EMDR on the NHS??

[Aglassaday]

Has anyone been able to access EMDR therapy on the NHS? I was recommended it by another mental health professional but with the advice it is extremely hard to access on the NHS. If so, how many sessions did you need? I am looking for EMDR for complex trauma from childhood. Thanks

I had it on the NHS but I'm going back a number of years now.it helped for a while but unfortunately my PTSD came back.but that's not to say it will for you because everyone is different.i think where you are in the country plays a part to some NHS services will cover it while others don't.

Complex trauma can be worked through with EMDR but it would usually happen within enhanced Talking Therapies or secondary care mental health with a clinical psychologist who has done training in it. This means there is often a long wait list. The number of sessions completely depends on how much preparation you need, how you respond and your level of support and ability to keep yourself safe etc. Anything from 12 to 24 sessions (including assessment) is normal for complex trauma but will vary also according to how many sessions the local NHS trust is paid to allow you to have.

My local Trust does EMDR but I was told by a consultant that it wasn't suitable for complex trauma, only single issue trauma eg a car crash.