You can understand something intellectually, and still find yourself reacting in a way that doesn't reflect that understanding.
You might know that you're safe, but still feel afraid. You might know that something wasn't your fault, but still carry the feeling that it was. You might have talked about an experience many times, yet notice that your body and emotions still respond as though it's happening now.
IEMT was developed as a therapeutic approach for working with unwanted emotional responses and patterns of thinking.
I'll guide you through a series of eye movements patterns, while you focus on an memory or feeling. The process is usually surprisingly simple. You remain fully aware and in control throughout. There is no hypnosis, and you don't have to tell me every detail of what has happened to you.
Instead, we pay attention to what your mind and body are doing in the present moment — and see hows that response can begin to shift. I will guide you through a series of these eye movement patterns, navigating whatever arises, in a caring and present way.
IEMT can be useful for a wide range of emotional difficulties and unwanted patterns, including:
Sometimes the thing you want to change is very specific. Sometimes you know something is wrong, but you can't quite put your finger on what it is. We can work from any point.
For more information on some of the issues I've helped clients, please see the 'About Me' page. Or see 'Testimonials' to see feedback from people I've worked with.
During a session, we begin with something you'd like to change — perhaps a particular feeling, reaction, or memory.
As you move through the process, other memories, feelings or associations can sometimes arise. This is often where the most interesting work begins.
Rather than forcing you to stay with the original issue, I'll help you follow the thread and navigate what your mind is connecting together. We might discover an earlier memory, a belief you developed about yourself, or a recurring emotional pattern that sits underneath what you're experiencing now. We'll work with these pieces individually, while keeping sight of the bigger picture.
The aim isn't simply to find something to talk about. It's to find what is actually maintaining the response — and work with that.
We observe and note how you feel about something before and after doing an eye movement pattern. The aim is to reduce or neutralise the emotional trigger, which can be noticed immediately. The longer term effects of these shifts are often more subtle, and can take some time to feel in your every day life.
No, you don't need to provide a detailed account of your past experiences. This is not a talking therapy, but a practical process, focusing on your current responses and feelings. Of course, you are welcome to share as much as you wish, however the effectiveness of the process doesn't depend on talking/sharing in depth.
This method differs from other kinds of therapies, where talking about a some topics can be painful or potentially re-traumatising.
No problem! I am very experienced at guiding a session when the starting point is unclear. This type of therapy is very well suited to discovering where our challenges stem from. Together, we'll navigate what you're looking to address, in a practical way, with care and curiosity.
The number of sessions a person needs depends on what they want to address. Often just one session can provide noticeable results on a specific issue. However, if you have more interconnected or deep-seated issues, a few sessions may be useful.
It is however not a talking therapy, and will does not require on-going sessions in order to facilitate results.
If you are looking for longer term support, I also offer coaching, combining IEMT when appropriate, with on-going emotional support. Please see the 'Services' page for more info.
All sessions can be conducted via video call. If you would prefer an in-person session, I am often available in the Brighton/London area.
Hello! My name is Achala, I've been an eye movement therapist for many years now. My approach is direct, grounded and caring. Please see the 'About Me' page for more information on me and my experience.
Absolutely! I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to get in touch via the 'Contact' page. I am also happy to arrange a complimentary initial consultation.
