EMDR Therapy: UK Treatment For Trauma And Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The experience of trauma can lead to a range of effects that can be long-lasting and significantly impact one’s quality of life, particularly if left untreated. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one of many available approaches to treating individuals with trauma-related mental health difficulties, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Below, explore the definition of trauma and PTSD and common treatment options, including EMDR. In addition, find out how to connect with a trauma-informed mental health specialist in the UK.

Defining trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder

Approximately one in three adults in the UK has experienced a traumatic event or traumatic events. One definition of trauma is the experience of “very stressful, frightening or distressing events that are difficult to cope with or out of [one’s] control.” Many different experiences can cause trauma, but trauma usually involves life-threatening danger to yourself or someone around you. Trauma can be a one-off incident or ongoing. Examples of experiences that can be traumatic include:

• Natural disasters
• Car accidents
• War
• Poverty
• Serious illness or injury
• Physical or sexual assault
• Childbirth
• Generational trauma
• Community violence

Some people who experience trauma will develop a mental illness like post-traumatic stress disorder as a result. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 70% of people in the world will experience a traumatic event in their lifetime, but only 5.6% will go on to develop PTSD. Researchers suspect that each individual may have risk factors (such as genetics or an existing mental illness) or protective factors (such as strong social support) that can affect their chances of developing PTSD. While this condition can cause severe symptoms that can make daily functioning difficult, symptoms are considered treatable with professional support. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) lists several criteria that must be met for PTSD to be diagnosed. The first is that “The person was exposed to death, threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or actual or threatened sexual violence,” either directly or indirectly. The person must also have begun to experience at least one symptom from each of the following four categories:

• Re-experiencing: Nightmares, flashbacks, emotional distress after being exposed to memories of the event(s), etc. 
• Avoidance: Avoiding thoughts or reminders of the event(s)
• Negative thoughts: Increasingly negative thoughts and feelings about the world, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, exaggerated blame for the event(s)
• Arousal: Trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping, irritability, risky behavior 

The symptoms must last for more than a month, not be due to another illness or a substance, and cause impairment in daily functioning. Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose PTSD. 

Who can be affected by trauma or PTSD?

People of any age and any gender can be affected by trauma, and anyone can develop PTSD. Research suggests that those who identify as women and those who identify as LGBTQIA+  may be at higher risk of developing PTSD. This finding may be due to lived experiences that are common in people with these identities, such as discrimination and gender-based violence. 

Treatment options for PTSD

PTSD symptoms typically won't resolve and may worsen without professional treatment, so seeking help immediately is generally recommended. The treatment approach for PTSD usually involves some type of talk therapy, sometimes in combination with medication. Do not start, stop, or change any medication without consulting with your doctor. 

Types of talk therapy that may be used to treat PTSD include but are not limited to the following:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
• Prolonged exposure therapy 
• Narrative exposure therapy
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

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

EMDR is an approach to trauma therapy developed in the 1980s. The approach has two key goals: to desensitize the person from the intensity of their traumatic memory and to help them reprocess the memory so it causes less distress going forward. EMDR is recommended as one of the treatment options for PTSD by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and other authoritative bodies.

In an EMDR session, a therapist may ask the person questions to invite them to relive the memory of their trauma. While they are recalling memories out loud, they may be asked to engage in some form of bilateral stimulation, such as engaging in rapid eye movement to follow a light that moves from side to side or allowing alternating tapping on their hands. Researchers believe that this combination may stimulate a person's brain to fully process the memory, which may help them work toward healing. 

Who is a good candidate for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for trauma?

Many people who have experienced trauma may be eligible for EMDR treatment. However, this method may not be right for everyone. For example, someone who has very recently experienced a traumatic event may not yet be a good candidate for EMDR, as it could cause additional distress. If you're interested in eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy, it's advisable to speak with a mental health care provider to see if they think this approach may be helpful for you. Only a trained, qualified healthcare provider should perform EMDR.

What can you expect in an EMDR therapy UK session? 

In an EMDR session, the therapist may begin by making sure the client is comfortable and knows what to expect. To get started, the provider may ask the client to speak about their traumatic experience, focusing on how it made them feel and what sensations they notice in their body. The therapist can then begin the eye movement or tapping while the client is speaking. The client has the power to pause or stop the eye movements and the treatment itself at any point if needed. According to the EMDR International Association, the typical session for this type of therapy tends to last 60 to 90 minutes. In addition, many clients don’t see results until they’ve had at least a few sessions.  

EMDR research 

Research on EMDR is varied. Scientists still don't understand precisely how it works, as it's thought to involve complex processes in the brain. That said, a significant body of research suggests EMDR can be effective for treating symptoms of PTSD and other conditions. Consider a report from the American Psychological Association (APA) stating that there are “30 published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating its effectiveness in both adults and children.”

Some experts have expressed concern about supportive studies being too small or inconclusive. For example, in one review, authors share that “EMDR may be effective in the treatment of PTSD in the short term, but the quality of studies is too low to draw definite conclusions.” More research is recommended. 

Considerations for EMDR therapy UK

EMDR is a type of therapy practiced in the UK and around the world. However, not every healthcare provider is qualified to offer this service. According to the EMDR Association UK, a provider must have completed an EMDR Europe-authorized training in order to practice this type of care. They should generally also be registered with a professional body like the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). Receiving EMDR treatment from someone who is not qualified could be harmful to your mental and emotional well-being, so confirming qualifications before receiving treatment can be important. 

Seeking support from a therapist for trauma and other mental health challenges

A therapist can be an important resource for those who are living with traumatic memories or symptoms of a condition like PTSD. Whether they use EMDR or another modality, they can often help individuals address past trauma, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and work toward healing. In the UK, eligible residents can receive free mental health care through the NHS. Paid care is also available outside of the NHS through independent providers. Online therapy through a virtual therapy service is another option. 

Can EMDR be done with a therapist online?

Whether EMDR can be done online depends on the provider’s training and the client’s preferences, but it is generally possible for EMDR to be effectively administered online. Much of the existing research on the topic was done during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, one study from 2020 that involved frontline healthcare workers suggests that online EMDR “significantly reduced the PTSD level of individuals in some risk groups.” If you're interested in receiving EMDR therapy, you might focus your search on online or in-person providers who are qualified to administer this form of treatment. 

Exploring the option of online therapy

For people in the UK who are looking for other ways to receive therapy, a 100% online therapy platform like BetterHelp may be worth considering. BetterHelp partners with thousands of professional therapists in the UK and matches you with the provider according to your needs and preferences, as outlined in a simple questionnaire. Many people find the ability to attend sessions remotely from anywhere with an internet connection to be convenient. The option to switch providers at any time, for any reason, at no extra cost, can also be helpful. 

Online therapy has gained popularity worldwide in recent years, and a wealth of research has examined its effectiveness. In general, studies suggest that online therapy can often be an effective form of care, including for treating trauma-related conditions like PTSD. For example, consider a 2023 study suggesting that online cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD can be as effective as in-person CBT.