This is one of the questions people tend to ask quite carefully. Often there’s a bit of hesitation around it, like they’re not entirely sure how to phrase it, but what they’re really asking is whether it’s going to feel overwhelming or out of control. It’s usually helpful to start by saying what it isn’t. You’re not out of it, you’re not being taken somewhere, and you’re not losing control. You’re present the whole time, we’re talking, and you can pause or stop whenever you need to. It’s a...

Most people don’t come to me asking for an EMDR intensive straight away. They come with questions. And usually, a bit of hesitation. Not because they don’t want things to change, but because part of them is unsure whether this kind of work is too much , too fast , or just… not right for them. If that’s you, you’re not alone. Here are some of the most common concerns I hear, and what’s actually important to know. “Isn’t that too intense?” This is usually the first question. And it makes sense,...

There’s a quiet misunderstanding about trauma therapy that I see all the time. People come in (or are referred) expecting that trauma work is something that gets applied to them. A technique. A process. A set of steps that, once started, will move things along fairly quickly. And I understand why. If you’ve been through NHS services, or you’re waiting for them, the model often leans towards structured, time-limited treatment. There’s usually an understandable pressure to move into...