What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR stands for “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing”. It is a structured psychotherapeutic intervention that includes assessment, preparation and work on relevant memories. It may incorporate bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, within a process guided by a trained professional.
It is not about applying a protocol automatically, nor about “remembering for the sake of remembering”. What happened is still what happened: your history is not changed and memories are not erased. What we work on is the distress associated with them, the meaning we give them and the way we respond today. That change is not the same for everyone and cannot be promised in advance.
When can EMDR help you?
EMDR can be an option when you understand what is happening to you, perhaps you have already done some work in therapy and have tools, but something is still stuck at an emotional level. It is that gap between knowing and feeling that comes out in phrases such as:
- “I know that it's over.”
- “I know rationally that I have no reason to be afraid.”
- “I know it's not my fault, but I still feel guilty.”
- “I know what I should do, but when the moment comes I can't.”
These are examples of how that distress can be expressed, not patient testimonials, and on their own they do not indicate what treatment you need. Depending on the assessment, the work may focus on past experiences, on current situations that cause a lot of distress or on fears about what might happen.
About the evidence: NICE guidelines (United Kingdom) recommend EMDR for adults with post-traumatic stress disorder or clinically important symptoms in certain circumstances following non-combat-related trauma (NICE NG116, recommendations 1.6.18–1.6.20). This does not mean that every emotional block is a trauma or that EMDR is the best option for every difficulty.
How do we work with EMDR?
At Elemental, EMDR does not replace other approaches: it is integrated into a broader perspective, alongside solution-focused systemic therapy. The question is not which technique has to win, but what you need right now.
The process usually follows this order:
- Assessment. We get to know what brings you here, your history, your current situation and your goals, and we assess whether EMDR is suitable for you or whether another kind of work would be better.
- Preparation. Before working with difficult memories, we make sure you have sufficient resources, stability and safety.
- EMDR work. We address the agreed memories, triggers or anticipated situations, within a trusting therapeutic relationship.
- Review. We review with you how you are, what has changed and what would be best to do next.
The pace and the goals are agreed with you. If at any point another perspective is needed, such as a medical assessment, the team includes psychiatry coordinated with psychotherapy.
Who will see you?
At Centro Elemental, EMDR therapy is offered by Patricia Santos Durán, psychotherapist and EMDR expert. She is a general health psychologist, registration no. AO10798, with a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Málaga, a university master's degree in General Health Psychology, a master's degree in Child and Adolescent Psychology and an expert qualification in Systemic Therapy. She works from a solution-focused systemic approach and specialises in EMDR, eating disorders and family therapy. She has worked in private practice in Antequera, Málaga and Estación de Cártama, and at ADANER (Asociación en Defensa de la Atención a la Anorexia Nerviosa y Bulimia, an association advocating for care for anorexia nervosa and bulimia).
Patricia explains how she integrates EMDR into her practice in the article EMDR: when knowing what to do is not enough.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
An EMDR session costs €80 and lasts about an hour, the same at the practice as online.
The number of sessions depends on the assessment, your goals and how the process goes. It cannot be set in advance, and we review it with you.
In person or online?
You can do EMDR at our practice at Alameda de Colón 2, 3º H, 29001 Málaga, in the Soho district (how to get here), or by video call. During the assessment we consider with you which format is most suitable for your case. More information on online therapy.
The centre is open Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 21:00, and on Saturdays, 09:00 to 14:00. Patricia's available slots appear in her calendar when you book.
Frequently asked questions about EMDR therapy
Is EMDR only for trauma?
EMDR is recommended by NICE guidelines for post-traumatic stress in certain circumstances. It may also be considered when past experiences, current situations or fears continue to provoke intense reactions, but it is not the right option for every difficulty. We assess this with you.
Do I have to tell you everything that happened to me?
It is not necessary to talk endlessly about what happened. The work is carefully prepared and moves forward at the pace we agree with you.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. EMDR can be done in person in Málaga or online. During the assessment we see which format suits you best.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
It depends on the assessment and your goals, so it cannot be known in advance. First there is an assessment and preparation phase, and the process is reviewed with you.
Does EMDR replace the therapy I am already doing?
Not necessarily. At Elemental, EMDR is integrated with other approaches, such as solution-focused systemic therapy. If you are already in therapy with another professional, let us know and we will consider it together.
Take the first step
You can book an appointment online, message us on WhatsApp or call 629 359 443. You can also book directly with Patricia from her profile. If what you are dealing with is mainly everyday anxiety, you may be interested in therapy for anxiety and stress; and if it is a family matter, family therapy.
We are not an emergency service. If you or someone else is in danger, call 112 or Línea 024, the helpline for people at risk of suicide.
Content reviewed by Alberto Moreno Gámez, health psychologist, registration no. AO-5524 · 17 October 2026