Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) at UoB

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help you process distressing or traumatic experiences, so they feel less overwhelming. Many university students find EMDR helpful for managing anxiety, academic pressure, past trauma, low self-esteem, and difficulty concentrating.

EMDR works by helping your brain reprocess memories or worries that feel ‘stuck’ by engaging the brain’s natural processing and integration system which processes and files memories - the same system involved in REM sleep. When an experience is too stressful, the memory can become ‘stuck.’ EMDR helps the brain resume its natural healing process so the memory can be processed and integrated in a healthier, less distressing way.

During a session, you focus on a memory or feeling while following bilateral stimulation - such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds. Over time, the emotional intensity of the memory reduces and new, more balanced thoughts take its place.

You can explore more about EMDR The basics - EMDR UK Association and What is EMDR? | Types of therapy and see a short video about EMDR here: https://youtu.be/bIJZQAr9nQo

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a therapy that helps you process stressful or traumatic experiences so they feel less intense. It uses guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds to support the brain’s natural healing process.

What kind of issues do we offer EMDR for?

At the University we have limited capacity for EMDR so we only offer this therapy as an option for students who are being affected day to day by past traumatic events.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No, not in detail and not talked about in each session as can be the case with some talking therapies. A brief description of the traumatic event that caused the distress is taken at the start of the process during history taking, and at this point, the therapist will seek to understand the ways that this is impacting your present-day life. Some aspects of the memory and resulting thoughts, feelings and body sensations are asked about as this enables memory activation prior to processing. This is only in brief and you will be guided by the therapist throughout.

What happens in a typical session?

You bring a difficult memory or feeling to mind while following eye movements, taps, or sounds. Your therapist checks in regularly to ensure the process feels manageable. You will be asked to rate various aspects of the experience using specified rating tools to evaluate if the processing is effective and distress sis being reduced. Before the end of the session the therapist will stop processing and allow some time for you to feel grounded and gather yourself before the session ends. Sessions last from 60-90 minutes and are weekly only.

How long does EMDR take to work?

Some people notice changes within one session, and some may take more. We can work together for up to 10 sessions and, if it feels like you may need longer term support, we can suggest places for you to refer to for this. Not all therapy ‘works’ for everyone and so we can’t guarantee that EMDR will work for you, but it is a well-researched approach with a strong evidence base.

Is EMDR safe?

Yes. EMDR is widely researched and recommended by health organisations for treating trauma. Sessions move at a pace that feels safe for you.

Will I lose control or relive the trauma?

You stay in control throughout. At any point you can stop the processing by using an agreed sign. You will need to activate memory networks connected to the traumatic event to enable processing and you may feel strong emotions during processing, but you are not forced to relive anything in detail. Grounding techniques are used to help you stay centred.

What happens between EMDR sessions?

Your brain continues processing the memories or feelings you worked on. You may notice new insights, dreams, or shifts in how you feel. Your therapist may give you grounding strategies to use between sessions, and you can seek support if anything feels too intense.

How do I access EMDR at university?

If you would like to apply for EMDR at the University please complete our registration form here: Registration form for EMDR and we will be in touch with after we have received this.

Am I eligible for EMDR?

We can only offer EMDR to Normally Registered students who will be available to attend up to 10 sessions of EMDR. We cannot offer EMDR to students who are actively suicidal, in active addiction, experiencing psychosis or potentially leaving University during the process. In these cases, please visit Urgent Mental Health Support.

Our EMDR therapists will assess students for suitability for EMDR and will only commence EMDR therapy if they are fully satisfied it is in the best interest of the student and reserve the right to not offer EMDR if there are any concerns that this is not the case.

Please remember that we are a university service and we do have a limited EMDR provision and will not be able to offer EMDR in complex presenting cases or where additional multidisciplinary support is required. In these circumstances we would advise discussing options for EMDR with your GP.

Is there a wait for EMDR?

We do have a very limited capacity for EMDR, and it is possible there may be a wait to commence EMDR therapy. If you register for EMDR and there is a waiting list, we will communicate tis to you via email and you can choose whether to wait for EMDR or access traditional Counselling in a quicker timeframe.

Who are the EMDR Therapists?

Currently EMDR is offered by Sue Dalton-Knight and Abi Tura – you can find out more about them on our Meet the team webpage.

Any other questions please email: Sue Dalton-Knight (Head of Student Therapeutic Support) s.j.dalton-knight@bham.ac.uk