CHRISTIAN K HUGHES
EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy in Stourbridge— Fast, Targeted Help for Trauma and Distressing Memories
Effective, Evidence-Based Treatment for Trauma and Distressing Memories
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy recommended by NICE for the treatment of PTSD and trauma. While I offer online sessions nationwide, I provide dedicated in-person EMDR therapy at my practice in Stourbridge town centre.
Why Choose In-Person EMDR?
While online therapy is highly effective, many people prefer the physical presence of a therapist when processing difficult or distressing memories. My practice at St John’s Chambers, in Stourbridge Town Centre, offers a calm, professional, and neutral environment designed to help you feel safe and grounded throughout the process.
The Problem: When the Brain Gets "Stuck"
After a traumatic event, the brain’s natural processing system can become overwhelmed. This causes memories to feel "stuck"—as if they are happening in the present moment. You may experience:
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Vivid flashbacks or distressing nightmares.
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Feeling constantly "on edge" or hyper-alert.
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Avoidance of people, places, or thoughts that remind you of the event.
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Strong physical reactions (racing heart, sweating) when triggered.
How EMDR Helps
EMDR helps the brain "re-file" these memories so they lose their painful intensity. By using guided bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements), we help the brain move the memory from a place of high emotional distress to a place of historical understanding. You will still remember what happened, but it will no longer carry the same raw emotional "punch."
Location & Accessibility
My practice is centrally located for clients across the West Midlands and Worcestershire, including Dudley, Halesowen, Hagley, and Kidderminster.
Address: St John’s Chambers, 11 St John’s Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1EJ.
Public Transport: We are just a 2-minute walk from Stourbridge Town Station and the main bus interchange.
Parking: Ample parking is available nearby at the Ryemarket or Tesco car parks.
EMDR Intensives
In addition to weekly sessions, I offer EMDR Intensives at my Stourbridge office. This format allows us to work through traumatic material over a shorter, more concentrated period (e.g., half-day or full-day sessions), which can be particularly effective for those with busy schedules or those traveling from outside the local area.
Frequently Asked Questions about EMDR
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How many sessions will I need?
The length of treatment varies depending on the complexity of the trauma. For a single-incident trauma (such as a car accident), some clients see significant relief in 6 to 12 sessions. For complex or long-term trauma, the process typically takes longer. We will discuss a tailored plan during your initial assessment. -
Will EMDR make me "relive" the trauma?
EMDR does not require you to go into minute-by-minute detail of the event out loud, which many clients find a relief. While you will briefly focus on the distressing memory during processing, the goal is to help you observe the memory without becoming overwhelmed by it. We always work at a pace that feels safe for you. -
Is EMDR safe?
Yes, EMDR is a safe, non-invasive, and evidence-based therapy. However, because it involves processing difficult memories, it can be emotionally taxing. This is why we spend the initial phase of therapy (Preparation) building "grounding" and "resourcing" skills to ensure you feel stable between sessions. -
Can I have EMDR if I’m already in another type of therapy?
Generally, it is recommended to focus on one primary therapy at a time to avoid confusion or emotional overwhelm. However, if you are currently seeing a therapist for "supportive" counselling and wish to do "adjunctive" EMDR specifically for trauma, this can sometimes be coordinated. -
What is the difference between EMDR and CBT?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) focuses more on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in the present. EMDR focuses directly on how the brain has stored past memories and works to "re-process" the biological storage of that trauma. Both are highly effective, and we can discuss which is best suited to your needs.
Next Steps
Every EMDR journey begins with a comprehensive 90-minute assessment. This ensures that we have the right foundations in place and that you feel fully prepared before we begin the reprocessing phase.
If you would prefer online EMDR, you can learn more by clicking the button below.