Helen is and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner. This approach to therapy was developed by psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a means to treat the emotional distress, negative thoughts and behavioural patterns arising out of traumatic past situations. Over the years this approach has developed a research base and is now listed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a recommended evidence-based treatment for PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder).

 

Many clients with PTSD prefer EMDR over trauma-focussed CBT because trauma reprocessing is carried out during the therapy sessions with therapist support. Homework relating to trauma reprocessing is not required and the therapist assists in the development of self-calming skills before any reprocessing of traumatic memories is initiated.

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Helen has also trained with Dr Philip Manfield based in California in the FLASH technique, which is a newer EMDR technique that speeds up reprocessing and also diminishes distress more quickly than the standard EMDR protocol. The FLASH technique is also more acceptable for people who are reluctant to re-visit upsetting memories. 

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As EMDR is a NICE approved evidence-based psychological therapy, health insurers will cover this treatment.