Experimental Therapies — Legal & Safety Notice
Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
If you are in crisis, please contact a crisis line immediately. USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — UK: Samaritans 116 123 — IN: iCall 9152987821
EMDR Therapy
Trauma-Focused
Clinical trials specifically in cancer patientsEye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based trauma therapy endorsed by the WHO, APA, and NHS. It is particularly relevant for cancer patients who often develop PTSD-spectrum symptoms from the trauma of diagnosis, invasive procedures, chemotherapy, or hospitalisations. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones) while the patient holds traumatic memories in mind this appears to mimic the memory reconsolidation process that occurs during REM sleep, allowing traumatic memories to lose their emotional charge.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
Bilateral stimulation (horizontal eye movements, alternating taps, or bilateral audio tones) activates the brain's natural information processing system. Dual attention simultaneously holding a distressing memory while attending to bilateral stimulation prevents emotional flooding while allowing the memory to be reprocessed. Working memory overload theory: bilateral stimulation competes for cognitive resources, reducing the vividness and distress of traumatic memories. Memories are reconsolidated in a less threatening form.
What a Session Looks Like
5090 minute individual sessions, weekly. Typically 612 sessions for single-incident trauma; 1220+ sessions for complex or medical trauma. Active therapy phases include history-taking, resourcing (building safe internal states), desensitisation of traumatic memories, and installation of positive beliefs. Many patients notice significant shifts within 34 sessions.
Cautions & Considerations
- Temporary increase in distress between sessions as traumatic material is processed
- Not suitable as a standalone therapy in active suicidal crisis stabilisation first
- Requires a trained and certified EMDR therapist (EMDR Europe / EMDR International Association)
- Can bring up previously dissociated material therapist should be experienced with trauma
- Epilepsy: avoid eye movement version use alternative bilateral stimulation (tapping/tones)
- Pacemakers or severe cardiac conditions: avoid tapping form if concerns
- Not a quick fix adequate resourcing and stabilisation phases are required before trauma processing