COUNSELLING and EMDR IN STOURBRIDGE

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy with a substantial and growing body of clinical research supporting its effectiveness. Unlike traditional talking therapies, EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — to help the brain process and integrate distressing memories and experiences that have become "stuck" in the nervous system. EMDR is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a first-line treatment for trauma and PTSD. It is now widely recognised as effective across a broad range of psychological difficulties.

What can EMDR help with?

EMDR has a strong evidence base for the treatment of:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma
  • Anxiety and panic disorders
  • Depression
  • Phobias
  • Grief and bereavement
  • Low self-esteem
  • Addictions
  • Work-related stress and burnout


If you are unsure whether EMDR might be appropriate for what you are experiencing, please get in touch, and I will be happy to discuss this with you.

How does EMDR work?

When a distressing event occurs, the brain can sometimes fail to process the experience in the way it would normally. The memory becomes stored in a fragmented or heightened state, meaning it can continue to cause distress long after the original event has passed — through flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, emotional reactivity, or physical symptoms.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to engage the brain's natural processing mechanisms, allowing these memories to be reprocessed and integrated. Over time, the distress associated with the memory reduces significantly, and clients are often able to recall events without the emotional charge they previously carried.

Sessions typically begin with a thorough assessment and preparation phase before any trauma processing takes place, ensuring that the approach is safe, paced appropriately, and tailored to your individual needs.

My Qualifications and Experience

I hold a Post Graduate Certificate in EMDR Therapy from the University of Worcester (2023), meeting the requirements for full EMDR practitioner status.

EMDR sessions are conducted either face-to-face at my clinic on Stourbridge High Street or online. Online EMDR is delivered using BilateralBase, a purpose-built platform that replicates bilateral stimulation effectively in a remote setting.

©2026 Luke Smith

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