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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) treatment for depression – how this comprehensive therapy can help you

EMDR treatment for depression - counselling using EMDR techniques for those suffering from feelings of unhappiness, sadness & distress

Depression explained

Counselling for depression helps and supports people who are suffering from feelings of unhappiness, sadness and distress. These negative feelings may come and go, they may be constant and they may become serious. Depression is an illness. It may be triggered by a personal trauma such as change, relationship breakdown or bereavement. Depression can undermine confidence, motivation and the quality of life. Depression can be persistent and be a recurring illness. Some people may be vulnerable to depression, or even susceptible to depression. Severe depression may lead to thoughts of self-harm or even suicide. Whilst depression counselling will help, some people may be under a GP for medication as well as seeing a counsellor or psychotherapist. Some people with depression may be referred to a counsellor or a psychotherapist by a psychiatrist or vice versa.

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Using EMDR therapy for depression and anxiety - our approach

At Pinnacle, we have a large amount of experience in depression therapy. We recognise that every individual is truly unique, and this makes our methods of practice evermore important in treating something like depression. The first part of our approach is thoroughly understanding you; our client. We come to a joint decision as to what should be achieved through the therapy. It is crucial to us that we take a holistic approach when treating depression. This means that it can be common practice for us to blend and use various therapies. Also known as ‘integrative counselling’, it ensures that you receive unique and tailored treatments to satisfy your needs. At Pinnacle we know that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that each of our clients is different and has their own set of unique needs and circumstances. We use a combination of therapies for depression, one of the primary treatments is Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR).

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) therapy was originally developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorders, including experiences of war. However, it’s since been found to have far reaching applications for many different types of disorders. At Pinnacle, our EMDR accredited therapists use this advanced therapy to help with a number of issues such as anxiety and depression.

How EMDR therapy can help treat anxiety and depression

Some people don’t want to talk about what is troubling them, particularly those suffering from anxiety, it can be difficult to ’open up’ and explore why they are feeling this way. Some people don’t fully know. That’s not a problem with EMDR because it enables us to work blind to the actual issue: sometimes we work with people and treat them without needing to discuss any of the specifics.

Client success stories

EMDR in more detail

Imagine watching a film back in your mind of an incident which made you feel sad, anxious, or depressed, and then pausing it at the worst moment: the part that really encapsulates how you felt. That’s what we get our patients to do, replaying it in their mind. We ask them to notice something in the past, and then notice something in the present. We call it bilateral stimulation. We do this because the part of our brain that processes that event, the reptilian part of our brain, doesn’t know how to handle the incident and can’t store it as a memory. EMDR helps to change that.

What actually happens in an EMDR therapy session?

The EMDR therapy stimulates both the left and right sides of the brain, using a range of techniques including hand movements, alternating lights or vibrating sensors, while the client recalls the event which is the cause of the anxiety. The effect of EMDR is similar to Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, during which the brain makes sense of the day’s events, reprocessing the memory and releasing negative emotions and associations. Our trained EMDR therapists will guide you through the process helping you to understand your depression.
“I’ve been suffering from depression and anxiety for over 10 years; taking medication and have seen several therapists. My GP recommended seeing Pinnacle Wellbeing Plus, so I made an appointment based on her advice. After the first session I noticed something had changed, but I wasn’t sure what. I’ve had five sessions now and my doctor has reduced my medication and we have set a goal to be tablet free in two months time. I am grateful for the support Pinnacle has given me, thank you.” Jeremy - Hampton Hill, London.

What can you expect from an EMDR therapy for depression session?

Our EMDR sessions for anxiety are tailored to suit your needs. We always take a person-centred approach and work with you to reach your goal. Our sessions usually last from 30 minutes to an hour; we recommend a course of around 6 to 12 sessions.

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