‍Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of treatment I offer at my practice in Warrington, Cheshire. It's custom designed for each client and always performed in a safe and controlled environment for your benefit so that you keep comfortable.But is EMDR legitimate? What can EMDR be used for? And is it effective at treating chronic depression? To learn more, here is everything you need to know about EMDR therapy:

What can EMDR be used for?

EMDR therapy is best known for treating trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The approach is widely known for reducing the symptoms of PTSD, such as re-experiencing traumatic events, avoidance and emotional numbing, and hyperarousal. If you have PTSD, this could be a hugely beneficial treatment that could improve your life. The idea of repeatedly reliving the same traumatic event in your mind is almost torturous. But with EMDR therapy, you can come to terms with what happened and see beyond the event(s) for a brighter future. EMDR is formally approved by the NHS and WHO as a clinically proven treatment for PTSD.

It's also used to treat anxiety, addictions, behavioural difficulties and more.

As well as PTSD, therapists also recommend EMDR to treat other conditions such as anxiety, addictions and behavioural difficulties. For example, people with generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias or social anxiety can all benefit from EMDR therapy. Even dissociative identity disorder and amnesia are treatable through this, as are eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia. But it's up to your therapist to decide if you require EMDR or not. Some conditions may benefit more from another treatment type or a combination of treatments for the best results. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy.

Is EMDR therapy effective in treating chronic depression?

Yes. EMDR therapy for depression is an effective process. In fact, according to two studies carried out in Spain and Italy, EMDR is even effective in treating the extremities of chronic depression. Techniques such as bilateral stimulation can also help identify the powerful and negative thoughts or beliefs that trigger symptoms.From here, EMDR then changes the beliefs of the events by activating each half of the brain to create new neural connections. As a result, symptoms of chronic depression can become less severe. It's a complex method of psychotherapy which enables you to focus on emotionally disturbing material in a more manageable way.

EMDR is especially effective for treating depression comorbid with PTSD.

EMDR for depression is especially effective where it's comorbid with PTSD. The two share similar symptoms, such as trouble sleeping, emotional outbursts - including anger or aggression - and loss of interest in activities. Not only that, but research also suggests that people with PTSD are more likely to have depression. So, with the help of EMDR therapy, there is a high chance that you'll experience a reduction in symptoms. The European Depression EMDR Network even discovered that EMDR treats chronic depression at a similar rate to CBT - a more traditional treatment for the condition, meaning it's as (if not more) effective.

What are the eight stages of EMDR therapy?

1. The first stage of EMDR therapy is the treatment rundown. Here, we discuss your aims and develop a treatment plan that focuses on the pacing of your therapy.
2. Stage two is where you'll prepare your mind. During this time, you will learn several coping strategies to handle the stress that you're experiencing, such as breathing exercises or mindfulness.
3. The third stage sees us digging deeper into the specific memories you latch onto and any triggers that take your mind back to those experiences. You will describe your physical sensations when you focus on these events.

Stages 4-7 cover the treatment, while stage 8 is reserved for evaluation.

In the next three stages of EMDR, you will begin the treatment process.EMDR targets specific traumatic events to minimise the impact on your mental well-being. We will focus on particular memories within each session while you simultaneously follow guided eye movements using an object, sound or instruction. Once you let go of this focus, you can comfortably access your deepest thoughts and feelings. Finally, we will evaluate the progress you've made. It's vital you're as in-depth and truthful as possible during your evaluation so we can talk about the next steps of your therapy journey.EMDR therapy can help you manage your trauma and release the negative connotations of such events over time. In addition, the treatment's ability to desensitise the axis and cortexes of the brain to relieve stress make it one of the most innovative psychotherapy techniques available today.As a person-centred counsellor who offers EMDR therapy in Warrington, Cheshire, I have a wealth of experience in helping all my clients find the right solutions for them. So if you would like to learn more about how I work - or if you want to book a session - please visit my website and let's get you on the road to recovery.