EMDR & CBT Treatment
BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR treatment in Gloucestershire
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. It has also been shown to be effective in helping overcome other psychological difficulties.
EMDR has been recommended internationally in the treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) including the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE 2005) in the UK and more recently by the World Health Organisation in 2013.
How does EMDR work?
- When a person is very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does ordinarily. One moment becomes "frozen in time," and remembering a trauma may feel as bad as going through it the first time because the images, sounds, smells, and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way they relate to other people.
- EMDR uses what is known as ‘bilateral stimulation’. Usually this involves tracking your therapist‘s hand with your eyes although there are a range of methods that can be used. This seems to have a direct effect on the way that the brain processes information. Normal information processing is resumed, so following a successful EMDR session, a person no longer relives the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. You still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. Many types of therapy have similar goals. However, EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Therefore, EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way.
Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT is a talking therapy based on the theory that thoughts, feelings, what we do and how our body feels are all connected. If we change one of these we can alter the others.
When people feel worried or distressed we often fall into patterns of thinking and responding which can worsen how we feel. CBT works to help us notice and change problematic thinking styles or behaviour patterns so we can feel better. CBT has lots of strategies that can help you in the here and now.
Laura Bethel
As a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist and member of EMDR Association UK & Ireland, I am experienced in delivering evidence based psychological therapy to address difficulties with anxiety and depression.
After originally qualifying as a Registerd Mental Health Nurse over 15 years ago I attained postgraduate qualifications in CBT in 2008. I have since trained in EMDR with both therapies being NICE recommended treatments for a number of psychological difficulties.
I work part time in a NHS psychology service in Oxford where I provide clinical supervision to other therapists alongside my patient work.
My particular interest is in helping people overcome trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which may be the result of distressing events such as car or riding accidents, an assault or a traumatic birthing experience
I can also help with difficulites such as depression, including post-natal depression; OCD; social anxiety; phobias and low self-esteem.
CBT Clinical Supervision to qualified therapists also available.
https://finder.bupa.co.uk/Consultant/view/237572/mrs_laura_bethel
Approved Provider for
Useful website links
These organisations provide useful information
Bristish Association of Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy (BABCP)
Mind - mental health resources
Moodjuice - self help guides
EMDR information
www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/EMDR.pdf
Birth Trauma Association
www.birthtraumaassociation.org.uk