The name, EMDR, refers to a psychological therapy known as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It was developed by an American psychologist Francine Shapiro who noticed (purely by accident) that the lateral movement of her eyes reduced the intensity of disturbing events she was dealing with in her life.

EMDR therapy is recommended by the World Health Organisation (2013) and empirically supported by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2005) for treatment of trauma and PTSD and is used  by the NHS, the private sector and the Ministry of Defence.

Studies have also identified its benefit in treating a variety of mental health problems such as PTSD, trauma, depression, anxiety, complicated grief, phobias, panic disorder, chronic pain, OCD and many other presentations. EMDR is suitable for adults, young people and children

EMDR UK is the main membership organisation in this country and its website has information for potential clients as well as clients’ stories. A video explaining a little more can be found here;

EMDR UK

https://emdrassociation.org.uk/a-unique-and-powerful-therapy

The EMDR Institute, founded by Francine Shapiro, includes lots of frequently asked questions;

https://www.emdr.com/frequent-questions/

PTSD UK has information on the use of EMDR and a number of case studies;

https://www.ptsduk.org/emdr-for-complex-ptsd/

https://www.ptsduk.org/case-study-emdr-treatment-emily/