Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Trauma

Understanding the Process and What to Expect

American Psychological Association, 2024 – [Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD Treatment – Click Here]

EMDR Therapy: What Clients Should Know

By Tim Halls, Praxim Wellbeing Consulting

As a practitioner with Advanced Level 2 EMDR training and over two decades of clinical experience, I can confidently affirm EMDR’s growing recognition as an evidence-based treatment for trauma and fear-based anxiety. It offers a structured, effective pathway for processing distressing memories and reducing emotional intensity.

In my practice, EMDR has proven invaluable - not only for its therapeutic outcomes but also for supporting safe, informed engagement. It allows clients to approach traumatic material gradually, with emotional safety and autonomy at the forefront. Over time, this process can significantly reduce the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories.

Safety First: Why Practitioner Skill Matters

As with any therapeutic approach, outcomes depend heavily on the practitioner’s training, competence, and experience. A thorough pre-treatment assessment is essential. This helps identify whether a client may be prone to dissociation during sessions, and if so, ensures that safety protocols are rehearsed in advance. Clients are guided to recognise when to pause or step back, maintaining a sense of control throughout.

This initial assessment also helps the therapist understand how emotional states are linked to the traumatic memory. With this insight, we can offer tailored feedback, grounding strategies, and mindful guidance to support resolution.

EMDR in Context: A Present-Focused Approach

EMDR, like Radical Emotional Tapping (RET), is a graduated exposure therapy typically delivered over the short to medium term. Its strength lies in helping clients process the present relevance of past trauma - without requiring deep psychoanalysis. While we acknowledge the origins of trauma, the focus remains on how it affects the individual now.

If you’re considering EMDR or wondering whether it’s the right fit for your needs, I’d be happy to discuss it further. [Contact me here.]