EMDR Therapy in Dubai
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy recommended in international treatment guidelines for PTSD. It helps reduce symptoms in people who are affected by both shock and developmental trauma.
As an experienced EMDR specialist in Dubai, Dr Millia integrates EMDR with Internal Family Systems Therapy when appropriate to the individual.
About Dr. Millia
- British-trained Female Consultant Psychiatrist
- Can deliver EMDR Therapy in English, Urdu and Hindi languages
- Practicing EMDR Therapy since 2002.
- EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ and EMDRIA Approved Consultant™
- Former EMDR researcher and co-author of various publications on EMDR for PTSD.
- Advanced training in IFS (Certified Level 3) and Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) (Level 3)
- Expertise in PTSD, Complex PTSD, attachment trauma, dissociation, anxiety, panic disorders, and complicated grief.
- Individualised treatment integrating EMDR, IFS therapy, DBR therapy, psychiatric care, and medication where appropriate.
- Consultations at First Psychiatry Clinic, Dubai.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that was developed in the late 1980s to treat psychological trauma. It is one of the most extensively researched trauma therapies and is recommended by international treatment guidelines for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
EMDR aims to help the brain process distressing experiences that have not been fully integrated. As these experiences become more adaptively processed, they usually become less emotionally overwhelming and less likely to trigger distress in everyday life. As a result, symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance and emotional distress often reduce.
Book an Appointment
Book a consultation with Dr Millia Begum at First Psychiatry Clinic, Dubai.
Book at First Psychiatry ClinicUnderstanding EMDR Therapy
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is sometimes referred to as eye movement therapy, although EMDR is much more than eye movements alone. It is a structured psychotherapy with clearly defined treatment phases that help people process traumatic or distressing memories.
Who developed EMDR therapy?
EMDR was developed by psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. She observed that certain spontaneous eye movements appeared to reduce the emotional intensity of distressing thoughts, leading her to investigate this phenomenon further.
What began as an initial observation was subsequently developed into a structured psychotherapy and tested through clinical research. Over the following decades, EMDR became one of the most extensively studied treatments for psychological trauma and is now recognised internationally as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
What is bilateral stimulation?
Bilateral stimulation refers to rhythmic, alternating stimulation of the left and right sides of the body. This is most commonly achieved through side-to-side eye movements but may also involve alternating taps on the hands or knees, or alternating sounds delivered through headphones.
Bilateral stimulation is a central component of EMDR therapy and is thought to support the brain’s natural processing of distressing memories, although the exact mechanisms continue to be researched.
Why does EMDR use eye movements?
Eye movements are the most extensively researched form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR. Research suggests they enhance the processing of distressing memories and contribute to reducing their emotional intensity.
Although the precise mechanism remains under investigation, eye movements appear to help the brain integrate unresolved experiences by promoting new associations and reducing the vividness and emotional impact of traumatic memories.
EMDR can also use other forms of bilateral stimulation, including alternating taps or auditory tones, when eye movements are not appropriate or practical.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
Learn more about the possible mechanisms of EMDR in this podcast discussion between Dr. Millia Begum and Professor Ad de Jongh, recorded for the EMDR Association UK. The discussion explores Working Memory Theory and how eye movements may reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of traumatic memories.
Listen to the Podcast →What conditions can EMDR help with?
EMDR was first developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It has its strongest evidence base for PTSD and is recommended in major international treatment guidelines.
EMDR may also help when difficult past experiences continue to affect current emotions, beliefs, relationships or body responses. This can include:
- Complex PTSD
- Childhood trauma
- Attachment trauma
- Dissociation
- Traumatic grief
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Phobias
- Medical or birth trauma
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Can EMDR help Complex PTSD?
Yes. EMDR can help many people with Complex PTSD, but treatment often needs to move more slowly than it does for a single traumatic event.
Complex PTSD can involve shame, dissociation, emotional overwhelm and difficulties in relationships. Therapy may therefore begin with a longer preparation phase to build safety and emotional stability.
EMDR may also be combined with Internal Family Systems (IFS) or Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), depending on the person’s needs.
Can EMDR help attachment trauma?
Yes. EMDR can help process painful experiences linked to rejection, neglect, abandonment or feeling unsafe in important relationships.
These early experiences can shape later beliefs about trust, closeness and self-worth. Because attachment trauma is often complex, some people need more preparation before trauma processing begins.
EMDR may be combined with IFS or DBR when this is clinically appropriate.
Can EMDR help childhood trauma?
Yes. EMDR can help adults who are still affected by childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, bullying, loss, criticism or inconsistent caregiving.
The aim is to help these memories feel less emotionally overwhelming and less influential in present-day life.
With more complex developmental trauma, therapy is often paced gradually and includes preparation and stabilisation.
Can EMDR help dissociation?
EMDR can be used with people who experience dissociation, but treatment needs to be adapted carefully.
Dissociation often develops as a protective response to overwhelming experiences. Therapy may first focus on grounding, emotional regulation and stability before deeper trauma processing begins.
People with significant dissociation may need a slower, phased approach. Other trauma therapies, including DBR, may also be considered.
Can EMDR help anxiety?
EMDR may help when anxiety is linked to distressing past experiences or unresolved trauma.
Earlier experiences can teach the brain to expect danger, rejection or loss. Processing those experiences may reduce ongoing worry and a persistent sense of threat.
Can EMDR help panic attacks?
EMDR may help panic attacks when they are linked to trauma, frightening experiences or learned fear responses.
Some people develop panic after traumatic loss, medical events or overwhelming situations. Processing these experiences may reduce the intensity and frequency of panic symptoms.
A careful assessment is important because panic attacks can have many causes.
Can EMDR help depression?
EMDR may help when trauma, grief or difficult life experiences contribute to depression.
It can help process painful memories and negative beliefs such as “I’m not good enough” or “I’m powerless.”
If depression is accompanied by emotional shutdown or dissociation, treatment may begin with stabilisation before trauma processing.
Depression has many causes, so EMDR is not suitable for everyone. A full assessment can help determine whether trauma is playing an important role.
Learn more about the relationship between trauma and depression .
Can EMDR help traumatic grief?
EMDR can be helpful for grief when distressing or traumatic aspects of a loss remain particularly difficult to process.
This may happen after a sudden, violent or unexpected death, or when a loss is linked to guilt, anger, blame or unresolved conflict.
EMDR does not aim to remove grief. It aims to reduce the traumatic distress that may be making grief harder to process.
Learn more about traumatic and complicated grief .
Can EMDR help Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)?
EMDR may help some people with BDD when bullying, shame, criticism or other painful experiences have contributed to negative beliefs about appearance.
EMDR can help process experiences linked to these beliefs. However, BDD is a complex condition and EMDR is usually used as part of a wider treatment plan rather than as a stand-alone treatment.
Can EMDR help obsessive-compulsive symptoms?
Sometimes. It depends on what is driving the symptoms.
Standard treatments for OCD include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and medication. EMDR may be useful when obsessive-compulsive symptoms are strongly linked to trauma or frightening past experiences.
A careful assessment is needed to decide whether trauma is a significant factor and whether EMDR is likely to help.
The evidence for EMDR varies across conditions. Treatment is always tailored to the individual.
Watch a Short Video on EMDR Therapy by Dr Millia
What Happens During an EMDR Therapy Session?
EMDR therapy is delivered according to internationally recognised treatment principles. Treatment usually progresses through three broad stages and is paced according to each person’s emotional readiness and nervous system responses.
Preparation & Stabilisation
Building safety, understanding your symptoms and preparing for trauma processing.
Trauma Processing
Processing distressing memories using EMDR and bilateral stimulation.
Integration
Helping new perspectives and emotional changes become integrated into everyday life.
What Does EMDR Therapy Target?
EMDR follows a structured three-pronged approach that works with the past, present and future.
Distressing memories that continue to influence present-day life.
Current situations, triggers, thoughts, emotions or body sensations linked to earlier experiences.
Preparing for situations that previously triggered distress, helping you respond with greater confidence and resilience.
Is EMDR therapy right for me?
EMDR can be an effective trauma therapy, but it is not the right approach for everyone.
The best treatment depends on your symptoms, trauma history, level of dissociation, previous therapy experiences and treatment goals.
Some people may benefit from additional preparation before EMDR. Using Internal Family Systems approach can add value to EMDR therapy. Others may be better suited to another approach, such as Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR).
During your assessment, Dr Millia will consider:
- Your current symptoms
- Trauma and attachment history
- Dissociation or emotional shutdown
- Previous therapies and how you responded
- Psychiatric diagnosis
- Your treatment goals
If you are looking for EMDR therapy in Dubai, Dr Millia Begum offers EMDR as part of a specialist, trauma-informed approach for adults experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, dissociation, grief and other trauma-related difficulties.
How Does EMDR Compare With Other Therapies?
Different therapies approach trauma in different ways. The most appropriate approach depends on the person, their symptoms and their treatment needs.
EMDR Therapy
Talking Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR)
Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Is EMDR Therapy Proven to Be Effective?
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy with a substantial research base supporting its effectiveness for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
EMDR is recommended within international treatment guidelines by organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DoD).
Dr. Millia Begum was also a co-author of a published randomised controlled trial examining EMDR for PTSD. Her research demonstrated significant improvements in PTSD symptoms and contributes to the growing international evidence supporting EMDR therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy
Is EMDR therapy right for me?
EMDR therapy may be considered when distressing or traumatic experiences continue to affect your emotions, relationships, confidence or daily life. Whether EMDR is appropriate depends on your symptoms, history, current stability and treatment goals. During an assessment, Dr Millia can discuss whether EMDR, another trauma-focused approach, or an integrated treatment plan may be most suitable.
Do I need to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. EMDR does not usually require repeated or detailed retelling of traumatic experiences. Therapy focuses on helping distressing memories become less emotionally overwhelming, and the amount of information you share can be adapted to what feels manageable.
How many EMDR therapy sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions. Treatment length depends on factors such as the nature of the difficulty, whether there are single or multiple traumatic experiences, the complexity of the trauma history, current symptoms and treatment goals. A treatment plan can be discussed following assessment and reviewed as therapy progresses.
What happens during the first EMDR appointment?
The first appointment usually focuses on assessment rather than immediately beginning trauma processing. Dr Millia will explore your current difficulties, relevant history, previous treatments, treatment goals and readiness for trauma-focused work. This helps determine whether EMDR or another approach may be appropriate.
Can EMDR therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Where clinically appropriate, EMDR may form part of a broader treatment plan that includes Internal Family Systems (IFS), Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR), psychiatric care or medication. The aim is to use the approaches that are most relevant to the individual rather than relying on one therapy model alone.
Can EMDR therapy feel emotionally overwhelming?
EMDR can sometimes bring up difficult emotions or physical responses. For this reason, therapy should be paced according to the person’s needs. Some people may benefit from additional preparation, stabilisation or grounding before more intensive trauma processing begins.
What if EMDR therapy is not the right treatment for me?
EMDR is one of several possible treatment approaches. If it does not appear suitable, other options can be considered depending on your difficulties and goals. These may include IFS, DBR, other forms of psychotherapy, psychiatric treatment or medication where appropriate.
Can I have EMDR therapy without medication?
Yes. Medication is not required in order to have EMDR therapy. Some people may benefit from psychotherapy alone, while others may also benefit from medication for associated difficulties such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems or other psychiatric symptoms.
Can I see one clinician for both EMDR therapy and psychiatric care?
In some cases, yes. Dr Millia provides both psychiatric assessment and psychotherapy, including EMDR. This can allow psychiatric treatment and trauma therapy to be considered within one overall treatment plan where appropriate. Some people may prefer to work with separate clinicians.
How do I choose an EMDR therapist in Dubai?
It can be helpful to consider the clinician’s professional qualifications, formal EMDR training, experience working with trauma-related difficulties, and whether their approach feels appropriate for your needs. The therapeutic relationship and feeling sufficiently comfortable with the clinician are also important considerations.
What experience does Dr Millia have with EMDR therapy?
Dr Millia is a British-trained Consultant Psychiatrist and trauma therapist with many years of clinical experience. She has undertaken formal training in EMDR and uses it as one of several trauma-focused approaches within her clinical practice, depending on the individual’s presentation and treatment needs.
How do I book an EMDR therapy appointment in Dubai?
Appointments with Dr Millia can be arranged through First Psychiatry Clinic in Dubai. You can use the contact details on this page to enquire about availability, appointment options and current fees.
Book a Mental Health Appointment
Arrange a confidential consultation with Dr Millia Begum at First Psychiatry Clinic in Dubai.
Villa 975, Municipality 363856
Al Manara, Umm Suqeim 2
Dubai, UAE
Office: +971 4 221 6000
Email: info@firstpsychiatryclinics.com
About Dr. Millia
Dr. Millia Begum is a British-trained Consultant Psychiatrist and an expert trauma specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience in psychiatry and therapy.
She is an EMDRIA Approved Therapist & Consultant, an EMDR researcher, and a former board member of the EMDR Association UK. She uses EMDR, Deep Brain Reorienting (DBR) Therapy and is a Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist . She brings a compassionate, parts-informed approach to her work with clients in Dubai.