EMDR Therapist
Transforming the effects of trauma/ distressing life events which may have resulted in anxiety, low mood, depression, PTSD, phobias, low self-esteem, anger, sleeping problems, eating disorders, or post natal depression.
What is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It was developed by Dr Francine Shapiro, an American psychologist in the 1980s. It is effective for resolving emotional and psychological difficulties caused by difficult or distressing life experiences. It is recommended by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) as a first line treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. However it also becoming increasingly known for its effectiveness with phobias, panic attacks, depression, anxiety, nightmares, sleep problems, grief, and low self-esteem or confidence. EMDR enables clients to activate their natural healing process.
A distressing life event or trauma can be ‘major’ event like an accident, hospitilisation, war, natural disaster, or abuse. However a trauma can also be something seen as ‘smaller’ but is still traumatic to that person, such as being made to feel embarrassed or being hurt by a negative comment. For children it may be bullying, feeling ashamed for wetting their bed, feeling distressed from starting nursery or school, amongst many other things.
When a person is traumatised or has a distressing experience, this can result in symptoms of anxiety, depression, shame, anger, stress, guilt and in children may cause behavioural changes. It can also lead to the development of phobias.
When a person is involved in a trauma, they may feel overwhelmed and their brain is unable to process the information as it normally would. This distressing memory then becomes stored in the wrong part of the brain and it can become ‘stuck’ or ‘frozen’ in the body and mind and when the person recalls the distressing memory, they can re-experience what they saw, heard, smelt, tasted or felt, and this re-experiencing can be unpredictable and very distressing.
EMDR uses alternating left-right stimulation of the brain. This can take the form of eye movements, alternating sounds using headphones, or taps. By stimulating both sides of the brain, it seems to stimulate the frozen or blocked information processing system, and the memory is then processed and stored correctly.
Through the process of bilateral stimulation whilst thinking about an aspect of the traumatic event, the distressing memories lose their intensity and become more like ‘ordinary’ memories. The effect is believed to be similar to that which occurs naturally during REM sleep (Rapid Eye Movement) when your eyes rapidly move from side to side. EMDR helps reduce the distress of all the different kinds of memories. The memories are no longer alive in the present, they belong in the past. The person can remember the event without reliving it.
Once people have completed the EMDR therapeutic process, they can often feel empowered and not only free from the distressing experience but have learnt coping skills for future difficulties. A further benefit of EMDR is that clients do not have to speak about the difficult event in detail.
- I can offer in-person sessions from a private garden room at home, or online (video) EMDR therapy.
How long does treatment last?
Before the difficult memory can be worked on (‘processed,’) a full assessment needs to take place initially. The next stage is a preparation phase where clients learn ways of managing any distress and may involve building inner strength or self-esteem. The length of treatment depends on the
complexity and number of traumas and the age when it occurred. For adults, initial EMDR processing may be directed to childhood events rather than to adult onset stressors or the identified critical incident if the client had a problematic childhood. Clients generally gain insight on their situations, the emotional distress resolves and they start to change their behaviours. Generally, those with single event adult onset trauma can be successfully treated within 6 sessions. Those who have experienced multiple traumas will require a longer treatment time. After the initial assessment I always have a discussion with clients about approximate length of treatment.
I believe that the most important part of therapy is to build a trusting and therapeutic relationship, based on compassion and understanding.
To find out more information about EMDR and what a session involves, please look at the EMDR Association’s website www.EMDRassociation.org.uk. Information can also be found on www.getselfhelp.co.uk.
About Me
Registered Mental Health Nurse and Accredited EMDR Therapist. Fully insured, Enhanced CRB Disclosure and member of the EMDR Association UK & Ireland.
I began my career in 2002 as a nurse working in a hospital unit specialising in Eating Disorders and Postnatal Depression. I also worked with patients suffering from a wide range of mood and anxiety
disorders, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and PTSD.
After this I went on to work on a child and adolescent mental health unit, working closely with the young people and their families. These young people suffered with a range of mental health difficulties, due to distressing life experiences such as relationship or family breakdowns, peer problems, abuse, bereavement and bullying. I have a passion for working with young people, as I believe that early intervention is key to enable them the opportunity to live healthier and happier lives.
I then worked in a specialised NHS inpatient service, providing treatment to clients with severe depression and anxiety.
I made the decision to become an EMDR therapist in 2018 because I had witnessed so many people suffering due to traumatic or distressing life events, and I wanted to be able to do more to help. Since my EMDR training I worked with a charity and then in private practice. I am passionate about helping people to recover, grow and overcome their difficulties.
I also have qualifications in Eating Disorders and Solution Focused Brief Therapy which I may use within or in addition to the EMDR process if applicable.
Testimonials
"In April last year I got diagnosed with PTSD after serving for the British army. I went through a lot of traumatic experiences while deployed in Afghanistan. January this year I would of said I hit rock bottom and did not know what to do with myself. But I got the opportunity to have some therapy called EMDR. A therapist named Hannah gave me the best opportunity to take this therapy and 15 sessions later I felt that my life has changed for the good." 2018
"Hannah is very professional and very friendly to talk to. Before I started I was very vulnerable and had no trust for anyone. But Hannah made me feel like I deserve something in life. She made me feel confident and made me feel relaxed and safe. Hannah is very patient and she does not push you, and only when you're ready. I would advise to take this opportunity to take EMDR therapy as it has made me change into a better person and made me more motivated.
I want to say thank you to Hannah who has changed my life. I will never forget you for what you have done for me and made my life change." May 2021
“I suffered with symptoms of anxiety, depression and a head full of suicidal thoughts. I am now happy, confident and able to trust again. I can’t even express the gratitude and admiration I have for Hannah as I wouldn’t be where or who I am now without her. It took me seconds to feel safe and at ease with Hannah. She did everything she possibly could to make me feel important and comfortable which was no easy task. But due to her efforts I very quickly transformed from dreading my sessions and having to be taken to the first one so I would go, to counting down the days until my next one. The sessions were helpful from the start, she helps you understand why you have your symptoms and provides you with techniques to help them be less troubling whilst you prepare for the EMDR. EMDR is the most miraculous and effective treatment I have ever experienced and I can’t recommend it highly enough." Aug 2019
"Before starting EMDR with Hannah, I had a blocker in my life that I couldn't see how I could feel differently about. I thought it was one main incident that was seeping into other areas of my life. Hannah guided me through the process of EMDR to release this & now I have clarity over the trauma & peace of mind for the future.
Hannah has been wonderful, we quickly built up trust, I felt safe in the process & best of all no lingering anxiety in between sessions!
I have recommended her expertise to my close friends when the conversation has evolved that they, or their loved ones, could benefit. But if you are reading this & thinking you can't see how you could feel better then start this process with Hannah. EMDR isn't about coping mechanisms, it's about actually feeling better, not trying to! Best wishes to a peaceful mind." Aug 2022
"I had attempted to get help with my mental health a few years ago but I never connected with the counsellor and it felt like nothing was ever improved. After things had got really bad I needed to try one last time for my family, and the experience with Hannah was completely different. I felt comfortable from the first meeting to our last, and even though at times it was tough, knowing you have a therapist who actually cares about your wellbeing helped pull me through. Over the course of our sessions I went from having genuine plans of ending my life, to feeling like I had my life back. There is no overnight fix, but Hannah helped me through the problems I was having not just with EMDR but sometimes just being a caring person to talk to. I can honestly say that Hannah saved my life, for which I will forever be thankful." May 2024
Fees
An EMDR session lasts 75 minutes. A standard session costs £75, please contact me to discuss your needs and fee.
Payments are to be made either by cash or electronic transfer.
