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A Comprehensive, Integrative Approach at Wellspring Counselling
Curious about EMDR therapy? You might recognize it from recent conversations in the media, including when Prince Harry openly shared how EMDR supported his mental health and even participated in a session on camera.
If you are looking for a practical, evidence-based way to work through emotional challenges, our team is here to help. Book a free 15-minute consultation to explore whether EMDR therapy in Surrey is the right fit for you and learn how it can support your emotional well-being.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a type of therapy created by psychologist Francine Shapiro in 1989. This therapy helps people deal with unresolved emotional experiences that affect their mental health. EMDR is commonly used to lessen symptoms related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. It helps the brain process memories that haven’t been fully resolved.
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This approach is based on extensive research and is recognized by organizations such as the American Psychological Association and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. EMDR therapy helps with trauma recovery and can also improve relationships, reduce daily stress, and increase self-understanding and self-compassion. It follows an eight-phase process that allows people to safely revisit difficult memories without feeling overwhelmed, helping those memories lose their emotional impact over time. Our EMDR process includes:
EMDR therapy helps people deal with painful memories that still affect them. In a session, the therapist guides the client through gentle side-to-side eye movements or rhythmic tapping. The client focuses on a specific memory, emotion, or physical sensation during this process.
This approach helps the brain process experiences that were never fully resolved. By revisiting these memories safely and calmly, emotional barriers begin to ease. Many people start to see their experiences differently and can connect past events to their current lives. Over time, this change can lessen feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger, and emotional overwhelm. It also allows the memory to become less intense and to have less control over the present.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an effective way to treat trauma and emotional distress. It was first created to help people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but now it also assists those dealing with anxiety, depression, phobias, and chronic pain.
Research shows that EMDR can help reduce the intense emotions associated with upsetting memories. In sessions, clients are guided to reflect on challenging experiences while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as moving their eyes or receiving gentle taps. This combination helps the brain process memories more effectively, reducing their emotional impact. As a result, these memories can be stored without causing intense reactions. The process is similar to how the brain processes experiences during REM sleep.
Many people see real improvements after just a few sessions, and these changes often last. EMDR not only helps with trauma but also improves overall emotional balance and strength. This is why it is a trusted approach in modern therapy.
Research shows that Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a convenient choice for people dealing with unresolved emotional issues. While results may vary from person to person, many clinical studies and real-life experiences support its effectiveness.
EMDR helps people who feel stuck in unhealthy patterns from their past, even if those experiences don’t seem like severe trauma. It is beneficial for individuals facing unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, or feelings of being overwhelmed that have not improved with other therapies.
This approach works well for people who have trouble discussing painful events in detail. EMDR therapy does not require sharing long stories. Instead, it focuses on how the brain stores past experiences and how these experiences affect emotions, thoughts, and reactions today. Many find this method easier to handle and less emotionally exhausting.
EMDR helps not just with symptoms but also improves relationships and boosts self-esteem. As painful memories become less intense, people often find they communicate better, respond less emotionally, and feel more self-compassion. Negative beliefs, such as “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not safe,” can shift toward more balanced, realistic views.
EMDR is effective in both individual and group therapy. It can help many people in different situations. Whether someone is dealing with recent stress, long-standing emotional issues, or repeating patterns in their life, EMDR provides a clear and structured way to move forward. This method is based on evidence and helps improve emotional stability and understanding.
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Clients Say
Mr. Gordon is someone that captures the spirit and the heart of active engagement. He is empathic, genuine and incorporates action and creative problem solving into his practice. I have no hesitation in recommending Mr. Gordon as an effective career and personal counsellor.
I had no experience with therapy and was unsure of the whole process. Alistair made everything very accessible and unintimidating. It was clear that he puts quite a lot of effort and preparation into every session. I'm so glad that I decided to do this, and could not have asked for a better person to help me with this. I would highly recommend Alistair to anyone who has ever thought that they might benefit from talking to a professional.
I am a young professional which for a long time now, has struggled with anxiety, insecurity, and difficulty in finding effective life coping mechanisms. Alistair was referred to me by a friend and upon the first meeting, I found Alistair to be empathetic, compassionate and intuitive. I have now been seeing Alistair regularly for 6 months and through that time my anxiety has significantly decreased, I have found effective methods of dealing with stress, found support dealing with identity issues, as well as finding inner strength to get through a tough break up. Alistair again and again, went the extra mile -thank you Alistair for your candor, openness and a safe space to get support. Thank you for playing such a large role in keeping me healthy and positive.
I have been working with Alistair Gordon as my counsellor at Wellspring for almost 6 months now and cannot begin to tell you how far I have come with his help. I have tried working with other counsellors and therapists in the past but never really found one that clicked for me. I always felt judged, unsupported, and rushed at those appointments until I booked my first appointment with Wellspring and with Allistair. To anyone on the fence about booking an appointment or engaging in therapy: if you are willing to do the work, you couldn't ask for a better partner in your healing journey.
When I decided to find a counsellor, I tried to find someone that I could relate to, someone that is like-minded and down-to-earth and with Alistair I really found the right person. He uses an integrative approach, showed me techniques to relax and get aware of my emotions, and helped me see things in a new perspective. Of course this is an ongoing process but I enjoy meeting and working with Alistair every time. The downtown office is a very neutral place - not too intimate, not too clinical - which is helpful to overcome apprehension, especially the first couple of times. What I find remarkable is that Alistair almost always knows what I'm trying to say, even if I can't put it into words. Working with Alistair helped me a lot and it was the right decision to put my trust in him.
Alistair really cares about you the person, and I could really feel him trying to tackle my challenges. He was also very available for off-session contact via text and email. I think he did a great job with confronting me where I needed it. Alistair always could remember the important peoples' names in my personal life, which really helped with talking about my problems. I really felt like I was talking to a friend.
Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.
I enjoy how sessions are collaborative where I can take the lead for the direction of what we talk about, and at the same time I know that Alistair will offer helpful guidance and insight along the way. I also like how we focus on the future instead of just the past. I find this to be empowering and helpful to move forward in life.
Alistair is an awesome counsellor. He has been so helpful in working with me through some tough times in my life. He's always been available to chat with me in-between sessions. I'd recommend Alistair to anyone - he's really the ideal counsellor in my view.
I have always felt very comfortable with Alistair. He has a calming presence, and you can tell he cares about being the best counsellor for you. He helps you with all aspects of your concern, and is always able to help me find a solution to the problem I'm having.
Alistair is an exceptionally talented counsellor and has always demonstrated strong ethics, great compassion, wisdom and respect for others. I highly recommend him as a counselling practitioner.
If you live in or near Surrey and need EMDR therapy, Wellspring Counselling can help. Our team of certified EMDR therapists offers compassionate support and a safe space to address issues affecting your mental health.
We understand that everyone’s experience with trauma or stress is unique, so we adjust our approach to fit your individual needs.
