EMDR Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that supports people in making sense of painful memories, overwhelming experiences, or internal beliefs that may be affecting their wellbeing.

It's not about erasing the past—but about helping the brain file it away, so it no longer feels so raw or intrusive in the present.

Vector illustration of people holding hands in a circle, symbolising safety, connection, and the relational foundations of trauma healing. Featured on the EMDR Therapy page at The Grove Psychology Practice, offering trauma-informed EMDR for children, teens, and adults.

What Is EMDR?

Sometimes, when something overwhelming happens, the mind and body don’t get the chance to fully process it. Memories, sensations, or emotions can stay “stuck,” showing up later as distress, self-doubt, or a sense of being on high alert.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy designed to help the nervous system process these experiences in a more integrated way. Using gentle, rhythmic stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds—EMDR supports the brain in making new connections and shifting how those memories are stored.

Many people find EMDR helps reduce distress, strengthen a sense of safety, and shift beliefs like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault” toward perspectives that feel more grounded and compassionate.

Photograph of a person’s eyes looking at wooden blocks spelling “EMDR,” symbolising focus, attention, and the therapeutic process of trauma recovery. Featured on the EMDR Therapy page at The Grove Psychology Practice, offering EMDR for children, young people, and adults.

Who Might EMDR Help?

Because EMDR is so adaptable, it can be used with children, adolescents, and adults. It may be particularly useful for people who have experienced:

Trauma (including complex or developmental trauma)
Family violence, abuse, or neglect
Grief and loss
Medical trauma or accidents
Anxiety or phobias
Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares
Ongoing emotional responses linked to past events

Sometimes EMDR is also used to strengthen internal resources—such as a sense of safety, confidence, or calm—before processing more distressing material. This can be especially helpful for people with complex trauma, or when working with children.

What Does the Process Involve?

EMDR begins with a period of preparation and grounding. There is no rush to begin memory processing—in fact, much of the work early on focuses on building safety, resourcing, and understanding what you need to feel supported.

The process may include:

History-taking and assessment
Developing internal resources (e.g. calm place, nurturing figures, protective imagery)
Identifying target memories or themes to process
Processing using bilateral stimulation
Integration of new insights, beliefs, or shifts in emotional experience

The pace is always guided by your readiness, not by a protocol.

For children, EMDR is often adapted to include play, stories, drawing, or symbolic imagery to support engagement in an age-appropriate way.

A Trauma-Informed Approach

EMDR is offered with a trauma-informed, attachment-focused lens. That means:

Safety and consent come first—nothing is rushed or pushed
The process is collaborative, relational, and grounded in choice
Work with children is always supported by their caregivers and adapted to their developmental stage
Cultural safety, identity, and systemic factors are considered throughout

EMDR Resources

Resources for Reflection

If you’d like to explore EMDR further, these resources offer ways to understand some of the themes often woven into therapy.

EMDR Therapy – A Structured Way to Support Healing After Distressing Experiences

Learn how EMDR works in the brain and body, and why it may be suited to your needs.

The Eight Phases of EMDR – What to Expect

A step-by-step look at the EMDR process, from preparation to review.

Exploring Cognitions in EMDR

Examples of positive and negative “cognition” statements often explored in EMDR.

Imagery Tools for Support

Introductions to imagery-based practices such as Calm Safe Place, Protective Figures, and the Container Exercise.

Breathing and Grounding Practices

Simple, accessible techniques to support nervous system regulation during and between sessions.

TICES Log – Tracking Thoughts, Images, Cognitions, Emotions, and Sensations

A structured way to notice and record experiences, supporting your EMDR therapy process.

These exercises are not a substitute for therapy. They are optional tools you can use alongside your therapeutic work or personal reflection. Sometimes, exploring them can stir emotions or memories. If that happens, it’s okay to pause, use a calming strategy, and return later when you feel ready.