Frequently Asked Questions

Integral Eye Movement Technique (IEMT) is a gentle, evidence-informed approach that explores the relationship between memories, emotional responses, identity and behavioural patterns.

By using guided eye movements and a structured process, it aims to reduce the emotional impact of difficult experiences and help create lasting change.

IEMT is considered a form of rapid change work and is tailored to your individual needs by drawing on a selection of tools and techniques to create the desired change.

IEMT works by exploring the way memories and emotional responses are stored and experienced. 

It uses precisely calibrated eye movements to interrupt the brain's automatic retrieval of problematic emotional information. This interruption provides a window of opportunity for the brain to update its old patterns.

The process is gentle, collaborative and always carried out at a pace that feels comfortable for you. You remain fully aware and in control throughout the session.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, IEMT doesn't require you to spend sessions repeatedly discussing or analysing your past. It is considered largely content-free, meaning you don't need to share details of your past experiences for the process to be effective.

We'll only discuss what is necessary to guide the work, allowing us to focus on the process itself and creating change, rather than going over the details.

Every person's experience is different, so no specific outcomes can be promised. IEMT is an outcome-free approach that focuses on exploring the problem rather than aiming for a predetermined result.

Many people notice shifts in how they experience memories, emotions or situations, but the nature and extent of any change is unique to each individual. The aim is to create the conditions for meaningful change, not to force a particular outcome.

If you're curious about the kinds of changes people have experienced, take a look at my Testimonials page to read some of the feedback I've received from previous clients.

Every session has a slightly different structure and is tailored to your individual needs and goals. Using IEMT and other carefully selected tools and techniques, we'll work with significant negative memories to help reduce the intensity of unhelpful emotional responses and address outdated identity and behavioural patterns.

Most sessions last between 60 and 75 minutes. 

Sessions take place a week apart through the following structure:

Session 1: We address the negative memories and emotional imprints to neutralize its present-day intensity.

Session 2: We update identity imprints by exploring and shifting deeply held unhelpful beliefs about the self (e.g., "I hate myself") that were often formed in response to past adversity.

Further sessions may be required for more complex issues and will be discussed within session 2.

IEMT is suitable for many people, but it isn't appropriate in every situation. Upon booking, I'll send you a Client Intake Form which includes a few questions to determine if it's the right approach for you at this time. 

IEMT may not be suitable if you:

• Are experiencing an acute mental health crisis or are not currently emotionally stable enough to engage with the process
  
  
• Have a history of psychosis or psychotic conditions
  
  
• Have certain neurological, ocular or medical conditions that affect eye movements or make the eye movement process uncomfortable
  
  
• Have epilepsy or a history of seizures.
  
  
• Have a significant eye infection, recent eye surgery or an eye condition that prevents comfortable eye movement
  
  
• Are under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs during a session

In my experience, some clients with hay fever find the eye movement process a little more difficult when their eyes are irritated or watery, which can reduce the effectiveness of the session. If your symptoms are particularly bad leading up to your session, it may be worth rearranging your appointment until they've settled.

IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Technique) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) both use guided eye movements and are often used to help people process difficult experiences but in practice that is where the similarity ends.

To summarise some differences:

IEMT:

• Focuses on memories, emotional responses, identity and behavioural patterns, including the Five Patterns of Chronicity.
  
  
• Explores the patterns that influence how you experience situations in the present.
  
  
• Considered largely content-free, meaning you don't need to describe details of your experiences.
  
  
• Uses guided eye movements as the primary method throughout the process.
  
  
• Flexible and tailored to the individual rather than following a fixed session structure, and may be integrated with other approaches where appropriate to support the client's goals.
  
  
• Suitable for a wide range of emotional, behavioural and identity-related issues, not only trauma.
  
  

EMDR:

• Primarily focuses on processing distressing memories and trauma.
  
  
• Works through a structured eight-phase treatment protocol to help reprocess traumatic or distressing memories.
  
  
• Usually involves identifying and holding aspects of a specific memory in mind during processing.
  
  
• May use eye movements, tapping or alternating sounds as bilateral stimulation.
  
  
• Explores memories, emotions, body sensations and beliefs connected to a target memory.
  
  
• Widely recognised as a treatment for PTSD and trauma-related difficulties.
  
  

Both approaches aim to help reduce the emotional impact of difficult experiences and support lasting change. They share some similarities but are different approaches with different models and processes.

Once you've decided to book, simply use one of the Book Now buttons to schedule both of your sessions using my online calendar.

Shortly after booking, I'll email you a client intake form to complete. Please return the completed form as soon as possible, or at least 24 hours before your first session, so I have time to prepare.

To help your sessions run smoothly, please make sure you:

• Use a laptop or desktop computer (not a phone or tablet)
  
  
• Position yourself so your head is clearly visible, with your eyes centred on the screen
  
  
• Ensure your device is fully charged or plugged in
  
  
• Have a stable internet connection
  
  
• Choose a quiet space where you won't be interrupted
  
  
• Please allow up to 90 minutes for each session, although most sessions typically last 60–75 minutes

Following these simple steps will help make the most of our time together and allow us to focus on the work that matters most.