EMDR Therapy
There are moments in life when talking about a problem does not seem to be enough. Sometimes we go through experiences that, although they are behind us in time, remain very much alive within us — in the form of an anguish that tightens the chest, a disproportionate reaction to an everyday situation, or a sense of insecurity we cannot explain.
At Clínica Bem Me Quero, EMDR Therapy is an innovative, scientifically validated psychotherapeutic approach, designed to help the brain process these difficult memories and emotions in a healthy way.
Often associated only with deep trauma, EMDR goes far beyond that: it is highly effective for any life experience that has left a painful 'mark' and continues to shape your present. Through bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tactile taps), we help your nervous system reorganise these memories, removing their painful emotional charge. The past does not change, but the weight it carries in your life today is completely transformed.
We use EMDR to support situations such as:
- Painful memories from childhood or past relationships
- Prolonged grief and losses that are hard to accept
- Intense anxiety, panic attacks and specific phobias
- Emotional blocks or negative beliefs about yourself (e.g. 'I'm not good enough', 'it's my fault')
- Traumatic situations (violence, accidents, robberies or difficult health diagnoses)
EMDR sessions are available in person, in Lisbon, and also online, with full effectiveness and safety.
Frequently asked questions
What does EMDR mean and how does it work in practice?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. When we go through a very overwhelming or painful experience, our brain may be unable to process that information properly, leaving the memory 'frozen' with the same images, sounds and difficult emotions from that time. In the sessions, the therapist helps you access that memory while stimulating both sides of the brain (usually by asking you to follow a visual cue with your eyes). This helps the brain to 'digest' the experience, finally filing it away in the past.
Is EMDR a kind of hypnosis? Will I lose control during the session?
No, not at all. EMDR is not hypnosis. Throughout the entire session, you will be perfectly conscious, awake and in complete control of everything that is happening. The therapist accompanies you side by side, and if the intensity of an emotion becomes too strong, the process can be paused at any moment. It is a collaborative and completely safe method.
Can I only do EMDR if I've been through a very serious trauma?
No — that is one of the biggest myths. EMDR is indicated for what we call 'big-T' traumas (such as accidents or violence), but it is equally powerful for 'small-t' traumas — those everyday experiences we all go through, such as humiliation at school, romantic rejections, parents' divorce, or critical remarks we heard that turned into deep insecurities. If there is a memory or emotion that brings you discomfort today, EMDR can help.
How does EMDR Therapy work online? Is it equally effective?
Yes, it is exactly as effective, and 90% of our EMDR patients do the process online. In the online format, we adapt the bilateral stimulation: instead of following the therapist's fingers, you can follow a digital light bar on your screen (through a specific platform) or use tactile stimulation (such as the 'butterfly hug' technique, tapping alternately on your own arms or knees, following the therapist's rhythm). Doing EMDR online allows you to carry out this emotional reprocessing in the comfort and safety of your own home, which often helps you feel even more relaxed for the process.
Do you have agreements with any insurer or health subsystem?
We don't have direct agreements with insurers or health entities. However, fortunately the vast majority of insurers and health subsystems already reimburse a significant percentage of the cost of private sessions. We suggest you check the specific conditions and coverage with your insurer. If reimbursement doesn't apply in your case, all our invoices are issued with your tax number, so they are automatically included in your IRS tax return as health expenses, where you are entitled to the corresponding deduction.
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