What is Hypno-EMDR Therapy?
Interlude Hypnotherapy
Published: February, 2026
Hypno-EMDR therapy for emotional healing offers a gentle yet powerful way to process difficult memories and regain your inner calm. If you have been searching for a method that combines deep relaxation with effective trauma processing, this integrated approach might be exactly what you need.
When we carry the weight of past experiences…. anxiety, or deep-seated fears, it can feel like we are constantly swimming upstream. You might find yourself reacting to situations in ways that feel out of your control, or perhaps you feel stuck in patterns you desperately want to break.
Hypno-EMDR is designed to help you release these burdens without the overwhelming intensity often associated with trauma work. By blending the soothing nature of clinical hypnotherapy with the processing power of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)` we can guide you toward a smoother, more comfortable resolution.
Understanding Hypno-EMDR Therapy
You may have heard of EMDR therapy, a well-known treatment used by the NHS and therapists worldwide for PTSD and trauma. Hypno-EMDR is a distinct, dual-therapy approach that integrates specific EMDR techniques within a hypnotherapy framework.
In a standard EMDR session, you remain fully conscious while processing traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation “(usually eye movements)”. While effective, this can sometimes feel intense or distressing for clients who are already feeling vulnerable.
In contrast, Hypno-EMDR places a strong emphasis on preparation and stabilisation. Before we even begin the processing phase, I use hypnotherapy techniques to help you reach a state of deep relaxation and safety. This “cushioning” effect means you can address difficult emotions while feeling supported, calm, and in control.
It is important to clarify that while I am a qualified clinical hypnotherapist trained in Hypno-EMDR protocols, I am not a traditional EMDR therapist. Instead, I use EMDR as a powerful tool within my hypnotherapy practice. This allows me to offer a holistic service that draws on the strengths of both modalities.
How Does It Work?
The process relies on something called bilateral stimulation. This sounds technical, but it is quite simple. By engaging the left and right sides of your brain rhythmically….often through guiding your eye movements or using auditory sounds….we help your brain “digest” unprocessed memories.
Think of your mind like a filing cabinet. Most memories are filed away neatly in the past. But traumatic or highly stressful events often get stuck in the “in-tray” of the present. They don’t get filed away, so every time you are reminded of them, your brain reacts as if the danger is happening right now.
Hypno-EMDR helps move these memories from the “in-tray” to the filing cabinet. You still remember what happened, but the emotional charge….the pain, the fear, the panic….is significantly reduced or removed entirely.
The Benefits of a Dual Approach
Why choose Hypno-EMDR over standalone therapies? The magic lies in the combination.
- Reduced Intensity
Because we use hypnosis to relax your nervous system first, the processing of trauma often feels much gentler. You are not thrown into the deep end; we wade in slowly, only when you feel safe. - Resource Building
We don’t just focus on the negative. A huge part of this therapy involves building your internal resources—confidence, resilience, and calm—before tackling the heavy stuff. - Faster Resolution
Hypnosis allows us to access the subconscious mind more directly. When combined with EMDR’s processing speed, clients often experience shifts in perspective and relief from symptoms faster than with talk therapy alone. - Holistic Healing
This approach respects the mind-body connection. As a practitioner currently completing a Trauma-Informed Somatic Counselling course, I ensure that we address not just the mental story, but also how stress is held physically in your body.
What Can Hypno-EMDR Help With?
While often associated with trauma therapy, this versatile approach is effective for a wide range of emotional challenges.
EMDR for Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety often stems from unprocessed fears or past events where we felt unsafe. Hypno-EMDR helps desensitise these triggers, allowing you to navigate daily life with a greater sense of peace.
Phobias and Fears
Whether it is a fear of flying, driving anxiety, or a specific phobia, this method can help disconnect the fear response from the trigger object or situation.
Grief and Loss
Processing the complex emotions of grief can be exhausting. This gentle approach provides a container for your emotions, helping you move through the pain without being consumed by it.
Boosting Self-Esteem
Negative beliefs about ourselves (“I am not good enough,” “I am unsafe”) are often rooted in old memories. We can reprocess these roots and plant new, empowering beliefs in their place.
Your Session | In-Person or Online
One of the great advantages of Hypno-EMDR is its flexibility. I offer sessions both in-person at my Sheffield practice (Interlude Hypnotherapy) and online via secure video link.
In-Person Sessions:
For those in Sheffield and the surrounding areas, coming into the clinic offers a dedicated, neutral space to unwind and focus entirely on your healing.
Online EMDR & Hypnotherapy:
If you are further afield or simply feel more comfortable in your own home, online sessions are just as effective. Many clients find that being in their own familiar environment helps them relax more deeply, which can actually enhance the hypnotherapy aspect of the treatment.
Is Hypno-EMDR Right for You?
Choosing a therapist is a personal decision. It is vital that you feel safe and understood by the person you work with.
With over 25 years of experience in mental and emotional wellbeing, my goal is always to provide a safe, non-judgemental space. My background in clinical hypnotherapy, combined with ongoing training in somatic counselling and Hypno-EMDR, allows me to tailor every session to your unique needs.
We are not just looking to put a plaster over the problem. We aim to heal the wound so you can move forward with your life, feeling lighter, stronger, and more like yourself.
If you are ready to explore how Hypno-EMDR could support your emotional healing, I invite you to get in touch. We can discuss your needs and decide together if this gentle….integrated path is the right one for you.
Ready to take the next step?
Click here book a consultation. Let`s work together to restore your natural emotional resilience.
