Understanding Trauma and PTSD
Most people will experience something stressful or overwhelming during their life. For some, events such as accidents, abuse, loss, or medical trauma can leave a lasting impact. While the brain usually processes memories in a way that allows us to move forward, traumatic experiences do not always follow this pattern.
When this happens, memories can remain “stuck” and feel as though they are happening in the present. This can lead to symptoms often associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, anxiety, or a constant sense of being on edge.
Trauma is not only about what happened, but also about how those memories continue to affect both the body and the mind long afterwards. This is where therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) can make a real difference.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their intense emotional charge. It is recognised by the NHS, NICE, and the World Health Organization as one of the most effective treatments for PTSD and other trauma-related conditions.
Unlike many traditional talking therapies, EMDR does not require you to retell every detail of what happened. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, alternating tones, or gentle tapping while you recall aspects of a memory. This process helps the brain “unstick” the memory and store it in a calmer, more adaptive way.
How EMDR Helps with Trauma
During EMDR sessions, your therapist will guide you through a structured and safe process, which often includes:
- Identifying distressing memories that still feel unresolved or trigger difficult emotions.
• Learning grounding techniques so you feel steady and able to manage strong reactions during the session.
• Reprocessing the memory using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, sounds, or taps. This helps the brain make new connections around the memory so that instead of feeling vivid, raw, and “present,” it gradually becomes stored in a calmer and more adaptive way. Over time, the memory usually feels less sharp and overwhelming, and the emotional intensity decreases.
• Installing positive beliefs to replace unhelpful ones, for example shifting from “I am powerless” to “I survived and I am safe now.”
Many people describe EMDR as the first time they truly feel a traumatic event belongs in the past, rather than something that continues to intrude on daily life.
Why EMDR Stands Out
EMDR is unique because it:
• Is scientifically supported and recognised worldwide as a leading treatment for PTSD.
• Works with both mind and body to address the emotional and physical impact of trauma.
• Uses a gentle approach without requiring full retelling of traumatic events.
• Often produces meaningful progress within 6–12 sessions.
What EMDR Can Help With
While EMDR is most often associated with PTSD, it can also support people experiencing:
- Childhood trauma, accidents, or other distressing life events
• Anxiety and Panic Attacks linked to past experiences
• Depression connected to unresolved pain
• Phobias and fears following a frightening event
• Complicated grief and loss
• Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs rooted in earlier experiences
You may also wish to explore Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), another effective therapy for anxiety and trauma-related difficulties.
Trauma Recovery with EMDR at Sereno Therapy
At Sereno Therapy, our EMDR therapists take time to understand your personal story and create a safe, supportive environment before beginning trauma work. We follow a careful, personalised, and evidence-based approach, ensuring you feel secure every step of the way. Our aim is not only to help reduce distressing symptoms but also to restore your sense of safety, control, and emotional resilience.
We are proud to provide the expertise of our EMDR consultant alongside our team of highly trained EMDR therapists. This added level of specialist guidance ensures you receive the highest quality of care and support throughout your healing journey.
How Online EMDR Works
Our EMDR sessions are offered entirely online, combining convenience with the same high standards of care as in-person therapy. Sessions are conducted securely via video calls, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your own space. This approach ensures privacy, flexibility, and accessibility, while still allowing the therapist to guide the EMDR process with full attention to your needs.
You will work with your therapist to choose a safe and quiet environment, ensuring minimal distractions. The bilateral stimulation and reprocessing work are adapted to the online format, with therapists trained in guiding these processes effectively via video.
Taking the Next Step with EMDR Therapy
If trauma, painful memories, or PTSD symptoms are affecting your life, EMDR therapy can help you reprocess these experiences and move forward with greater peace and confidence. At Sereno Therapy, we offer discreet, professional online EMDR sessions tailored to your needs.
Explore our EMDR therapy page to learn more about the process and benefits, or contact us.
Arrange your complimentary consultation or assessment session here and discuss your needs in confidence.
Take the first step towards recovery today with Sereno Therapy.
