EMDR Therapy in Dubai: What It Is & How It Helps Trauma Recovery
Key Takeaways
- UK-trained Consultant Psychiatrist & trauma specialist with 25+ years’ experience offering EMDR therapy in Dubai for trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, anxiety, grief, and depression.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is evidence-based and helps reprocess painful memories without reliving them in detail.
- Gentle, structured, and effective for clients who haven’t found lasting relief with traditional talk therapy.
- Integrates with Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic approaches, and psychiatric care when appropriate.
- Available in person (Al Manara, Dubai) and online for expats & locals.
EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps the brain reprocess unhealed memories so they no longer carry the same emotional charge. It supports recovery from trauma, PTSD/C-PTSD, anxiety, grief, and depression—especially when talking alone hasn’t helped.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps the nervous system safely reprocess traumatic or distressing memories. Rather than retelling events in detail, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones) to reduce emotional intensity and shift unhelpful beliefs.
How is EMDR Different from Talk Therapy?
- Less narrative, more processing: no need to describe traumatic events in full detail.
- Targets sensory & emotional memory: complements cognitive insight from talking therapies.
- Often faster for trauma symptoms: many clients notice change when talk therapy stalled.
What Can EMDR Help With?
- PTSD & Complex PTSD (including emotional flashbacks)
- Anxiety & panic attacks; phobias
- Grief & traumatic loss
- Depression (including trauma-linked)
- Childhood trauma and attachment wounds
Also see: Trauma Therapy in Dubai • EMDR for Grief • Depression Treatment in Dubai
Key Principles of EMDR Therapy
- Innate healing: the brain can heal when conditions are safe.
- Unprocessed memories: “stuck” experiences keep triggering distress.
- Past drives present: old learning shapes current reactions.
- Reprocessing reduces charge: new perspectives replace limiting beliefs.
What Actually Happens During EMDR?
After thorough assessment and preparation, you briefly notice a target memory while following back-and-forth stimulation (eyes/taps/tones). The aim is not to erase memory but to reduce distress and update meaning.
- Stabilize & prepare: assessment, goals, resourcing for safety.
- Target selection: identify memories, triggers, and core beliefs.
- Bilateral stimulation: eye movements, tapping, or tones.
- Desensitization & reprocessing: distress reduces; insights emerge.
- Installation & body scan: strengthen positive beliefs; release residual tension.
The 8 Phases of EMDR (Structured Protocol)
- History & Case Conceptualisation
- Preparation & Resourcing
- Assessment (targets, SUD/VoC)
- Desensitisation (bilateral stimulation)
- Installation (positive cognition)
- Body Scan
- Closure
- Re-evaluation
Online EMDR: Secure, guided bilateral stimulation can be delivered via video; suitability is assessed individually.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
- Working Memory Theory: holding an image while doing bilateral tasks makes memories less vivid and less emotionally intense.
- REM Analogy: EMDR may mimic integrative processes of REM sleep.
- Dual Attention: you stay grounded in the present while processing the past.
- 🎧 Learn more in this podcast episode with Dr. Millia and Professor Ad de Jongh via the EMDR Association UK – Working Memory Theory (Part 2).
How Many EMDR Therapy Sessions Do You Need?
- Single-event trauma: typically ~3–12 sessions.
- Complex or multiple traumas: longer-term work with careful pacing and resourcing.
Goal: sustainable, safe progress—not rushing the system.
Why Has EMDR Therapy Not Worked for Me?
If EMDR stalls, protective parts may be blocking access until it feels safe. Addressing these with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, adjusting preparation, or tailoring for neurodivergence (e.g., ADHD/Autism) can restore momentum.
Can IFS Therapy Work with EMDR?
Yes. IFS + EMDR is often ideal: IFS builds trust with protectors and increases safety; EMDR then reprocesses trauma once ready. This integrated, trauma-informed pathway is gentle, effective, and sustainable.
Learn more: IFS Therapy in Dubai
How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost in Dubai?
Session fees depend on length and treatment plan. Discount packages and transparent pricing are available at the clinic. Contact us to discuss options that suit your needs.
Book EMDR Therapy for PTSD & Trauma in Dubai
📲 WhatsApp: +971 55 355 7855 • +971 4 221 6000 • info@firstpsychiatryclinics.com • First Psychiatry Clinic, Al Manara, Dubai
Related services: Trauma Therapy in Dubai • PTSD Treatment in Dubai • IFS Therapy in Dubai • Grief Therapy in Dubai
Testimonials
“Most transformative experience — I felt seen, understood, and supported.”
“First therapist who helped my PTSD gently and effectively.”
EMDR Therapy FAQs
Is EMDR therapy evidence-based?
Do I have to describe my trauma in detail?
Can EMDR be done online?
How quickly will I feel better?
What if EMDR feels overwhelming?
About Dr Millia
Dr. Millia Begum
is a trained trauma specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry and therapy. She trained in the UK’s NHS system and served the NHS in various senior roles.
She is a former EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, EMDR researcher, and board member of the EMDR Association UK. She is now a member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).
Dr. Millia is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, bringing a compassionate, parts-informed approach to her work with clients in Dubai.