EMDR for children uses creative, child-friendly adaptations — including the butterfly hug and drawing protocols — to help young people process trauma safely. This guide explains how child EMDR works, what the research shows, and how to access it through the NHS or privately in the UK.
Both EMDR and trauma-focused CBT are recommended by NICE as first-line treatments for PTSD — and the research shows they’re similarly effective. But they work in very different ways, and for many people, one feels like a much better fit than the other. This article clearly explains how each approach works, what the evidence says, and how to think about which might suit you best.
EMDR is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment for PTSD and is available on the NHS — but knowing how to access it, and what to do if you face a long wait, can make a real difference. This guide explains exactly how to get EMDR through the NHS, what to expect from the referral process, and the alternatives available if you need support sooner.
EMDR has more than 30 randomised controlled trials supporting its effectiveness for PTSD — making it one of the most rigorously studied psychological treatments in existence. This article looks at what the research actually shows, how effective EMDR is in real-world settings, what the 2025 evidence adds, and what you can realistically expect from treatment.
EMDR therapy — Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing — is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people process painful memories and heal from trauma. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it does not require you to describe your experiences in detail. Endorsed by the NHS, NICE, and the World Health Organization, it is one of the most thoroughly researched psychological treatments available.
