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EMDR is perhaps best known for its use in treating PTSD, but the approach can be used in a much wider range of circumstances.

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The important question is:

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What experiences, situations or patterns are causing you difficulty now, and what would you like to be different?

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Depending on your individual needs, EMDR may be helpful when working with:

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• traumatic or frightening experiences

• childhood experiences that continue to affect you

• anxiety, panic or particular fears

• distressing memories or intrusive images

• grief and loss

• difficult or complicated relationships

• attachment-related experiences

• experiences of rejection, humiliation, criticism or shame

• low self-worth connected to earlier experiences

• disturbing experiences that continue to trigger strong reactions

• OCD, where EMDR is often integrated with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy

• preparing for situations that you anticipate finding difficult

• building confidence in how you would like to respond to future situations.

 

Working with the past, present and future

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One of the things I particularly value about EMDR is that it isn't limited to looking backwards. It is known as a "three-pronged" approach. 

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We may work with experiences from your past that have contributed to difficulties in the present.

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We can also work with present-day triggers — situations that continue to cause a strong emotional or physical reaction.

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And we can look towards the future. 

 

Through a process sometimes called future templating, we can work with your imagination to rehearse responding differently to situations you expect to encounter. Rather than simply talking about how you would like to cope, you can mentally experience yourself moving through the situation with greater choice, confidence or calm.