IEMT & EMDR Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety and Emotional Wellbeing
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We repeat what we don’t repair
Sometimes, difficult experiences, memories or emotions can continue to affect how we think, feel and respond long after an event has happened. EMDR therapy and IEMT therapy are therapeutic approaches that can help you explore and work through unwanted emotional responses, distressing memories and experiences that may be holding you back.
Both approaches can be used as part of therapy for a range of difficulties, including anxiety, trauma, phobias, distressing memories and unwanted emotional patterns. Your therapist will take the time to understand your individual circumstances and help determine whether EMDR, IEMT or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate for you.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured form of psychotherapy that was originally developed to help people process traumatic experiences. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, which can include guided eye movements, sounds or gentle tapping, alongside recalling aspects of a distressing experience. It is particularly associated with the treatment of trauma and PTSD and may also be used when working with anxiety, phobias and other distressing experiences.
IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy) is an approach developed by Andrew T. Austin that uses guided eye movements alongside specific questions and language patterns. IEMT therapy can be used to explore unwanted emotional responses, difficult memories and patterns of thinking or feeling that may be affecting your everyday life.
While EMDR and IEMT share some similarities, they are different therapeutic approaches. Your therapist can explain the differences and help you understand which approach may be most suitable for your individual circumstances.
How EMDR / IEMT works
EMDR therapy involves working with a therapist to identify and explore distressing memories, experiences or beliefs. During the process, you may be asked to focus on aspects of an experience while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, sounds or tapping. The therapist will guide you through each stage of the process at a pace that is appropriate for you.
The aim is to help you process experiences that continue to cause distress and reduce the emotional impact they have on you. EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach and your therapist will work with you to ensure that the process is appropriate for your circumstances.
strong>IEMT therapy involves focusing on particular emotional responses, memories or patterns while the therapist guides you through specific eye movement processes and questions. The approach explores how you experience emotions and memories and aims to help you develop a different response to patterns that may no longer be helpful.
Both EMDR and IEMT are individual therapeutic approaches, and the number and frequency of sessions will depend on your circumstances, what you would like to work on and the approach being used.
EMDR and IEMT are not suitable for everyone or every situation. They should be provided by appropriately trained practitioners who can assess your individual circumstances and determine whether the approach is appropriate for you.
Frequently asked IEMT/ EMDR questions:
EMDR is a therapeutic approach that helps people process distressing or traumatic experiences. Through guided techniques and bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping or sounds, EMDR can help reduce the emotional impact of difficult memories and support improvements in symptoms such as anxiety, depression and PTSD.
IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy) is a therapy method that is based on EMDR and developed by Andrew T. Austin, a UK-based therapist. It is a method for resolving negative thoughts, emotions, and memories that are causing problems in an individual’s life. Like EMDR, IEMT uses elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy and bilateral stimulation, but it places more emphasis on the use of specific language patterns to help clients reframe and change the way they think about the memory. Both EMDR and IEMT are considered to be relatively short-term therapies and are used to help individuals with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and PTSD.
IEMT is based on the idea that negative thoughts, emotions, and memories are stored in the brain in a specific way, and that by accessing and changing the way the memory is stored, it can be transformed into a more positive and useful experience.
American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization.
It is also not recommended for individuals who have severe or active mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy) are therapeutic approaches that use eye movements and other techniques to help people process distressing memories, emotional responses and unhelpful patterns of thinking.
EMDR is a well-established therapy originally developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It is widely recognised and supported by research, particularly for helping individuals who have experienced trauma, PTSD, anxiety and other emotional difficulties.
IEMT was developed by UK therapist Andrew T. Austin and focuses on reducing the emotional impact of difficult experiences, as well as addressing identity and behavioural patterns that may be contributing to ongoing challenges. While it shares some similarities with EMDR, IEMT uses its own distinct methods and processes.
Both approaches aim to help people move forward from distressing experiences, but they differ in how they explore memories, emotions and personal patterns. The most appropriate approach will depend on an individual’s circumstances, experiences and therapeutic goals.
At Changes4Life, we can help you explore which approach may be most suitable for your needs in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment.
In just a few sessions, we’ve covered so much that’s already reduced my overwhelm and decision fatigue. I’m seeing calmer days, smoother client management, and more headspace to focus on my business future.
If you want realistic, sustainable strategies delivered with empathy and accountability, I can’t recommend Vanessa enough. She’s genuinely helped me shift my mindset and find clear direction in how I run my business - life changing actually, and that is not an exaggeration!
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She was able to be completely flexible with how she worked, completely giving me freedom in how I wanted therapy to be structured and the topics I wanted to discuss. She was able to easily swap between a therapeutic approach, exploring trauma or relationship issues, or a coaching approach offering practical strategies to help with day to day life.
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