All About EMDR Therapy: Dr Millia

April 15, 2025

Do you have questions about EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy helps people heal from trauma. It was developed in the late 1980s by the late Francine Shapiro. The therapy uses eye movements to help process painful memories. Here are commonly asked questions about EMDR.

About me

I am a ex-EMDR Senior EMDR Europe Approved Consultant, ex-EMDR Training Facilitator in the UK and a previous Board Member of the EMDR Association UK. I work as a researcher in the field of EMDR therapy and hosted events, been a speaker around various topics related to EMDR Therapy. I am also a Level 3 Advanced IFS therapist. I bring a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to every session. I’ve helped countless clients for over two decades in moving from past trauma and to reclaim their lives.

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1. What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has been used since the late 1980s to help process traumatic memories. These memories, often vivid and painful, can trigger strong emotional reactions. Using a simultaneous process of watching alternating eye movements while focusing on the disturbing memory, EMDR helps reduce emotional intensity. Over time, this process brings clarity, allowing individuals to feel and believe differently about themselves.

2. What Happens in an EMDR Therapy Session?

Therapists will Assess:

The therapist will check the person’s history and create a safe, personalized plan to approach the memories. Some of the assessment will include:

Asking of your fears and concerns
Asking of any Risk-related Behaviors
Asking of your Goals and Intentions
Asking of your support systems and strengths/ coping
Asking for any possible dissociation that you may be experiencing
Current struggles and helping you find links to recent and past experiences

Note- Sometimes people struggle to stay in their body and parts of them keeps them out to dissociate.

Therapist will explain:

Treatment Plan of safely working with memories
Self- care in between sessions
Testing various ways to implement Bilateral Stimulation (alternating external distractions)
Emotions, sensations, thoughts often come up during the sessions
Notice whatever happens, happen without judging or discarding it
There is always a stop signal if it all gets too much
The end of the session, there will be a check-in
Re-check the memory again in the next session and if incomplete, proceed further

3. What Should I Expect to Happen After?

Memory that will be chosen to be worked on by you with the help of your therapist.
Once the memory starts to be noticed, we activate the elements of the memory like the imagery, emotions, self-beliefs, feelings and where those feelings are located in your body.
Memory that is now active, is noticed along with the alternating eye movements. Many emotions, thoughts, sensations, urges, feelings, and reactions may unfold as you go along.
It is best not to hang on to any aspects of the memory and let it be unleashed the way it needs to.
The therapist will simply ask you to follow where it needs to go, staying out of your way and only stepping in when necessary.
With each set of eye movements, you will feel like you are moving through material of the psyche and body. You are advised to notice them without judgment, analysis, or expectations.
Each set of movements lasts for 30 seconds, followed by short pauses to check if you are on track.
This process continues until you no longer experience any more feelings, thoughts, or sensations. We call this reaching the end of the channel of a memory. Once the memory is revisited, it may or may not have changed. Either way is okay.
The process then repeats until the memory shows no further disturbances.
Imagine going through a tunnel, but knowing that there is light at the end of it.

4. Is EMDR Therapy Available in Dubai?

Yes, EMDR is offered in several places in Dubai. Many clinics provide this therapy. The key is to find out if the therapist is experienced in using EMDR and if they have worked in the field of trauma with a broader understanding of other therapeutic modalities. Online EMDR sessions are now possible, and wearable EMDR devices can support therapy at home.

5. Can EMDR Help with Childhood Trauma?

Yes, EMDR was initially developed for war-related trauma in soldiers. Over time, it was found to be effective for adults with childhood trauma and later for children experiencing trauma as well. EMDR helps release stored pain and build emotional safety. It is safe for teens and children when performed by the right therapist.

6. What Is EMDR Effective For?

EMDR is one of the most effective therapies for PTSD. It also helps with anxiety, panic, and depression. Many mental health issues arise from unprocessed past events. EMDR addresses the root causes of the current issues in anyone. The World Health Organization and the American Psychological Association both support EMDR.

7. How Many EMDR Sessions Do I Need?

The number of EMDR Therapy sessions depends on your story. One trauma may take 4–12 sessions, while others may take longer. Deep traumas can take time with EMDR. It’s important to remain open to the number of sessions needed.

An experienced EMDR therapist Dubai can guide you through the healing process effectively.

8. Are There Side Effects to EMDR Therapy?

There aren’t exactly “side effects,” but strong emotions may arise during and between sessions as processing continues. If any part of you has concerns or fears about the process, discomfort may occur. Sometimes, inner conflicts needs more attention. Other times, dissociation (being out of your body) may need attention. Therapists will support all parts of you. If you have difficulty feeling big emotions or believe that they are scary or unsafe to express, we may work on those beliefs first before returning to the original memory.

9. How Does a Therapist Ensure Safety?

Your therapist will create a safe space for you. They will work with all parts of you—fearful, resistant, or numb. If you dissociate, self-harm, or overthink, these behaviors are addressed gently. These protective parts are also part of your healing process.

10. Is EMDR Different from Talk Therapy?

Yes, EMDR is a body-based therapy, meaning it focuses on your emotions, sensations, and impulses rather than just talking about them. Many people are disconnected from their bodies, but EMDR helps rebuild that connection slowly, making it an important component of trauma healing.

11. Can EMDR Be Combined with Other Therapies?

Yes, EMDR works well with other therapies like Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS therapy), mindfulness, and somatic therapy. This holistic approach helps address trauma from multiple angles, supporting long-term healing.

If you are searching for IFS therapy Dubai, read more here.

IFS Therapist Dubai – Transformative Healing with Dr. Millia

15 Most Commonly Asked Questions About IFS Therapy (Internal Family Systems)

How IFS Can Help You Heal Inside Out

12. Can EMDR Fail to Work?

Sometimes EMDR may take longer. If parts of you block access to your feelings, the process may slow down. This is okay. These parts need additional care and preparation work. Other therapeutic methods may be used to support EMDR therapy.

13. Does Medication Affect EMDR?

Consulting with an EMDR therapist Dubai will provide insights into your emotional well-being.

Not all medications affect EMDR, but some medications, like sedatives can dull emotions, making it harder to process trauma. A psychiatrist and therapist can work together to ensure that EMDR is adapted for your specific needs. Be sure to discuss any medications you’re taking with your psychiatrist and your therapist.

14. Will EMDR therapy help my future?

Sessions with an EMDR therapist Dubai often lead to significant breakthroughs.

It’s essential to discuss any concerns with your EMDR therapist Dubai before starting treatment.

EMDR therapy works on the past, present and the future. Often how we feel in the present, may have had patterns from earlier times. For instance, not feeling belonged, or not fitting in, might be triggered in the present when someone does not invite you to a party, but when you look back, it may have happened often in your life. And by clearing the past, we clear the present and we pave way for the future bringing insight and clarity.

15. Do Insurances Accept Claims of EMDR Therapy?

Insurance coverage for an EMDR therapist Dubai may vary, so it’s essential to confirm with your provider. If you are without an insurance, and will be paying yourself, check for discounts on bulk purchase of EMDR therapy sessions.

Understanding the differences between EMDR and traditional therapies can enhance your sessions with an EMDR therapist Dubai.

Conclusion: Healing with EMDR Therapy in Dubai

EMDR is a powerful therapy for trauma healing. It has limitations too. It is best used for Post-Traumatic Stress disorder and Complex Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). However, many other emotional issues can be helped with EMDR Therapy.

For more information, please check out my publications & Podcasts

Insurance claims for an EMDR therapist Dubai may require specific documentation.

EMDR Therapy in Specific Phobia of Vomiting (SPOV)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Olfactory Reference Syndrome EMDR Therapy Protocol
A Controlled Comparison of the Effectiveness and Efficiency of Two Psychological Therapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing vs. Emotional Freedom Techniques
Research & Publication that informed NICE guidelines on PTSD
Life satisfaction in people with post-traumatic stress disorder

With the help of an EMDR therapist Dubai, you can work towards healing from trauma.

Contact Details

Dr Millia

Consultant Psychiatrist & EMDR & IFS Therapist
First Psychiatry Clinic
- Villa 975 Municipality 363856
- Al Manara, Umm Suqeim 2
- Dubai, UAE
Office Number: +971 4 221 6000
E-mail: info@firstpsychiatryclinics.com