Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a revolutionary and effective form of psychotherapy, hailed as the “future” in the treatment of symptoms of PTSD, CPTSD, trauma and distressing memories.
Traumatic experiences can continue to affect us long after the event itself has passed. You may find yourself struggling with anxiety, intrusive memories, emotional overwhelm, low self-esteem, difficulties in relationships, intimacy concerns or a persistent sense that the past continues to influence the present.
At Sensate Therapy, we provide EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) for individuals experiencing the effects of trauma, complex trauma, PTSD and other distressing life experiences. Appointments are available in Leeds, Doncaster and online throughout the UK.
EMDR is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps the brain process traumatic memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming and disruptive to everyday life.
Prices:
50 minute session for EMDR - £100
90 minute EMDR sessions - £145
One study showed up to 90% of single-trauma victims no longer have PTSD after only 3 90-minute sessions.
How does EMDR work?
When you're involved in a distressing event, you may feel overwhelmed and your brain may be unable to process the information as a normal memory. The distressing memory seems to become frozen on a neurological level. When you recall the distressing memory, you can re-experience what you saw, heard, smelt, tasted or felt, and this can be quite intense.
Through alternating left to right stimulation of the brain with eye movements EMDR stimulates the blocked information processing system. In the process the intense memories can lose their intensity and become less distressing. Negative thoughts associated with the event that may impact client’s self-perception are replaced with positive and empowering thoughts. The effect is believed to be similar to that which naturally occurs during REM (rapid eye movements) when your eyes move rapidly from side to side.
Trauma and self-esteem
Our pasts are filled with misperceptions. Beliefs are often built on old life-altering memories
Traumatic experiences can disrupt how a person sees themselves and their ability to regulate their emotions, as well as affect the quality of their interpersonal relationships.
The ultimate goal of EMDR therapy is not only to free attachments to unhealthy messages but also to replace them with empowering feelings and beliefs, self-compassion, and self-worth. Research suggests that a solid sense of self-esteem can help buffer the effects of early trauma, making it that much more important in helping build self-empowerment.
Why EMDR?
When traumatic experiences are not fully processed, they can continue to affect emotions, thoughts, relationships, self-esteem and physical wellbeing. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these experiences, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing healthier beliefs and responses to develop.
Unlike some forms of therapy, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly discuss traumatic events in extensive detail. Instead, therapy focuses on helping the brain process experiences that remain emotionally charged or unresolved.
How EMDR can help.
EMDR Therapy can be effective for a wide range of difficulties, including:
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Childhood trauma
Childhood sexual abuse
Sexual trauma
Domestic violence and abuse
Coercive control
Relationship trauma
Betrayal trauma and infidelity
Attachment trauma
Anxiety and panic
Low self-esteem
Shame and negative self-beliefs
Grief and loss
Medical trauma
Birth trauma
Phobias
Distressing life events
Many clients seek EMDR because they feel they understand what has happened intellectually, but continue to experience emotional reactions that feel difficult to control. EMDR helps bridge the gap between understanding and emotional healing.
EMDR for sexual abuse of childhood sexual abuse.
A particular area of specialist interest within our practice is the impact of sexual trauma on emotional wellbeing, relationships, intimacy and self-esteem.
Experiences such as childhood sexual abuse, sexual assault, coercion, domestic abuse and relationship violence can leave lasting effects that extend far beyond the original event. Many survivors experience shame, anxiety, difficulties with trust, relationship challenges, intimacy concerns and a sense of disconnection from themselves or others.
EMDR can help individuals process traumatic memories and reduce the emotional distress associated with these experiences, supporting recovery and helping clients rebuild a greater sense of safety, confidence and self-compassion.
For clients experiencing difficulties with intimacy or sexuality following trauma, EMDR may be integrated alongside Psychosexual Therapy and Relationship Therapy to provide a more holistic approach to healing.
EMDR for complex- trauma.
Not all trauma involves a single event.
Many people have experienced repeated or prolonged trauma throughout childhood or adulthood. This may include emotional neglect, childhood abuse, domestic abuse, coercive control, chronic criticism, bullying or growing up in environments where emotional needs were not consistently met.
Complex trauma can affect:
Emotional regulation
Self-esteem
Relationships
Trust and attachment
Intimacy and sexuality
Anxiety and hypervigilance
Feelings of shame or worthlessness
At Sensate Therapy, we take a trauma-informed approach to EMDR, working carefully and collaboratively to ensure therapy proceeds at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
EMDR, Relationships and Attachment.
Trauma often affects how we relate to others.
Experiences of abandonment, betrayal, abuse or emotional neglect can influence attachment patterns, trust, communication and emotional connection within relationships.
Many clients seek EMDR Therapy because they notice recurring patterns such as:
Fear of abandonment
Difficulties trusting others
Relationship anxiety
Emotional withdrawal
People-pleasing
Intense emotional reactions
Difficulties with intimacy
EMDR can help address the underlying experiences that contribute to these patterns, supporting healthier and more secure relationships.
What to Expect from EMDR Therapy
EMDR is delivered in phases, beginning with assessment, stabilisation and preparation before trauma processing begins.
Together, we will develop strategies to help you feel safe and supported throughout the therapeutic process. Therapy progresses at a pace that feels manageable, with a strong emphasis on safety, collaboration and choice.
The goal is not to erase memories but to reduce their emotional impact so they no longer dominate your present life.
EMDR Therapy in Leeds and Online.
We offer specialist EMDR Therapy in Leeds and online throughout the UK.
Whether you are struggling with PTSD, complex trauma, childhood trauma, sexual trauma, domestic abuse, coercive control, attachment difficulties, relationship trauma or low self-esteem, EMDR can help you process distressing experiences and reduce their ongoing impact on your daily life.
Our trauma-informed approach combines evidence-based EMDR with a compassionate understanding of how trauma can affect relationships, intimacy, emotional wellbeing and sense of self.
If you would like to discuss whether EMDR Therapy may be right for you, please contact Sensate Therapy to arrange an initial consultation.
