EMDR Therapy in the UK: How It Works & Where to Find Support

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

However, PTSD symptoms and difficult emotions connected to trauma can often be managed effectively with evidence-based talking therapies. One treatment therapists frequently use is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Here, you’ll find a guide to EMDR sessions, other trauma therapies in the UK, helpful information about this treatment, and tips on how to connect with therapists and practices that specialize in trauma-based therapies.

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

Who developed EMDR and why

EMDR was developed by American psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro after a walk in the park, where she noticed that recurring, disturbing thoughts disappeared on their own. She realized that her eyes were involuntarily making a series of rapid, irregular movements rather than moving in a smooth, singular motion when these thoughts arose. Then, not only did the thoughts disappear, but when recalled, they no longer became upsetting. This experience inspired her to explore the therapeutic possibility of eye movements.

How EMDR helps the brain process trauma

In EMDR therapy, the therapist helps the person recall upsetting memories while guiding them through simple, repetitive movements, like following the therapist’s hand moving side to side with their eyes. This process may help achieve emotional balance and reduce the intensity of negative emotions and pain 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. 

How the eight-phase EMDR protocol works

EMDR therapy uses an eight-phase protocol designed to help people who have experienced traumatic events.

Overview of the eight-phase protocol

The phases of EMDR include: 

• History-taking: The therapist conducts a thorough assessment and takes a full history, and the therapist and patient work together to identify what to target during treatment.
• Preparing the patient: During this second phase, the therapist teaches the patient about the EMDR process and strategies that can be used to manage the stress of the trauma. 
• Assessing the target memory: This is a relatively brief phase in which the therapist asks questions to activate the patient’s traumatic memory. 
• Desensitization: In this stage, the patient is asked to focus on the traumatic event while the therapist guides them through using bilateral stimulation (alternating, rhythmic stimulation, like eye movements or tapping). This continues until the client reports that their stress surrounding the traumatic event disappears.
• Installation: After desensitization, bilateral stimulation continues as the therapist helps the client strengthen the new beliefs toward the event and ends once these beliefs are fully accepted. 
• Body scan: Next, the therapist asks the client to do a head-to-toe body scan, noting any negative sensations that arise. Bilateral stimulation continues until these negative sensations are cleared from the body.
• Closure: This phase focuses on closing the session and ensuring the client feels ready to head back into the world. 
• Evaluating treatment results: The next EMDR session begins with the therapist and client discussing the current level of distress around the specific memory and how symptoms are changing. Depending on the client’s experience, the next session will either refocus on the memory or move on to the next target memory.

What EMDR can help with

While EMDR is primarily used to treat trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, some research shows that EMDR helps with some other mental health problems that may have roots in trauma, including:

Trauma and PTSD

As mentioned above, EMDR was initially developed to treat psychological trauma by helping the brain process memories that have become “stuck.” According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, “EMDR has the strongest recommendation for being an effective treatment in most clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD.”

Anxiety-related conditions

EMDR can also help with several types of anxiety-related disorders by targeting the underlying memories that feed the anxiety response. As with trauma, EMDR works to reduce the root cause of these feelings rather than simply managing symptoms. Some of the anxiety-related conditions EMDR may be effective at treating include: 

• Panic disorder
• Panic attacks
• Specific phobias
• Social anxiety
• Generalized anxiety disorder

Addictions and complex presentations

Research shows that EMDR can be helpful for a number of conditions well beyond trauma and anxiety, including overlapping and complex presentations. For example, addictions may be rooted in unprocessed pain, and EMDR offers a way to deal with that pain rather than attempting to work around it. Some conditions that EMDR may be useful in treating may include:

• Substance use disorders
• Grief
• Chronic pain
• Dissociative disorders

What to look for in an EMDR therapist in the UK

In the UK, there are specific standards, training pathways, and professional markers that set a well-qualified practitioner apart. Here are some things to look for when searching for an EMDR therapist.

Accreditation, training, and supervision

EMDR training in the UK follows a structured pathway. The EMDR Association UK is the main accrediting body, and therapists must complete an approved training program, log a required number of supervised practice hours, and demonstrate clinical competence before being allowed to practice independently. The EMDR Academy is one of the most recognised training providers in the UK, offering programs that meet professional standards.

When looking for a therapist, it is worth asking directly about their level of training and whether they receive ongoing clinical supervision. This is a professional requirement that ensures the therapist practices safely and continues to develop as a practitioner. A therapist who cannot speak clearly about their supervision arrangements is worth approaching with caution.

Integrative and trauma-informed approaches

Many therapists who work with EMDR may use it alongside other approaches. The most effective trauma treatment may be integrative, involving a range of modalities depending on what the client needs. EMDR can pair well with other approaches, such as internal family systems and schema therapy.

For some, EMDR may be the primary intervention, but a skilled integrative therapist will know when another approach is better suited to the client’s unique situation. When looking for a therapist, asking what other modalities they are trained in can give you a much clearer picture of how they will approach your care.

Finding an EMDR therapist in the UK

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 psychotherapy options 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 or personal practices 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 for their practice to make therapy more widely available. You can search directories from organizations like the EMDR 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.  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 clinical health 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 such as 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 emotionally during EMDR

EMDR can be a powerful experience, and knowing what to expect can help you prepare. Reactions vary from person to person, but there are common patterns that may emerge.

Emotional processing and regulation

EMDR deals with intense experiences, and although it offers a non-judgemental space and supportive environment, it can still be quite intense. Some of the emotions that are addressed in sessions may have been pushed down for a long time, and people can have a variety of reactions when they come to the surface. Some people may feel grief or anger, while others may feel sadness or relief. 

Safety, pacing, and therapist support

Because the EMDR process can be so intense, safety and pacing can be essential. A skilled therapist will likely prepare the client in the early phases of the process to help them develop the coping skills and stability they need to cope with any intense emotions that arise. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is a strong predictor of positive outcomes in trauma therapy. If the client feels unsafe or that the process is moving too fast, they have every right to say so, and a good therapist will welcome that feedback.

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 psychologists, 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