My EMDR Testimonials
"A sense of optimism has been achieved "
I knew little if anything about EMDR prior to it being introduced to me by Gemma, and after experiencing the process, I couldn’t recommend it highly enough as a tool to help process trauma and learnt to cope better with life’s trials and tribulations, and how past events impact the day to day.
The process definitely drew out many emotions and feelings, but each felt under a certain element of control, which had not been the case before, and was definitely an unusual but positive feeling.
Reflecting on the now and the uncharted territory, a sense of optimism has been achieved through this process that I had not felt before. A sense of control and understanding, that my difficulties will always be with me, but they do not have to define me. Situations that had once crippled me in one way or another, I am able to feel more at ease coping with. Not as pent up with anger, mistrust or trepidation, but a securing sense of calmness and understanding. Difficult situations that would have flooded me, are now more of a calming stream that passes through a little more gently than before.
"Gemma's skill and caring approach was central"
I had been struggling with past events and family relationships for years, becoming a dad triggered emotions, which many were negative around my own ability to be a father.
Gemma introduced EMDR, which initially I was sceptical of thinking it was some form of hypnotism. Because of the relationship I had built with Gemma and information she gave me beforehand I decided to give it a go. It has been, by a long way, the most positive part of therapy I have experienced. It allowed me to reprocess specific events and attach new feelings to them. Gemma’s skill and caring approach was central to this.
"The EMDR sessions were totally life changing"
As a teacher working during the pandemic since March, I was finding it increasingly difficult to manage my stress and anxiety. Coming back after the holidays was hard and with so many changes in the September, my brain finally gave up and I felt totally overwhelmed. Not something I’m used to as I usually felt in control of my work and on top of things, and was so down on myself feeling like I had failed. Luckily, I was pointed to the direction of Gemma, who’s input has been totally life changing!
I didn’t realise that some of my own trauma, mixed with a pandemic and a stressful job had to be dealt with before I could function properly again. Gemma helped me to see how trauma can affect your brain and your body, and this itself really helped me to understand what was going on for me and really put things into perspective. The EMDR sessions were totally life changing in helping me deal with specific traumas, and some of the physical reactions I had to it were incredible. It made me see how important it is to process these traumas so your brain AND your body can heal. Although the stress and situation in my job hasn’t gone away, I feel able to face this and manage it properly, and in better place to set boundaries. The knowledge of trauma and how it affects me has given me such a better understanding of myself. Thank you so much, I certainly couldn’t have moved on with your input and EMDR.
"EMDR is amazing"
Working with Gemma Ridge was the best decision I have made in a very long time. EMDR is amazing, I am still surprised at the results. Gemma helped guide me through the process with professionalism and understanding. It has made me happier and healthier. If I could change anything it would be to go back and start it sooner.
"I could not recommend her highly enough"
I have been using EMDR to deal with a trauma I experienced over 20 years ago. Gemma has provided a safe environment for me to work through this extremely challenging process and I am finally feeling some of the weight beginning to lift. I trust her to protect my wellbeing whilst also pushing me to tackle such difficult memories, and I could not recommend her highly enough.
"It absolutely helped me"
Gemma worked with me using EMDR on a traumatic event that I’d experienced in the last 2 years. I was surprised at how powerful the process was. It absolutely helped me to process my trauma and all the thoughts and emotions that came up for me around what happened on that day. Now when I think about the event I am no longer overwhelmed by the uncontrollable emotions I previously felt.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) was first introduced in 1987 by Francine Sharpiro. She discovered that eye movement decreased her own distressing memories when she practiced the technique. Over the years Sharpiro found other elements that helped reduce traumatic symptoms and created a 8 phase treatment protocol.
This type of therapy desensitises upsetting memories that are ‘stuck’ in our long-term memory network. EMDR does not erase traumatic memories but works on reducing the distress they cause. These are the memories we want to block out, or we have found ways to do so (possibly by numbing with alcohol, drugs or being distracted). We hope that by not thinking about them, we will not be affected; but this is rarely the case. It could be years after the event when something will trigger the trauma to come back. For example, a bad dream, flashback, or a panic attack. Or it could be, seeing particular people, certain smells or watching a tv programme. Anything that reminds you of the original trauma.
How it works.
The traumatic experience is activated from our long-term memory network into our short-term memory. Next, the therapist will use bilateral movement through eye movement or tapping. This stimulates both sides of the brain at the same time. By focusing on the past traumatic memory at the same time as focusing on the quick movement of the therapist’s fingers, the working memory can process the traumatic information that has been stuck or is triggered by day-to-day events. Eventually the original feelings, thoughts, sensations or memories lose their intensity, become ‘fuzzy’ and, are less emotionally disturbing.
Although EMDR may sound strange, it is backed by a strong evidence base in treating trauma, anxiety, phobias and other presentations. For example, the NICE guidelines recommend EMDR for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are considering EMDR, please make sure the therapist is trained by an Accredited EMDR association in all 3 levels (4 if working with children).
Will I be retraumatised?
Answer: In short, no. During EMDR you may feel initially upset, panicky or even distressed. If this happens, it means EMDR is processing the thoughts, feelings, sensations you are carrying around with you. EMDR releases the unpleasant memories in a safe and controlled space, where we can process them in the ‘here and now.’
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?
Although they share some similarities, they are not the same. In hypnosis client’s often report feeling like they are in a trance like state. In EMDR the client is fully awake, conscious and in control.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different, but generally, you will need fewer EMDR sessions than other forms of therapy. Anything between 4- 12 sessions is typical. Sessions are usually 60-90 minutes in length.
How much does it cost?
£90 for 90 minutes
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) was first introduced in 1987 by Francine Sharpiro. She discovered that eye movement decreased her own distressing memories when she practiced the technique. Over the years Sharpiro found other elements that helped reduce traumatic symptoms and created a 8 phase treatment protocol.
This type of therapy desensitises upsetting memories that are ‘stuck’ in our long-term memory network. EMDR does not erase traumatic memories but works on reducing the distress they cause. These are the memories we want to block out, or we have found ways to do so (possibly by numbing with alcohol, drugs or being distracted). We hope that by not thinking about them, we will not be affected; but this is rarely the case. It could be years after the event when something will trigger the trauma to come back. For example, a bad dream, flashback, or a panic attack. Or it could be, seeing particular people, certain smells or watching a tv programme. Anything that reminds you of the original trauma.
How it works.
The traumatic experience is activated from our long-term memory network into our short-term memory. Next, the therapist will use bilateral movement through eye movement or tapping. This stimulates both sides of the brain at the same time. By focusing on the past traumatic memory at the same time as focusing on the quick movement of the therapist’s fingers, the working memory can process the traumatic information that has been stuck or is triggered by day-to-day events. Eventually the original feelings, thoughts, sensations or memories lose their intensity, become ‘fuzzy’ and, are less emotionally disturbing.
Although EMDR may sound strange, it is backed by a strong evidence base in treating trauma, anxiety, phobias and other presentations. For example, the NICE guidelines recommend EMDR for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
If you are considering EMDR, please make sure the therapist is trained by an Accredited EMDR association in all 3 levels (4 if working with children).
Will I be retraumatised?
Answer: In short, no. During EMDR you may feel initially upset, panicky or even distressed. If this happens, it means EMDR is processing the thoughts, feelings, sensations you are carrying around with you. EMDR releases the unpleasant memories in a safe and controlled space, where we can process them in the ‘here and now.’
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?
Although they share some similarities, they are not the same. In hypnosis client’s often report feeling like they are in a trance like state. In EMDR the client is fully awake, conscious and in control.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different, but generally, you will need fewer EMDR sessions than other forms of therapy. Anything between 4- 12 sessions is typical. Sessions are usually 60-90 minutes in length.
How much does it cost?
£90 for 90 minutes
