EMDR Therapy Stockton-on-Tees at Believe is led by Rachel, an NHS-experienced Mental Health Specialist. We provide expert EMDR Therapy in Stockton-on-Tees to help you process trauma and find lasting peace
Professional EMDR Therapy Stockton-on-Tees
EMDR therapy for trauma, anxiety and feeling stuck in the past
I offer specialist EMDR therapy from my private garden practice in Billingham village, which is in Stockton-on-Tees, near Middlesbrough. I support people across Teesside with PTSD, panic attacks, flashbacks, childhood trauma, traumatic bereavement and distressing memories that still feel too present.
If the past still feels present
EMDR can be helpful when something that happened in the past still feels active in the body now. You may know logically that you are safe, but your nervous system may still react with panic attacks, shutdown, dread, anger, shame or a sense of being back there.
In my work, I often meet people who have tried to talk themselves out of feeling this way. EMDR is different because it does not rely only on talking. It helps the brain process distressing memories so they can become part of your past, rather than something your body keeps reliving.
In simple terms
EMDR therapy helps your mind reprocess difficult or traumatic experiences so they feel less raw, less overwhelming and less present in everyday life.
- Often used for PTSD, trauma memories, flashbacks, panic attacks and anxiety linked to past experiences.
- Delivered by Rachel Selmes, an EMDR Europe Practitioner and HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist.
- Available from a private garden practice in Billingham village, which is in Stockton-on-Tees, near Middlesbrough.
Trauma and PTSD
EMDR may help with distressing memories, flashbacks, nightmares and feeling constantly on guard after trauma.
Anxiety and panic attacks
When anxiety is connected to past experiences or threat responses, EMDR can support the body to settle.
Complex experiences
For longer-term trauma, we work carefully with preparation and stabilisation before reprocessing begins.
Problems people often search for before they know they need EMDR
You might not be typing “EMDR therapy” into Google at first. You may simply be trying to understand why your body and mind feel the way they do.
How I approach EMDR therapy
I work gently and steadily. EMDR therapy has its own recognised eight-phase structure, and I do not rush people into the reprocessing part before they feel ready. For some people, the first part of therapy is about understanding their nervous system, building grounding tools and making daily life feel more manageable.
My Occupational Therapy background means I will also be interested in how trauma is affecting your real life: sleep, work, relationships, routines, concentration, parenting, confidence and energy. My health coaching training helps us look forward too, so therapy is not only about what happened, but also about what becomes possible next.
The setting matters. Believe EMDR is based in a private garden practice in Billingham. It has been created to feel like a calm clinical sanctuary: professional, confidential and grounded, but not sterile or hospital-like.
EMDR therapy may support
EMDR therapy from Billingham village, for Stockton-on-Tees and nearby areas
The practice is based in Billingham village, which is in Stockton-on-Tees, near Middlesbrough. It is also within reach of Hartlepool, Yarm, Wynyard, Ingleby Barwick, Norton, Thornaby and wider Teesside.
People using Google Maps, “near me” searches and AI search tools need clear location information. I keep this wording honest and practical so you can quickly see whether the journey, or online EMDR where appropriate, could work for you.
Questions about EMDR therapy
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your history, current symptoms and what you want support with.Single-event trauma can sometimes shift more quickly. Complex PTSD, childhood trauma or long-term anxiety usually needs more preparation and a steadier pace. We can talk about this in your free consultation.
Do I have to describe my trauma in detail?
No. EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of what happened.We need enough information to work safely, but you do not have to retell everything in a graphic or overwhelming way. My priority is keeping the work contained and manageable.
Is EMDR the same as hypnosis?
No. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake, aware and in control.You can pause or stop at any time. EMDR involves noticing what comes up while using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, taps or sounds.
Can EMDR help if I cannot remember everything?
You do not always need a complete, clear memory for therapy to begin.Some people remember feelings, body sensations, images or fragments rather than a full story. We would work carefully with what is accessible and safe.
Can EMDR help with anxiety and panic attacks?
EMDR may help when anxiety or panic attacks are connected to earlier experiences, trauma or nervous system threat responses.We would first look at what triggers the anxiety, how it affects your body and whether EMDR feels like the right approach for your situation.
Is Believe EMDR based in Stockton or Middlesbrough?
Believe EMDR is based in Billingham village, which is in Stockton-on-Tees, near Middlesbrough.The practice supports clients from Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Yarm, Wynyard, Ingleby Barwick and wider Teesside.
Can I speak to Rachel before booking?
Yes. I offer a free 15-minute consultation before booking therapy.This gives you a chance to ask questions, explain briefly what you are looking for and decide whether working together feels right.
Start with a gentle conversation
You do not need to have the right words before getting in touch. If something has been feeling heavy, stuck or too much to carry alone, we can begin with a free 15-minute consultation.