EMDR Therapists UK: How To Receive Trauma Therapy

According to the World Health Organisation, nearly 4% of people across the globe have experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. PTSD can arise after singular or ongoing traumatic experiences such as physical or emotional abuse, assault, accidents, natural disasters, combat, poverty, or other life-threatening situations. 

However, PTSD symptoms can often be managed effectively with evidence-based talking therapies. One frequently used type is eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Here, you’ll find a guide to receiving EMDR and other trauma therapies in the UK as well as some helpful information about this treatment.

Process difficult experiences in therapy

Connect with a therapist online

What is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy?

In EMDR therapy, the therapist helps the person recall upsetting memories while guiding them through simple, repetitive moments, like following the therapist’s hand moving side to side with their eyes. This process may help reduce the intensity of negative emotions tied to the memory, allowing the person to view it more objectively and with less distress.

The goal is to shift how the brain stores the traumatic memory so that it no longer triggers overwhelming emotional responses. Research suggests that, in many cases, EMDR therapy can be an effective treatment for trauma-related disorders like acute stress disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Some research indicates that it might also help with other mental health challenges like depression.

Note that it can be imperative for overall well-being to seek treatment for trauma and related symptoms. Untreated trauma can affect your daily life, relationships, and overall mental health. With support, you may be able to effectively process your experiences, address symptoms, learn coping strategies, and regain a sense of control.

How to find EMDR therapists: UK options for trauma therapy

EMDR therapy is widely available in the UK, with options to suit different budgets and situations. Below, we’ll cover various options for receiving this type of treatment from a counsellor, therapist, consultant clinical psychologist, chartered clinical psychologist, or other provider who meets guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence.

EMDR therapy through the NHS

The NHS offers EMDR and other talking therapies that may be helpful for healing from trauma. You can get a referral through your GP, or you can self-refer online. The NHS typically offers 8–12 sessions of EMDR trauma therapy. If you need more, you may need another referral. Most people are able to receive psychological therapies on the NHS within six weeks of referral. Note that EMDR may not be available in some areas. 

Treatment through independent mental health clinics

Independent mental health clinics may also offer EMDR therapy. While costs can vary, some or all of the fees may be covered by health insurance, if applicable. Some clinics also offer payment plans or sliding-scale fees to make therapy more widely available. You can search directories from organizations like EMDR Association UK to find a practitioner near you. 

Care via online therapy platforms

Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp can connect you with professional EMDR therapists for virtual sessions. Research suggests that virtual EMDR may be as effective as in-person EMDR in many cases and offers and affordable way to get mental health treatment. BetterHelp offers subscriptions as low as £65 a week, billed every four weeks. 

EMDR from mental health charities

There are several UK-based mental health charities that may be able to connect you with an EMDR therapist. Organizations like Mind, Trauma Response Network, and PTSD UK offer low-cost or free therapy services in some areas as well as other helpful resources like support groups and educational workshops. 

How much does independent EMDR therapy cost in the UK?

The cost of independent EMDR therapy in the UK varies depending on factors like your therapist's experience and location and whether you have insurance coverage. Sessions usually cost between £60 and £150. However, some therapists offer sliding-scale fees based on income, making therapy more affordable for those on tighter budgets. Exploring your options may allow you to find one that fits your needs and finances.

What to expect in EMDR therapy

EMDR therapy follows a structured approach designed to help clients process distressing memories in a safe and controlled way. Treatment can generally be divided into eight phases:

1. History-taking and treatment planning: Your therapist gathers background information, identifies target memories, and develops a treatment plan.
2. Preparation: You learn coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and what to expect from EMDR therapy.
3. Assessment: The therapist identifies specific distressing memories along with your associated emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations.
4. Desensitization: You recall a traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., back-and-forth eye movements, tapping on each hand, or listening to sounds in each ear) to reduce its emotional intensity.
5. Installation: Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace negative thoughts associated with the memory.
6. Body scan: You check for any lingering physical tension or distress linked to the memory to help ensure maximum resolution.
7. Closure: Each session ends with grounding techniques to help you feel calm and in control.
8. Reevaluation: In follow-up sessions, the therapist assesses progress and determines if further processing is needed. 

Sessions may bring up strong emotions, but the coping strategies you learn are intended to help you manage them, and your therapist will be with you every step of the way for guidance and support. Many people notice gradual improvements as therapy progresses, often experiencing reduced distress and a greater sense of control over their emotions over time. 

While individual results vary, EMDR may be an effective treatment for:

• Trauma
• Anxiety
• PTSD
• Panic disorder
• Personality disorders

Other types of trauma therapy to consider

While EMDR can be effective for treating trauma in some people, other therapies are also available. Research suggests that the following therapeutic approaches may be helpful for addressing trauma and related conditions like depression or anxiety:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought and behaviour patterns. CBT is one of the most widely offered types of therapy in the UK, and research suggests that CBT can be an effective treatment for chronic and acute PTSD for many people.
• Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy: a therapy that gradually exposes individuals to trauma-related memories in a safe, controlled way. This approach may help reduce avoidance, desensitize distressing emotions, and improve daily functioning. Research suggests that PE can be effective for treating PTSD.
• Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT): a specialized form of CBT designed primarily for children and adolescents with trauma. It integrates cognitive strategies, relaxation techniques, and caregiver support. Research suggests that this type of treatment from a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist may be effective in reducing trauma-related distress in children and young people. 
• Narrative exposure therapy (NET): a structured therapy that helps individuals process traumatic experiences by creating a detailed life narrative. Often used for complex trauma, NET may be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving emotional well-being.

Process difficult experiences in therapy

Connect with a therapist online

Online mental health support for trauma and PTSD

If you’re struggling to cope after experiencing trauma or are living with symptoms of PTSD, getting support from a professional therapist can make a difference. Another option for seeking care is an online therapy platform like BetterHelp, which offers convenient, evidence-based remote therapy with experienced professionals trained to offer trauma-focused treatments like EMDR and CBT. BetterHelp works with over 5,000 practitioners across the UK, including therapists, counsellors, and clinical psychologist providers, making it easy to find the care you’re looking for. 

Research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy in many cases. With BetterHelp, you can attend weekly online therapy sessions with a mental health professional. Your subscription also includes tools designed to help you get the most out of each session, including:

• Digital therapy worksheets
• Guided journaling
• Group sessions and educational webinars