EMDR Therapy in Glasgow and Online
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process and heal from traumatic experiences. At Illuminated Thinking, our specialist psychologists provide EMDR therapy in Glasgow and online. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, often guided eye movements, to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories and support healthier integration. It is widely used for trauma and PTSD, and can also help with anxiety, depression, panic, and phobias.
EMDR explained clearly
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What is EMDR?
EMDR helps the brain process distressing memories so they feel less raw, less triggering, and easier to integrate.
A powerful trauma-focused therapy
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps people process and heal from traumatic experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation, often guided eye movements, to lessen the emotional impact of distressing memories. Over time, this can help change how traumatic memories are stored, making them less distressing and less likely to be triggered.
At Illuminated Thinking, we provide EMDR in Glasgow and online with experienced, specialist psychologists.
Recognised internationally
EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and is widely recognised for treating trauma and PTSD. It is also used for anxiety and depression. National guidelines recognise EMDR as a treatment for PTSD, and international bodies also recognise its role in treating children who have experienced trauma.
If you are unsure whether EMDR is suitable, we can help you choose the right approach and pace.
How did EMDR develop?
EMDR grew from an observation and became a structured therapy through research and clinical refinement.
From observation to method
The discovery of EMDR began when Dr. Shapiro observed that her eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts. This insight led to a structured therapy approach that uses bilateral stimulation to support processing.
Refined through practice and research
Researchers and clinicians further refined EMDR through research and clinical practice. Over time, the approach became an established trauma treatment, with clear protocols and an emphasis on safety, stabilisation, and pacing.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation while recalling memories, helping the brain process them so they lose intensity and become easier to live with.
Processing with support
In an EMDR session, your psychologist helps you recall distressing memories while guiding bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, taps, or tones. This engages both sides of the brain and supports the processing of memories that may feel stuck or repeatedly triggered.
The goal is to reduce the emotional charge of the memory and update what your mind and body learned from the experience.
What changes over time
Over time, this process can change the way traumatic memories are stored, helping them feel more distant and less distressing. Many people notice fewer intrusive images, less body alarm, and more choice in how they respond to triggers.
EMDR is delivered at a pace that prioritises safety, stabilisation, and your readiness for processing.
What sessions often include
- Understanding your goals and what you want to change
- Preparation and stabilisation skills so you feel resourced
- Identifying target memories and current triggers
- Processing in a structured way, with breaks and grounding as needed
- Integrating learning and supporting recovery between sessions
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is highly effective for PTSD and can also help with trauma-related anxiety, panic, and other difficulties linked to distressing memories.
Common reasons people choose EMDR
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Trauma symptoms after accidents, loss, abuse, or medical events
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression linked to adverse experiences
- Phobias
- Intrusive memories and nightmares
- Strong triggers and body-based alarm responses
- Complex trauma presentations
When EMDR is especially helpful
EMDR can be particularly useful if you feel pulled back into the past through flashbacks, images, body sensations, or intense emotional reactions that do not match the present moment.
By processing the memories behind these reactions, EMDR can help restore a sense of control and emotional balance.
Benefits of EMDR
EMDR offers a structured and efficient approach to resolving traumatic memories and reducing distress.
What people often notice
- Reduced emotional intensity linked to past experiences
- Fewer intrusive memories, nightmares, or triggers
- Less body-based alarm and hypervigilance
- Greater emotional balance and resilience
- A clearer sense of safety in the present
Efficient and empowering
Many clients find EMDR empowering because it helps them process what happened in a supported, focused way. It can bring relief from the emotional and physical distress associated with trauma and support recovery.
Contact us about EMDR therapy Browse our therapist directory
Is EMDR right for you?
If trauma memories still feel close, overwhelming, or easily triggered, EMDR may be a strong fit.
Signs EMDR could help
EMDR might be suitable if you feel overwhelmed by past experiences, notice strong triggers, or feel stuck in patterns linked to trauma. It provides a supportive and focused framework to process traumatic memories and move toward a more balanced life.
A gentle note about pace and safety
EMDR is not about forcing you to relive the past. Your psychologist will help you build stabilisation skills first and will pace processing according to your readiness and safety. If you are in acute crisis, urgent support may be the right first step.
EMDR information video
Here is a video from the EMDR International Association that provides more information about how EMDR may help.
EMDR FAQs
Quick answers to common questions.
Do I have to describe everything in detail for EMDR to work?
Not necessarily. Your psychologist will guide you through a structured process and will pace the work carefully. You do not have to share more detail than feels safe. The focus is on processing, stabilisation, and reducing distress.
How long does EMDR take?
The number of sessions depends on the nature of the difficulty, how many memories are involved, and how resourced you feel. Some people experience improvements in a shorter period, while complex trauma often requires longer-term work and careful pacing.
Do you offer EMDR online?
Yes. Illuminated Thinking offers EMDR online and in-person EMDR therapy in Glasgow, depending on clinician availability.
What if I feel overwhelmed by trauma memories?
This is common. EMDR includes preparation and stabilisation skills first, so you feel more able to stay grounded. Your therapist will adapt the pace and approach to keep the work within a safe window of tolerance.
Other approaches you may want to explore
If EMDR is not quite the right fit, these may be helpful alternatives or complements.
Compassion-Focused Therapy
CFT can help with shame, self-criticism, and emotional regulation, often alongside trauma-focused work.
Learn more about CFTAnxiety therapy
For worry, panic, and stress patterns, evidence-based anxiety therapy can help you build calm, clarity, and resilience.
Learn more about anxiety therapy in GlasgowEMDR therapists in Glasgow and online
We have several psychologists who are experts in EMDR therapy. Explore their profiles and find a therapist who feels like the right fit.
If you want help choosing an EMDR therapist or have questions about trauma therapy, please get in touch.
Ready to move forward from trauma?
We can recommend the right psychologist for EMDR therapy in Glasgow or online.