1. Professional EMDR & Mental Health Organisations

• EMDR Association UK: The professional body for EMDR clinicians and researchers in the UK. A great place for clients to read more about the evidence behind the therapy.

• EMDR International Association (EMDRIA): The global leader in EMDR standards and research.

• NICE Guidelines on PTSD: Official UK government guidance recommending EMDR and CBT as the primary treatments for PTSD.

 

2. Immediate Grounding Tools

"The EMDR Toolkit" which can be used in between sessions. 

The Butterfly Hug: A self-soothing technique that uses gentle bilateral stimulation to calm the nervous system.

Instructions: Cross your arms over your chest and alternate tapping your shoulders rhythmically like the wings of a butterfly while taking deep breaths.

 

The 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: A sensory grounding exercise to pull your mind back into the present moment during a panic attack or high stress.

 

5 things you can see

4 things you can touch

3 things you can hear

2 things you can smell

1 thing you can taste

 

3. Urgent Support (Crisis Resources) 

• NHS 111 (Option 2): Call 111 and select the mental health option for urgent professional advice.

• Samaritans: Call 116 123 anytime for a safe, confidential place to talk.

• Shout: Text "SHOUT" to 85258 for 24/7 crisis support via text message.