Treatments / Psychological / Behavioural

EMDR

Experiencing trauma can leave lasting scars that affect your mental and emotional wellbeing for months – sometimes years – after the event. At Harbor, our London-based EMDR therapy is designed to help you process traumatic memories and alleviate the psychological distress associated with them. This allows you to regain control over your life in a secure, private and supportive environment.

EMDR therapy

Navigating trauma with EMDR at Harbor

Living with the aftermath of trauma can be debilitating. Flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts can make it feel as though you are constantly reliving the event, even in safe situations. The result is severe emotional distress, physical chronic pain and even increased risk of suicidal ideation. This is, in part, since memories of trauma are stored in our brains differently to other types of memories; they have no ‘timestamp’. For this reason, it makes flashbacks seem real after a person has been triggered.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a proven method to help sufferers process these traumatic memories and alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognised by the World Health Organisation as an effective treatment, EMDR combines side-to-side eye movements with structured talk therapy to reprocess traumatic memories until they are no longer disruptive.

Our approach

What to expect from EDMR

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy helps to alleviate symptoms by ‘reprocessing’ the way that traumatic memories are stored in your brain until they are no longer psychologically disruptive to your life. This treatment is individually and meticulously curated to your requirements. EMDR therapy sessions at Harbor are comprised of eight phases:

  1. Evaluation: A leading EMDR therapist will review your symptoms and briefly discuss distressing events in your life that may be causing disruption.
  2. Preparation and resourcing: Your therapist will ensure you feel equipped to cope with any emotional or psychological stress that may arise, teaching grounding, relaxation, and stress management techniques.
  3. Assessment and selection: You will select a specific memory to target, identifying a visual image related to the memory, a negative self-belief, related emotions and body sensations, and a positive belief or thought.
  4. Desensitisation: You will focus on the negative memory while being guided through bilateral stimulation (BLS), involving side-to-side eye movements, listening to alternating sounds in headphones, or tapping either side of your body.
  5. Installation: The therapist will work with you to ‘install’ a positive self-belief or image in place of the unwanted negative belief or memory during BLS.
  6. Body scan: While thinking of the incident, you will scan your body for any uncomfortable physical sensations to check for lingering somatic distress.
  7. Closure: The therapist will discuss your progress and may ask you to keep a diary or log throughout the week.
  8. Re-evaluation: In the next session, your therapist will ask about the memories and feelings addressed previously to examine your progress.
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How it works

How EDMR can help you

EMDR therapy is particularly effective if you are living with PTSD; it will help you reprocess traumatic memories, alleviate distressing symptoms, regain control over your life, and improve your overall mental health. It will support your wider recovery by:

  • Reducing symptoms: Alleviate flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts that cause distress and disruption.
  • Enhancing emotional regulation: Learn to manage distressing emotions and reduce feelings of anger, anxiety, and isolation.
  • Improving self-understanding: Gain insight into how certain events or memories affect your relationships, decision-making, and career.
  • Addressing physical symptoms: Relieve chronic pain and other physical symptoms associated with trauma.
  • Promoting overall wellbeing: Foster a healthier, more fulfilling life by addressing the root causes of trauma.
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Locations

Therapy sessions are conducted in one of our carefully selected luxury residential properties throughout Central London, depending on your overarching treatment preferences. We can also offer at-home or online services depending on your personal circumstances and needs.

Facilities

Our range of highly discreet residential properties provide a serene and luxurious environment that is designed to promote healing and comfort. Every aspect of your treatment programme is tailored to ensure a fully curated, and truly transformative experience.

Specialised Staff

Our multidisciplinary team includes some of the UK’s leading psychologists, psychiatrists, and therapists specialising in EMDR. Their combined expertise ensures you receive the highest standard of care.

One-at-a-time

Harbor’s pioneering ‘one client at a time’ treatment approach guarantees complete privacy, security and anonymity. It also means that your therapy is completely dedicated and personalised to your specific needs, ensuring focused support and lasting recovery.

After Harbor

Upon completing your therapy at Harbor, we provide robust aftercare programs to support your ongoing mental wellbeing and integration into everyday life. We remain committed to your long-term health and recovery.

Get in touch

EMDR therapy based in London

At Harbor, our EMDR therapy is designed to provide you with the tools and support needed for success in your journey to recovery. Our expert team of psychologists and therapists will work with you to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. Get in touch to discuss EDMR options today

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