EMDR Therapy for Traumatic Experiences
Specialist EMDR and trauma-focused psychological therapy for adults, available online across Ireland.
Sometimes the effects of difficult experiences stay with us long after the events themselves have passed. You might find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed or on edge, struggling in certain relationships, or reacting in ways that are difficult to understand or change.
At BlueSky Psychology, we recognise that trauma affects people in different ways. Our approach is to understand not only what has happened in your life, but how those experiences may be affecting you now and what you would like to be different.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that can help people process distressing experiences and reduce their ongoing impact.
When Might EMDR Be Helpful?
People come to EMDR therapy for many reasons. Some have experienced a particular traumatic event, while others have lived through difficult experiences over many years.
You may be experiencing:
- PTSD symptoms, intrusive memories or distressing reminders of past events
- Anxiety, fear or strong emotional reactions connected to earlier experiences
- The effects of childhood adversity, complex trauma or difficult relationships
- Shame, self-criticism or persistent negative beliefs about yourself
- Feeling disconnected, emotionally overwhelmed or constantly on alert
- Distress following a frightening medical experience, illness or hospital treatment Read More About EMDR and Medical Trauma →
Sometimes people have a clear understanding of what has affected them. Others notice patterns in how they feel, relate to people or respond to situations, without being certain where these difficulties began.
You do not need to have a diagnosis of PTSD or know exactly what you want to work on before getting in touch.
What Happens in EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is more than a technique for processing traumatic memories. It takes place within a therapeutic relationship where feeling understood, having a sense of safety and working at an appropriate pace are important.
We begin by getting to know you and understanding the difficulties you are experiencing. Together, we consider your history, current circumstances and what you would like to gain from therapy.
When you are ready, EMDR can involve bringing aspects of a distressing memory to mind while engaging in guided eye movements or other forms of alternating stimulation. This can help reduce the emotional intensity associated with the memory and change how it affects you in the present.
You remain awake and aware throughout the process, and we work collaboratively to decide what feels manageable. Time is also given to preparation, developing ways of managing distress and reviewing how therapy is progressing.
The aim is not to erase what happened, but to help you remember and understand past experiences without feeling as though you are continuing to relive them.
Working with Complex Trauma
When difficulties are connected with repeated experiences, childhood relationships, emotional neglect or prolonged periods of feeling unsafe, therapy may need to take a broader and more gradual approach.
At BlueSky Psychology, we integrate EMDR with other psychological and trauma-informed approaches where appropriate. This allows us to consider the wider impact of your experiences, including relationships, emotional regulation, self-esteem and the ways you have learned to cope.
EMDR at BlueSky Psychology
EMDR is provided by psychologists within the BlueSky Psychology team, with therapy tailored to your individual experiences, needs and goals.
Dr Áine Lombard is the founder and Clinical Director of BlueSky Psychology, a Chartered Counselling Psychologist and EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner. Áine has a particular professional interest in PTSD, complex trauma and medical trauma.
Dr Anna Maciak is a Counselling Psychologist who integrates EMDR within her therapeutic approach. She has a particular interest in the psychological impact of physical health difficulties, illness and medical experiences.
Dr Liam Grisley is a Clinical Psychologist who uses EMDR alongside other evidence-based approaches when working with trauma, anxiety and other psychological difficulties.
When you contact us, we can discuss what you are looking for and help you identify the psychologist who may be most suited to your needs and preferences.
Online EMDR & Extended Sessions
We offer online EMDR therapy to adults throughout Ireland, allowing you to access psychological therapy from a private and familiar environment.
Alongside standard appointments, Dr Áine Lombard also offers extended online EMDR sessions of 90–120 minutes for clients who may benefit from additional time for focused trauma processing.
Longer appointments are arranged according to individual clinical needs and suitability.
Find Out More About Extended EMDR Sessions →
Considering Therapy?
If you're considering EMDR therapy, you can choose a free 15-minute suitability call or book an initial psychological therapy appointment online. If you would prefer to ask a question first, you can also send us an enquiry.
