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EMDR Therapy in Dubai: What It Is & How It Helps Trauma Recovery

Key Takeaways—EMDR Therapy in Dubai

  • Experienced Provider: EMDR therapy is offered by Dr. Millia, a UK-trained Consultant Psychiatrist and trauma specialist with 25+ years of clinical experience.
  • Evidence-Based: EMDR is a structured therapy that helps reprocess painful memories safely, without needing to relive them in detail.
  • Why Choose EMDR: It is gentle, effective, and often works when traditional talk therapy has not provided results.
  • Integrative Approach: EMDR combines well with Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic therapies, and psychiatric care.
  • Available in Dubai: Sessions are offered in person at the First Psychiatry Clinic, Al Manara, and for expats and local residents.

emdr-therapy-in-dubai

Table of Contents

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy method that helps your brain reprocess distressing memories of past and recent adverse experiences. It is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which proposes that when negative memories are not properly integrated, they drive symptoms. Learn more about AIP theory.

How Does EMDR Work—Step-by-Step Guide

History & Preparation
Explore your background, stabilize your nervous system, and develop internal safety resources to feel grounded and ready.

Target Assessment
Identify the memory’s image, its negative belief (about self/world), the emotions linked to it, and how it shows up in your body.

Desensitization/Reprocessing
Hold the memory in mind while performing bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, taps, or sounds). Notice how your distress shifts, and let the brain reprocess the memory.

Installation
Once the distress level has dropped, we “install” a more positive, adaptive belief in place of the negative belief.

Body Scan & Closure
Scan your body for residual tension or discomfort. Use grounding and calming techniques to close out the session safely.

Reevaluation & Integration
In later sessions, we revisit prior targets, ensure the changes have “stuck,” and integrate insights into your daily life and relationships.

Key Principles of EMDR Therapy

  • Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model: trauma may become “stuck” in memory networks.
  • Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, tones) helps facilitate reprocessing.
  • Targeting memory elements: image, beliefs, emotions, body sensation.
  • Phased protocol: preparation, reprocessing, installation, closure, reevaluation.
  • Client control and pacing: you stay in charge; we go at the pace you can tolerate.

What disorder is EMDR most commonly used to treat?

EMDR is applied mainly for trauma-related psychological aftereffects. 

  • People with PTSD, trauma, or distressing memories
  • Those struggling with emotional dysregulation (anxiety, overwhelm, intrusive thoughts)
  • Survivors of interpersonal trauma, abuse, accidents, loss, or grief
  • Those with beliefs about themselves that feel stuck or harmful
  • People wanting a therapy that doesn’t require detailed trauma retelling or long exposure

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).

Real Questions People Ask About EMDR

How much is a session of EMDR therapy?

The cost per session can vary depending on the seniority and experience of an EMDR therapist. Many EMDR therapists with 20+ years of experience often charge more. This is because of their extensive experience in delivering this therapy, and they often use an integrative and creative approach to EMDR rather than applying it as just a technique. Dr. Millia has 25 years of experience as an EMDR therapist. For cost and package discounts, don’t hesitate to get in touch with First Psychiatry Clinic, Dubai. 

How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how many target memories, the complexity of trauma, and your pace. Some see noticeable shifts quickly; others take longer.

How do I find a really good therapist?

To find a really good EMDR therapist, learn about the number of years of experience in this therapy, and if they are an EMDR Accredited practitioner or an EMDR Consultant. 

Do I have to relive the traumatic memory in detail?

No—EMDR does not require full narrative retelling. It works with imagery, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations as access permits.

Is EMDR painful or overwhelming?
It may stir emotions, but treatment always starts with stabilization, grounding, and pacing to ensure safety. You remain in control throughout. Fears and overwhelm are also addressed with the Internal Family Systems Approach. 

Is EMDR better than talk therapy or CBT?
EMDR is different, not necessarily “better.” Meta-analyses comparing EMDR and trauma-focused CBT often find comparable effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms. See meta-analysis on EMDR vs CBT

Research Evidence for EMDR Therapy

EMDR is an evidence-based treatment recommended worldwide for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma. Dr. Millia Begum has also contributed to this research as a co-author of a controlled clinical trial published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease (2011). This study compared EMDR with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in people with PTSD and found that both treatments reduced symptoms, with EMDR showing slightly greater clinical change.

Karatzias, T., Power, K., Brown, K., McGoldrick, T., Begum, M., Young, J., Loughran, P., Chouliara, Z., & Adams, S. (2011). A controlled comparison of the effectiveness and efficiency of two psychological therapies for posttraumatic stress disorder: EMDR vs. EFT. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 199(6), 372–378. Read the full article (PDF)

About Dr Millia

Dr. Millia BegumThe image is of Dr. Millia Begum—a Certified IFS therapist in Dubai 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.

📞 Contact Dr. Millia

If you would like to book a consultation or learn more about services, please get in touch:

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📍 Location & Opening Hours

Opening hours

  • Monday: 09:00 – 18:00
  • Tuesday: 09:00–18:00
  • Wednesday: 09:00–18:00
  • Thursday: 09:00–18:00
  • Friday: 09:00–18:00
  • Saturday: 09:00–18:00
  • Sunday: 09:00–18:00