Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, usually known as EMDR, is a psychological therapy that helps the brain process difficult, overwhelming or traumatic experiences. When an event has not been fully processed, it can continue to affect thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and everyday reactions.
EMDR therapy in Colchester may help reduce the emotional intensity connected to distressing memories, so that the past feels less present in your life.
Reduced distress when memories are triggered
Fewer intrusive thoughts, nightmares or flashbacks
Improved emotional regulation and resilience
Less avoidance of places, situations or conversations
More balanced beliefs about yourself and what happened
Greater confidence in daily life
EMDR therapy in Colchester involves recalling elements of a difficult memory while using bilateral stimulation. This is often guided eye movement, although other forms of left-and-right stimulation may sometimes be used.
The process is carefully paced. Before any memory processing begins, I help you develop practical coping strategies and make sure you feel prepared. The aim is not to erase memories, but to reduce the distress and unhelpful reactions attached to them.
Counselling often involves talking through experiences, feelings and current challenges in detail. EMDR is a more structured, trauma-focused therapy which helps the brain reprocess memories that may be contributing to current difficulties.
You do not always need to describe every detail of an event aloud. EMDR treatment can focus on the images, emotions, body sensations and beliefs connected to a memory, while helping your mind process it in a new and less distressing way.
I offer a free, no-obligation 50-minute initial consultation to discuss what you would like help with and whether EMDR may be appropriate.
Free, up to 50 minutes
£80
£400
A block booking offers a saving of £80 compared with paying for six individual sessions.
Book a Free Initial Consultation
We discuss your current difficulties, relevant history, goals and
whether EMDR therapy is suitable for you.
I help you build grounding techniques, calming strategies and emotional resources before processing difficult memories. Together, we identify the memory, belief, emotion or experience that is having the greatest impact on you now.
During EMDR therapy in Colchester, I guide you through bilateral stimulation
while you notice what arises naturally.
The number of EMDR sessions varies from person to person. Some people notice progress within a smaller number of appointments, while others need longer-term support. I commonly work with clients for around eight to twelve sessions, although this can be more or less depending on your needs, history and goals.
I offer in-person appointments from my welcoming therapy room in Ardleigh, near Manningtree and Colchester. This private, comfortable setting gives you time away from everyday pressures to focus on your wellbeing.
Online EMDR sessions are available through Microsoft Teams for clients across Essex, Suffolk and beyond. Online work can be especially useful if travel, work or family commitments make attending in person more difficult. I will discuss whether online EMDR is appropriate for your individual circumstances before we begin.
Book your Free Consultation Today
Brian ODonnell Therapy supports clients from Colchester, East Essex, South Suffolk and further afield through online appointments.
I regularly welcome clients from:
Yes. EMDR therapy is a trauma-focused approach that may help reduce the emotional intensity of distressing or traumatic memories. It can support people experiencing intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, anxiety and negative self-beliefs linked to past events.
EMDR therapy begins with assessment and preparation, including grounding and coping techniques. When you feel ready, you focus on aspects of a memory while guided bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, is used. Sessions end with time to review, settle and feel grounded.
The number of EMDR therapy sessions varies according to your history, goals and the difficulties being addressed. Some people notice changes within a few appointments, while others benefit from longer-term support. Clients commonly attend around eight to twelve sessions, although this may be more or less.
EMDR therapy may be suitable for PTSD symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance and avoidance. It can also help with anxiety where past experiences, loss, criticism or stressful events continue to affect how safe or confident you feel. Suitability is discussed during the free initial consultation.
No. You do not always need to describe every detail of a traumatic experience aloud. EMDR can work with the images, emotions, body sensations and beliefs connected to a memory. The work is carefully paced, and you remain in control throughout the process.
Yes. Brian O'Donnell Therapy offers face-to-face EMDR appointments in Ardleigh, near Colchester, and online EMDR sessions via Microsoft Teams for clients across Essex, Suffolk and beyond. Online suitability is discussed individually before therapy begins.
If difficult memories, trauma, anxiety or PTSD are affecting your life, EMDR therapy in Colchester may offer a constructive way forward. You do not have to manage everything alone.
Contact Brian ODonnell Therapy today to arrange your free 50-minute initial consultation. I will listen to what is happening for you, answer your questions and help you understand whether EMDR could be the right approach.
