EMDR for Trauma & Adversity

EMDR for traumatic stress responses, trauma and adversity

Catherine provides face to face and telehealth therapies for those with post and ongoing traumatic stress, complex trauma, developmental trauma and neglect. There are a number of evidence-based psychological treatments available to reprocess and integrate traumatic experiences. Catherine primarily uses Attachment focused (AF) EMDR, EMDR Preci, ASYSST, IGTP, Flash, standard EMDR protocol, and, EMDR 2.0. These treatments can be delivered intensively and can also be delivered blind to therapist, which means that you do not have to talk about the memories. 

Clients act as co-therapists, working collaboratively with Catherine to build an EMDR adaptive information processing (AIP) informed case conceptualisation and treatment plan. At this stage, we identify what skills you need to best prepare you for trauma treatment, which can include imagery work to build inner resources, polyvagal and somatic techniques, neurobiological informed parts work, embodiment and grounding exercises to learn ways to regularly move into your window of tolerance. EMDR is not appropriate for those experiencing active alcohol and substance misuse difficulties. 

Catherine draws on a range of EMDR approaches to desensitise and reprocess flashbacks, current triggers, and flash forwards, which reduces the vividness and distress of these mental representations. Results are usually quick, with many clients processing a number of flashbacks and/or flash forwards in a single session. This treatment can be delivered intensively (3 hour sessions delivered up to 3 times per week) or in a standard format (90 minute sessions). 

Tailored Treatments

The therapeutic approaches used to reprocess and integrate trauma and neglect will be tailored to you and can also include imagery rescripting, nightmare rescripting, parts work (e.g. IFS, schema, ego states), compassion focused mindfulness, CBT graded exposure, heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback, somatic, polyvagal, psychodynamic, and, relational approaches to heal intergenerational trauma and attachment wounds.

Catherine also recommends that outside of therapy, you engage in regular exercise/movement, community or creative pursuits to enhance treatment effects. Catherine also provides guidance to navigate psychosocial services and supports.