Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative clinical treatment developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro. EMDR helps people of all ages who have experienced psychological difficulties due to traumatic experiences, such as sexual abuse, childhood neglect, road traffic accidents, and violence. EMDR is effective for a wide range of issues, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, performance issues, relationship difficulties, complex trauma, health-related problems, body dysmorphic disorder, substance misuse, bipolar disorder, chronic pain, psychosis, suicidality, and self-harm.
EMDR uses standardised procedures and bilateral sensory stimulation, such as repeated eye movements, to help process and work through traumatic memories. This therapy is guided by the adaptive information processing (AIP) model, which sees present symptoms as unprocessed memories. EMDR helps reprocess these memories, leading to new learning, elimination of emotional distress, and development of cognitive insights.
To learn more about EMDR, please watch this or visit the and the .
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that focuses on how changing our thoughts can impact our feelings and behaviors. CBT is well-researched and has proven successful in treating many emotional and psychological difficulties. In CBT, you and your therapist work together to change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. Typically, CBT is short-term, lasting from six weeks to six months.
For more information on CBT, visit www.babcp.com/What-is-CBT
What issues do we work on?
We work with a variety of life issues, mental health, and psychological difficulties, seeing children over the age of 7, teenagers, and adults. People come to us for help with:
- Anxiety (phobias, constant worrying, social anxiety, health anxiety, PTSD, trauma, OCD, panic attacks)
- Depression, low mood, postpartum depression, seasonal affective disorders
- Emotional difficulties (anger, resentment, stress)
- Childhood and sexual abuse
- Vocational issues
- Low self-esteem and self-criticism
- Relationship difficulties
- Sleep difficulties and insomnia
We also provide treatment for bereavement and loss, and psychological difficulties following serious medical diagnoses (e.g., cancer). If your specific issue isn't listed, please get in touch, and we can discuss your needs or refer you to a suitable professional. We also offer consultation and training to schools and parents about childhood anxiety disorders and childhood sexual abuse.
What can I expect during my first EMDR session?
During your first EMDR session, your therapist will get to know you and understand your history and the issues you’d like to address. They will explain the EMDR process, answer any questions, and possibly conduct some preparatory exercises to help you feel comfortable and safe. The goal is to build trust and create a strong therapeutic relationship.
How can EMDR help with childhood trauma?
EMDR is highly effective for treating childhood trauma by reprocessing traumatic memories stored in the brain. This reduces their emotional intensity and negative impact, helping to improve self-esteem, emotional regulation, and overall mental health.
What makes your approach different from other therapy practices?
Our approach is distinguished by our deep commitment to warmth, empathy, and understanding. We tailor therapy to each individual’s unique needs, integrating various therapeutic techniques, including EMDR, IFS and CBT, and focus on creating a safe, supportive environment.
How do you ensure the privacy and confidentiality of your clients?
We take client privacy and confidentiality very seriously. All sessions and communications are kept strictly confidential. We use secure systems for storing records and conducting online therapy sessions, adhering to professional ethical standards and legal requirements.
What is the process for scheduling an appointment?
You can contact us by phone or email. If we're with a client and can't answer immediately, please leave a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We also offer a free telephone consultation to help determine if our services are right for you.
Do you offer online therapy sessions?
Yes, we offer online therapy sessions, allowing you to receive support from the comfort of your home. We use secure, confidential platforms to ensure your privacy and convenience.
How do you involve parents and families in the therapy process for children and teens?
We believe involving parents and families is crucial for effective treatment. We work closely with families to understand the dynamics and provide guidance on supporting their child’s progress. This may include family sessions, parent consultations, and collaborative planning with schools and other professionals.
What kind of support can I expect outside of therapy sessions?
We provide additional support through phone calls or emails for urgent concerns or guidance. We also offer resources such as handouts, worksheets, and reading materials to help you continue your progress between sessions.
How do you measure progress in therapy?
Progress is measured through regular evaluations and feedback. We set specific, achievable goals at the beginning of therapy and track improvements over time. Client feedback is essential, and we adjust our approach based on what works best for you.
Are there any resources or readings you recommend for clients?
Yes, we provide various resources and recommended readings tailored to your needs. These may include books, articles, and websites supporting your therapy goals. For instance, for EMDR, we might suggest "Getting Past Your Past" by Francine Shapiro. Your therapist will provide these resources during your sessions or upon request.
What if I can't keep myself safe?
If you are actively suicidal, our service may not be appropriate. Seek immediate help:
- Go to any hospital A&E Department.
- Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if you can't get to A&E.
- Ask someone else to contact 999 for you or take you to A&E.
If you need support but don't want to go to A&E, try these options:
- Contact your GP for an emergency appointment or the out-of-hours team.
- Call NHS 111 (England) or your local crisis team.
How do you contact us?
You can reach us by telephone or email. We use a business mobile phone for work. If we're with a client and can't answer, please leave a private message, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Client Handouts
If you need copies of any handouts, you are welcome to download them from here.
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