Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR)

A Client-Friendly Guide to EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps people process and recover from traumatic or distressing experiences. At Tom Carter Therapy in Norwich, EMDR is available as part of a tailored therapeutic plan designed to support your individual needs.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that enables people to recover from emotional difficulties caused by distressing life events. It involves recalling upsetting memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation—such as guided side-to-side eye movements, gentle tapping, or auditory cues.

This helps the brain to reprocess traumatic information so that it no longer causes emotional distress or disruption in everyday life.

What Can EMDR Be Used For?

Originally developed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has been shown to be effective for a wide range of conditions, including:

  • Anxiety and panic attacks

  • Phobias

  • Depression

  • Chronic pain

  • Addictions

  • Grief and bereavement

  • Performance anxiety

At Tom Carter Therapy, EMDR is used to help with issues such as trauma, anxiety, fears and phobias, and other deep-rooted emotional responses. It’s designed to help you regain control and build emotional resilience.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR therapy follows an eight-phase process:

  1. History Taking – Gathering background information and planning treatment.

  2. Preparation – Explaining the process and teaching techniques to manage emotional responses.

  3. Assessment – Identifying target memories and associated negative beliefs.

  4. Desensitisation – Processing distressing memories while using bilateral stimulation.

  5. Installation – Strengthening positive beliefs to replace negative ones.

  6. Body Scan – Checking for and addressing any residual tension in the body.

  7. Closure – Ensuring stability and calmness at the end of each session.

  8. Re-evaluation – Reviewing progress and identifying any remaining areas to address.

This structure helps the mind reprocess difficult memories so they become less vivid and emotionally overwhelming.

What to Expect from a Session

At Tom Carter Therapy, EMDR sessions are calm, supportive, and client-focused. Here’s what typically happens:

  • You remain fully conscious and in control—EMDR is not a form of hypnosis.

  • Sessions usually last between 60 and 90 minutes.

  • You will be guided through recalling distressing experiences while you engage in bilateral stimulation.

  • The aim is to process these experiences in a safe, structured way, reducing their emotional impact.

You’ll always be supported in a secure and professional environment where your wellbeing is the top priority.

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you're struggling with unresolved trauma, anxiety, or difficult memories that affect your daily life, EMDR at Tom Carter Therapy could be a powerful step toward healing.

By targeting the root causes of emotional distress, EMDR allows you to move forward with greater confidence, calm, and clarity.

To book a consultation, please visit https://calendly.com/tom-carter-hypno/consultation-call