EMDR Therapy in Edgbaston, Birmingham
Traumatic experiences can leave a lasting imprint—on sleep, mood, concentration and relationships. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that helps your brain reprocess difficult memories so they feel less intense and less present. At Dr Ibrar Ahmed’s private GP practice in Edgbaston, Birmingham, we offer EMDR in a calm, confidential setting—either in-clinic or via secure video—delivered by clinicians experienced in trauma-focused care.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a psychological therapy designed to reduce the distress linked to past events. It combines focused recall of memories with bilateral stimulation (for example guided eye movements or gentle alternating taps). This supports the brain’s natural ability to process information, so memories become less intrusive and easier to live with.
Why EMDR?
Addresses the root of trauma symptoms, not just the surface
Often produces meaningful change in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy for trauma-related problems
Recommended in the UK for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within evidence-based guidelines
Contact Us
EMDR Therapy
Evidence-based treatment for trauma, PTSD, and anxiety-related conditions
What EMDR Can Help With
People seek EMDR for a range of difficulties, including:
Not sure if EMDR is right for you? We'll discuss options and suggest the best-fitting approach for your goals.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is built around an eight-phase model. Sessions are structured and collaborative.
Assessment & Goal Setting
We explore your history, current symptoms and strengths, agree clear goals and check EMDR is appropriate and safe for you.
Preparation
You'll learn grounding and regulation skills (e.g., safe place imagery, breathing, bilateral tapping) so you feel equipped before any memory processing begins.
Targeting Memories
Together we identify "targets": memories, images, sensations or beliefs that keep distress going (for example "I'm not safe" or "It was my fault").
Reprocessing with Bilateral Stimulation
Your therapist guides brief sets of eye movements (or alternative bilateral stimuli) while you notice thoughts, feelings and sensations. The brain links the memory to more adaptive information, and the emotional intensity usually reduces.
Installation & Body Scan
We strengthen a healthier belief (e.g., "I am safe now") and check the body's response so change holds in daily life.
Closure & Review
Each session ends with grounding. We review progress and plan between-session strategies to support recovery.
What to Expect at Our Clinic
Your First Appointment
A gentle, thorough consultation to understand your story, assess suitability for EMDR and outline a personalised plan. We'll also cover consent, confidentiality and what progress might look like.
Session Length & Course
Typical EMDR sessions last 60–90 minutes. Some people notice improvement within a few sessions; others benefit from a longer course—especially when there are multiple targets or complex trauma. We'll review regularly.
In-person or Online
Choose our Edgbaston clinic or secure video sessions. Your therapist will advise which format best supports safety and effectiveness for you.
Our Approach in Edgbaston
Trauma-Informed and Paced to You
We move at a pace that feels manageable, with stabilisation skills in place before any memory work.
GP-Led, Joined-Up Care
Where helpful, EMDR can sit alongside GP support from Dr Ibrar Ahmed, medication reviews, CBT for skills-building, or referrals to trusted psychiatric and psychology specialists.
Practical, Real-World Outcomes
We focus on improvements that matter to you—better sleep, fewer triggers, calmer reactions, restored confidence.
Is EMDR Right for Everyone?
EMDR is highly effective for many people, but not always the first step for every situation. If you're in acute crisis, actively unsafe, or experiencing certain conditions where stabilisation must come first, we'll recommend a phased plan or an alternative therapy before EMDR.
We'll Help You Decide
During your initial assessment, we'll carefully evaluate whether EMDR is the right approach for your specific situation and timeline. Your safety and wellbeing are always our priority.
Start EMDR Therapy in Edgbaston
If you’re ready to process the past and move forward with more ease, we’re here to help. Book an initial consultation with Dr Ibrar Ahmed’s team to discuss EMDR, explore suitability, and design a therapy plan that matches your goals.
Common questions our patients ask
How is EMDR different from standard talk therapy?
EMDR involves less detailed verbal description of the trauma and more guided processing using bilateral stimulation. The aim is to change how the memory is stored so it no longer triggers the same level of distress.
Is EMDR safe?
When delivered by trained clinicians with proper preparation, EMDR is considered safe and effective. It can be emotionally intense at times; your therapist will help you regulate and pause whenever needed.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Single-event trauma may respond in a shorter number of sessions; complex trauma usually needs a longer, phased approach. We’ll discuss options upfront and review progress frequently.
Can EMDR help with anxiety or depression?
If current symptoms are linked to earlier events or beliefs, EMDR can reduce the emotional charge of those memories, often improving anxiety and mood. We’ll help determine fit during your assessment.
Can EMDR be delivered online?
Yes. Many people benefit from secure video EMDR using approved bilateral methods (e.g., therapist-guided eye movements on screen or tactile alternatives). We’ll advise on setup and privacy.
