EMDR Therapy in Rickmansworth: What It Is and How It Can Help

If you have been carrying memories or feelings that still affect you today, you may be wondering about EMDR therapy and how it can help. At Lavender Lane Counselling, I offer EMDR therapy in Rickmansworth in a gentle and supportive way, helping people move forward from difficult or overwhelming experiences.

For many people, difficult memories can feel as though they are stuck. Even when time has passed, reminders of what happened can still bring up strong emotions, anxiety, or self-doubt. EMDR therapy offers a safe and structured way of helping the brain reprocess these experiences so they no longer feel as intense or disruptive in daily life.

What is EMDR Therapy in Rickmansworth?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It was first developed in the late 1980s and is now recommended by organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the NHS for treating trauma. At Lavender Lane Counselling, I provide EMDR therapy in Rickmansworth, supporting clients who want to process difficult memories in a safe and structured way.

At its heart, EMDR helps the brain to naturally process memories that have become stuck in the nervous system. During sessions, you may be invited to bring a memory or experience to mind while at the same time engaging in something called bilateral stimulation. This could be following movements with your eyes, tapping your hands, or listening to sounds that move from left to right. This might sound unusual at first, but many people find the process surprisingly natural once they begin.

Over time, the memory becomes less emotionally charged and feels more like something that happened in the past, rather than something that continues to affect you in the present.

What happens in EMDR sessions

EMDR sessions are gentle and carefully paced. You remain fully in control throughout, and we go at a speed that feels manageable for you.

In the early sessions, we spend time building a sense of safety and exploring your resources so that you feel supported before we begin any processing work. When you are ready, we use bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, tapping, or sounds to help your brain reprocess memories that have felt stuck.

The aim is not to relive your trauma in detail but to allow the memory to be stored in a way that no longer feels overwhelming. You may notice thoughts, images, or emotions coming up during this process, and I will be there alongside you to guide and support you at each step.

What EMDR can help with

EMDR was originally developed for trauma and post-traumatic stress, and it remains one of the most effective treatments for these difficulties. Over time, research has shown that EMDR can also be helpful for a wider range of concerns, including:

• Anxiety and panic

• Low self-esteem and confidence

• Stress and burnout

• Phobias

• Distressing memories from childhood or adulthood

• Sexual trauma and abuse

Because EMDR therapy in Rickmansworth works with how the brain stores and processes memories, it can often help with experiences that feel “unfinished” or continue to cause distress, even years later. Many people searching for an EMDR therapist in Rickmansworth come seeking support with trauma, anxiety, or rebuilding their self-esteem.

What people often notice after EMDR

Many people describe feeling lighter and calmer, as though a weight has been lifted. Memories that once felt overwhelming become easier to think about, and triggers in daily life no longer bring the same intensity.

Alongside this, people often notice positive changes in how they feel about themselves. EMDR can bring a greater sense of confidence and self-assurance, helping you to trust yourself more and feel less held back by past experiences. For some, this means stepping into relationships and work with more ease. For others, it brings a renewed sense of self-worth and inner strength.

Every person’s journey is unique, and the pace of change can vary, but EMDR often helps people to feel more grounded, free, and able to move forward with clarity.

EMDR at Lavender Lane Counselling

As a qualified EMDR therapist, I offer EMDR therapy in Rickmansworth within a gentle and relational space. My practice is based locally, within easy reach of Croxley Green, Watford, and Chorleywood, and I also work online with clients across the UK and Europe.

Whether you are new to therapy or have had counselling before, EMDR can be tailored to meet you where you are.

A gentle next step

If you are curious about EMDR or wondering whether it might help with what you are going through, you are welcome to reach out to me. We can arrange a free 20-minute call to talk through your needs, answer any questions, and see if EMDR feels like the right fit for you.

There is no pressure, simply an opportunity to explore whether this could be a helpful step on your journey.

Warmly,

Michele

Lavender Lane Counselling