EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing for eating disorders

A trauma-informed approach that helps relieve emotional triggers, reshape difficult memories, and support sustainable recovery.

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EMDR EXPLAINED

What Is EMDR?

EMDR is an evidence-based psychological therapy originally developed to help people process trauma. It supports the brain in reprocessing distressing or overwhelming experiences using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sound cues. While first developed for trauma, growing research supports EMDR’s effectiveness across a range of mental and emotional health conditions.

EMDR is generally recommended when traumatic or distressing events have contributed to the development of an eating disorder. In these cases, the eating disorder may develop as a way to manage, block, or dissociate from traumatic memories, or as a form of self-punishment when guilt or self-blame is present. Processing trauma may need to occur before or alongside symptom-focused eating disorder work to help clients cope without relying on eating disorder symptoms.  

1.25M

people living with an eating disorder

EMDR can help individuals who feel very stuck in their recovery or have not responded to other evidence-based treatments.

The therapy works by reducing the emotional charge of distressing memories, supporting healthier coping, emotional regulation, and clarity even when memories feel “stuck.”

46%

of Adults feel unhappy about their appearance

ASPECTS OF IMPORTANCE

How EMDR Supports Eating disorder therapy

Eating disorder thoughts and behaviours are often shaped by unresolved experiences – including trauma, loss, bullying, attachment disruptions, or distressing interpersonal events. These memories can create strong emotional triggers, influence self-beliefs, and make daily coping more challenging.

EMDR helps these memories feel less overwhelming, allowing clients to:

  • Respond to triggers with healthier coping strategies
  • Reconnect with their values and personal goals
  • Engage more fully in their broader treatment plan

EMDR is pace-regulated, safe, and always delivered in a collaborative, trauma-informed framework by trained clinicians.

BENEFITS of emdr

How EMDR Differs from Other Therapies

Unlike therapies that rely mainly on verbal discussion, EMDR activates the brain’s natural information-processing system. Memories are not erased; instead, the nervous system reorganises them so they are no longer highly distressing. Clients often notice shifts in understanding, emotion, and bodily sensations without needing to describe events in detail. Sessions are structured, calm, and grounded in emotional safety.
  • Reduces emotional reactivity to distressing memories
  • Supports healthier emotional regulation
  • Improves coping strategies and sense of stability
  • Helps reduce triggers linked to eating disorder behaviours
  • Promotes long-term psychological healing
  • Complements other therapeutic approaches

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

EMDR sessions begin with a thorough assessment and preparation phase, where you and your therapist explore your goals, coping strengths, and emotional resources. When you feel ready, your therapist will guide you in identifying target memories or triggers to work on. During reprocessing, you will focus on aspects of the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation. Sessions move at a pace that feels safe and manageable, with grounding and stabilisation built into every stage. You remain fully in control throughout the process.

A Place of Specialist Support

Is EMDR Right for Me?

EMDR may be suitable if your eating disorder symptoms are influenced by trauma, intrusive memories, or persistent emotional triggers. It can also help those who feel stuck in their recovery or have not responded to other evidence-based treatments. Your clinician will explore your experiences, assess suitability, and create a personalised plan. EMDR can be a standalone therapy or integrated with broader eating disorder treatment.

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How it works

How EMDR Works

EMDR helps the brain process distressing memories that continue to affect emotions and behaviours. By using bilateral stimulation, the emotional charge of these memories diminishes, new perspectives emerge, and clients develop healthier coping and emotional regulation. Sessions are structured and paced safely to support long-term change.

  • Assessment & goal setting – understand your history, needs, and treatment goals.
  • Building emotional safety – Learn grounding, emotional regulation, and internal coping skills.
  • Identifying memories or triggers – Choose the experiences to work on in therapy.
  • Bilateral stimulation – Reprocess the memory safely, reducing its intensity and emotional hold.
  • Integrating healthier responses – Strengthen new beliefs and coping strategies for lasting change.

Building Emotional Safety First

Before any memory processing begins, EMDR focuses on stabilisation: grounding exercises, emotional regulation skills, and developing internal resources. Clients are never rushed and only move into processing when they feel prepared and supported.

Start your journey

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Towards Recovery

If you feel that past experiences continue to affect your relationship with food, emotions, or your body, EMDR may offer a pathway to relief and long-term change. Our trained clinicians provide safe, compassionate support tailored to your needs.

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FAQs

FAQs About EMDR

EMDR helps the brain process distressing memories using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping. This reduces the emotional intensity of past experiences and supports healthier coping. Your therapist guides the process in a way that feels safe and manageable.

Some people experience meaningful change in just a few sessions, while others with more complex histories may need longer. Your therapist will discuss a tailored plan with you during your assessment.

Yes. EMDR includes stabilisation and grounding techniques designed to support individuals who experience significant anxiety. You will only move into trauma processing when you feel ready.

No. Unlike some therapies, EMDR does not require detailed descriptions of past events. The focus is on noticing internal experiences while the bilateral stimulation helps the memory reprocess naturally.

EMDR can be delivered both online and in person when appropriate. Your therapist will advise on the safest and most effective format for you.

Following an initial consultation, your clinician will advise when EMDR can begin. Some clients benefit from a short preparation phase first, while others may begin sooner.