Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Some events and situations in our lives are so disturbing that our brains cannot integrate and store the information that forms the memory and its associations. Instead, the images, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and sensations that make up the memory are stuck 'in limbo'. These unconsolidated memories are easily triggered by present experiences that resemble them in some way. At that point, it feels like being back there. It is as if we have put out of our mind all that we have learned since. The EMDR process uses Bi-Lateral Stimulation (BLS), usually (but not always) eye movements, to kickstart the brain's ability to link the old memory components with newer, more adaptive information. This makes the old memory less disturbing and enables it to be stored away more effectively.

Gill provides standalone EMDR therapy if a client wants this. However, she finds it a useful tool to integrate into routine therapy when evidence of unconsolidated memories appears in the work.