Юлія Молчанова

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured method for working with distressing memories. While you briefly bring a memory to mind, the therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or taps, which can help the memory feel less intense. It is best known for its use after traumatic experiences.

Gestalt therapy focuses on what you are experiencing here and now: thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the way you relate to others in the moment. Through conversation and sometimes small experiments, you become more aware of your patterns and can try new ways of responding. It is used for a wide range of personal and relationship difficulties.

Trauma-focused therapy is a family of approaches designed for the effects of frightening or overwhelming experiences. Usually the work starts with feeling safer and more stable, and only then turns to the memories themselves, at a pace you can manage. It can help with flashbacks, fear, numbness and other after-effects of trauma.

Imagery and imaginative methods work with inner pictures: memories, dreams, imagined scenes or symbols. Images can make feelings easier to reach, and can be used to calm down, to strengthen inner resources or to rework a difficult experience. They are often part of trauma-focused, schema and hypnotherapeutic work.

Mindfulness-based therapy uses practices that train attention on the present moment, with openness rather than judgement. Noticing thoughts and feelings without being carried away by them can reduce stress and help break cycles of worry or low mood. Programmes such as MBSR and MBCT are well-known examples.