EMDR Therapy

Brighton & Online

Jo Aldred is a qualified psychotherapist and EMDR therapist offering therapy for trauma

So, what is EMDR?

EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing, which is an 8 phase protocol to assist clients in processing traumatic or distressing events until they become less disturbing. EMDR is both a stand alone therapy and can be used alongside existing therapy (or with psychotherapy from your EMDR therapist).

By accessing the memory networks in the brain, EMDR facilitates the mind and body healing themselves as we allow the memory to reach a suitable place for being filed away safely. More information on this is provided in the video.

EMDR is recommended by the WHO, forms part of the NICE guidelines in addition to being an NHS therapy.


Why choose EMDR?

  • There’s the potential for a shorter period of treatment compared to other therapies and EMDR looks to reduce presenting symptoms, as efficiently as possible.

  • Through the use of bi-lateral stimulation (alternately stimulating both sides of the body) to access the memory network and neural pathways it’s a more active therapy.

  • EMDR offers a route to process difficult material without having to verbalise details to your therapist, as it uses short sets and feedback as a way for your therapist to track what’s happening.

  • Drawing on the latest research in neurobiology, neuropsychology, interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB), somatic therapies and psychotherapy, EMDR uses the mind-body knowledge to ensure the best possible outcome for clients.

EMDR is used in many other instances, and not just single incident traumatic and distressing events. For example, it’s been shown to be of benefit for those with:

  • Complex trauma (also known as C-PTSD)

  • Relational and attachment trauma

  • Anxiety

  • Negative or limiting belief - which can be linked to confidence or self-esteem issues.

  • Phobias

  • Low Mood

  • Pain

  • Grief and loss

Set yourself up for success

Identify your starting point

What brings you to therapy at this point and what symptoms/issues are showing up for you?

Imagine your ideal life

What do you most hope to gain from EMDR therapy?

Discover your authentic self

How might your future self look, feel, sound or interact? Are there any downsides to changes in your life?

Invest in you

You get out of therapy, what you put into it - so how will you know when therapy has been successful?

Ready to take the next steps?

START HERE

Free Initial Consultation

If you've any questions about EMDR, or would like to get a feel of what it's like to work with me, then you can book a free initial video or phone consultation (15 minutes)

EMDR History taking & treatment planning

It's important to build a clear picture of your life history, key events and begin to identify your therapy goals (or targets) which is what we'll do in this 90 minute session, before deciding suitability for EMDR

EMDR Sessions

We'll collaborate on a ‘map’ of the work we'll be undertaking and this will serve as our guide through phases 4-8 of the EMDR protocol.

Sessions tend to be weekly, or twice a week, depending on the map we create and will be a minimum of 60 minutes - both online and in-person

I’m also the secretary of EMDR Sussex - a regional group of EMDR UK

Registered and accredited professional with The National Counselling Society (membership NCS17-05586) which means I abide by their code of ethics and standards.

I’m a member of European Studies for Trauma & Dissociation ESTD UK (European group of ISSTD) and the International Society for Maladaptive Daydreaming ISMD to support the breadth and depth of my clinical knowledge.

I hold an enhanced DBS.