EMDR Therapy: Treatment For Trauma, Anxiety, And PTSD In The UK
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 trauma-related mental health difficulties, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Below, explore the definitions of trauma and PTSD and common treatment options, including EMDR therapy. In addition, find out how to connect with a trauma-informed mental health specialist in the UK.
- Natural disasters
- Car accidents
- War
- Poverty
- Serious illness or injury
- Physical or sexual assault
- Childbirth
- Generational trauma
- Community violence
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
- 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
Who can be affected by trauma or PTSD?
EMDR & other treatment options in the UK
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
- EMDR therapy
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR is an approach to 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 one form of therapy 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 are 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 EMDR 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 therapy.
What can you expect in an EMDR session?
In an EMDR therapy 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 EMDR sessions.
EMDR research
Considerations for EMDR therapy in the 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 a therapist's qualifications before receiving treatment is 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, therapists 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 UK providers. Online therapy through a virtual therapy service is another option.
Can EMDR be done with a therapist online?
Exploring the option of online therapy
For people in the UK who are looking for other ways to receive therapy, an 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 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. For example, consider a 2023 study suggesting that online cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD can be as effective as in-person CBT.
How much does EMDR treatment cost in the UK?
The cost of EMDR in the UK depends on the method by which you seek therapy. For an independent practice EMDR therapist, you may expect to pay 50 to 100 pounds per session. Sliding-scale therapists may charge more or less, depending on your income bracket. In addition, online EMDR therapy may be cheaper than some in-person options for EMDR work.
Is EMDR still controversial?
EMDR has previously been considered controversial, as it’s a newer form of therapy still being studied for effectiveness. Scientists aren’t sure exactly how EMDR's bilateral brain stimulation works to relieve people of traumatic memories, so some are concerned that this lack of conclusivity means EMDR cannot be considered evidence-based. Despite this factor, many studies have found EMDR eye movement desensitisation therapy highly effective, with some studies finding it more effective than cognitive-behavioural therapy and other forms of therapy in treating PTSD.
Why is EMDR therapy so expensive?
EMDR is a newer therapy treatment that is still considered part of experimental psychiatry. For this reason, more behaviour research may be recommended before EMDR is offered widely in clinical practice. EMDR may be offered by UK therapy specialists who have gotten certified in this area, though they may have longer waitlists or charge more to offer this form of therapy.
Many people have had mental health conditions and symptoms successfully treated with EMDR, such as by reducing the impacts of working memory accounts of traumatic past experiences. Others, such as those with depressive disorders, personality disorders, or anxiety, may also find EMDR helpful. You may be able to find an EMDR therapist through the UK's NHS, so ask your general practitioner about options.
Is EMDR ever covered by insurance?
EMDR can be covered by some insurance plans, depending on their policies. Talk to your insurance policy to determine which therapy types are covered under your plan. You may also be able to find a sliding-scale EMDR provider who may offer a similar cost as some insurance co-pays.
Who is not a good candidate for EMDR?
Clients might not benefit from EMDR therapy if they experienced their most recent trauma within a year ago, as the emotional connection to these memories may be so strong that revisiting them so soon could be difficult. In addition, EMDR might not be recommended to those in active substance use or people experiencing psychosis or mania.
What are the eight stages of EMDR?
The eight stages of EMDR are as follows:
- History taking and intake
- Preparation
- Assessment
- Desensitization
- Installation
- Body scanning meditation and visualization
- Closure
- Reevaluation
Why is EMDR so exhausting?
EMDR can be exhausting for some people because it often involves revisiting traumatic or emotional memories that are difficult to face. Clients may also be asked to revisit details they have only recently remembered or haven’t spoken about aloud. Despite these processes, EMDR therapy is said to make reprocessing these memories easier with bilateral stimulation in the brain.
Is EMDR just hypnosis?
What is better than EMDR?
The modality that is most effective for an individual depends on the individual and their therapy goals. EMDR is often highly effective for those who are emotionally prepared to go through the process and have a condition that is highly treatable with EMDR, such as PTSD. Those with other mental health conditions or more severe behavioral challenges might benefit more from cognitive-behavioral therapy. However, there are over 400 therapeutic modalities available in the world, so do research before deciding which to try.
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