trauma, individuals may experience improved concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities.
Increased Resilience: EMDR helps individuals build resilience by addressing and processing traumatic experiences. This can equip them with better coping strategies for dealing with future stress and adversity.
Improved Interpersonal Relationships: EMDR can positively impact relationships by reducing the emotional burden of trauma. Individuals often find that they can engage more effectively in their relationships and are better able to communicate and connect with others.
Enhanced Quality of Life: By reducing trauma-related symptoms and distress, EMDR can lead to an improved overall quality of life. Individuals may experience greater life satisfaction, better social functioning, and an increased ability to pursue their goals and aspirations.
Long-lasting Benefits: lifeenhancing benefits of emdr therapy is often associated with lasting therapeutic effects. Once an individual has successfully processed and desensitized to traumatic memories, the benefits are typically maintained over time.
EMDR Therapy with Kove
In conclusion, we covered 5 benefits of EMDR therapy for individuals seeking to heal from past traumas and improve their mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other emotional challenges it works.
Would you like to find out more? Book a FREE consultation with one of our therapists, living in London? We offer EMDR therapy in London call 0207 856 0464 today.