Counselling Forces
EMDR therapy
EMDR therapy online for police and emergency services
EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) is a structured therapy for the distress that traumatic memories can leave behind. Here's what it involves, in plain language.
Book a free 15 minute callAt a glance
What EMDR is
You bring a difficult memory to mind in small, manageable steps while following guided eye movements, taps or sounds. The aim is for the memory to feel less distressing and less present.
You don't have to describe every detail aloud, although some talking is part of the work.
What it isn't
- It isn't hypnosis. You stay alert and in control.
- It isn't a quick fix. Preparation comes first.
- It doesn't erase memories. The aim is that they hurt less.
- You can stop or slow down at any point.
The eight phases, briefly
Most of the early work is preparation (shaded). Processing a memory only begins once you feel steady enough, and every session ends with you settled.
1
History and planning
We talk about what brought you here and choose where to start.
2
Preparation
You learn ways to settle yourself, and we check EMDR suits you.
3
Assessment
We pick a memory and note what comes with it: image, belief, feelings.
4
Desensitisation
Short sets of guided eye movements or taps while you notice what arises.
5
Installation
We strengthen a more helpful belief about the memory.
6
Body scan
We check for any tension still held in the body.
7
Closure
Every session ends steadily, with grounding and a plan for between sessions.
8
Review
Next time we check how things have settled and decide what's next.
What the guidance says
NICE (NG116) recommends EMDR as one of the trauma-focused therapies for adults with PTSD after non-combat trauma. Trauma-focused CBT is also recommended, and I'll tell you if I think another approach would suit you better.
The World Health Organization also advises that EMDR should be considered for adults with PTSD.
If your trauma was in combat
NICE's EMDR recommendation is for non-combat trauma. If your difficulties come from combat, we'll talk through the options at the start so you're offered the approach most likely to help, which may be a specialist veterans' service.
How online sessions work
- A video call from a quiet, private place
- Guided eye movements on screen, or self-tapping, whichever you prefer
- Headphones and a stable connection help
- We agree what to do if you're interrupted mid-session
Honest limits
- EMDR can be tiring or upsetting at times
- It isn't right for everyone straight away; some people need more preparation first
- The number of sessions varies, and we review regularly
- It isn't an emergency service
Written by Georgia Powell
BACP Accredited counsellor and psychotherapist, trained in EMDR (standard training, EMDR Europe-accredited, completed October 2026). Last reviewed October 2026.
Sources
NICE guideline NG116: post-traumatic stress disorder · WHO guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress (2013) · EMDR Association UK