EMDR Therapy in Thailand for Trauma Treatment
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is recognised globally as one of the most effective treatments for trauma and PTSD. Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR works with your brain’s natural healing processes to help you recover from traumatic experiences without requiring you to discuss every detail of what happened.
At The Dawn Rehab in Chiang Mai, Thailand, EMDR is one of the many techniques used in our Trauma Programme within a safe, supportive residential environment, giving you the time and space needed for meaningful recovery.
What Conditions Does EMDR Treat?
EMDR was originally developed for PTSD and remains the gold standard treatment for trauma. The NHS in the UK recommends it as a primary treatment for processing traumatic memories.
At The Dawn, we use EMDR to help clients with:
- PTSD from single-incident trauma (accidents, assault, natural disasters)
- Complex trauma and childhood adverse experiences
- Anxiety disorders linked to past experiences
- Depression with trauma components
- Addiction recovery (addressing underlying trauma)
What is EMDR and How Does It Work?
When trauma is triggered, your rational brain goes offline. This is why EMDR takes a different approach than talk therapies. Rather than working from the top down (changing how you think), it works from the bottom up, calming your nervous system first.
Through bilateral stimulation (usually guided eye movements), EMDR allows your brain to reprocess traumatic memories naturally, reducing their emotional charge.
The Eight Phases of EMDR
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol which are all taken into account in our Treatment Roadmap.
- History Taking: Your therapist learns about your experiences and identifies specific memories to target.
- Preparation: You learn what to expect and develop coping skills. This phase is crucial and cannot be rushed.
- Assessment: Together, you identify the target memory and associated beliefs, emotions, and body sensations.
- Desensitisation: The active reprocessing phase using bilateral stimulation begins.
- Installation: Positive beliefs are strengthened to replace negative ones.
- Body Scan: Checking for any remaining physical tension associated with the memory.
- Closure: Ensuring you leave each session feeling stable and grounded.
- Re-evaluation: Reviewing progress and determining next steps.
The Importance of Preparation and Stabilisation
Stabilisation is actually the foundation that makes effective reprocessing possible. Our therapists invest significant time in phases 1-3 before beginning bilateral stimulation. Starting reprocessing before you are ready risks emotional flooding or feeling overwhelmed.
During stabilisation, you will develop internal resources and coping strategies. If at any point during treatment you need additional grounding, your therapist can pause reprocessing and return to stabilisation work. This flexibility ensures you remain in control of your healing journey.
What to Expect During EMDR Sessions
Many clients worry about what EMDR will feel like. The good news is that sessions are structured, collaborative, and designed to keep you feeling safe throughout the process.
What if I can’t do eye movements?
If eye movements feel uncomfortable or are not suitable for you, your therapist can use tactile stimulation (alternating taps on your hands or knees) or auditory stimulation (sounds alternating between ears).
The defining technique is bilateral stimulation. It involves activating both sides of your brain alternately, typically through guided eye movements. You will follow the therapist’s finger movements from side to side while focusing on a specific memory.
This bilateral stimulation helps:
- Reactivate both hemispheres of your brain so they can communicate again
- Create psychological distance from overwhelming emotions
- Allow your rational brain to come back “online” and process the experience
- Transform how traumatic memories are stored, reducing their emotional charge
“Healing from trauma doesn’t have to be painful. You don’t need to be re-traumatised to recover. Many clients expect to become highly emotional, but that’s not the goal or requirement for effective treatment.”
— Paolo Veneracion
EMDR Specialist at The Dawn Rehab Thailand
(CRC, ICAP I, CSAT III)
Masters in Mental Health and Trauma Counselling
How Long Does EMDR Take To Work?
Treatment length varies based on the nature and complexity of your trauma.
At The Dawn, we recommend:
- A minimum of 8 sessions, conducted at least twice per week
- Each session lasts 50-60 minutes, with sets of bilateral stimulation (typically 30-60 passes per set)
- Between sets, you will briefly share what came up – thoughts, images, body sensations – without needing to describe traumatic events in detail
- The therapist tracks your progress and adjusts the approach based on how you are responding
- You remain in control and can pause at any time if you need a break
Why Choose Our Residential EMDR Treatment in Chiang Mai, Thailand
EMDR can be done on an outpatient basis, so why consider residential treatment in Thailand?
EMDR works by opening up traumatic memories for reprocessing which can bring difficult emotions to the surface. In outpatient settings, clients go home after an intense session and may experience flashbacks, heightened anxiety, or feel emotionally overwhelmed without immediate support.
At The Dawn, we provide:
- 24-hour clinical support – Trained staff are available whenever difficult emotions arise, helping you feel grounded and safe between sessions.
- Complementary somatic therapies – Yoga, TRE, and breathwork help your body release tension and regulate your nervous system, supporting your healing between EMDR sessions.
- Time to rest and integrate – Rather than returning immediately to daily responsibilities, you have space to process and recover at your own pace.
How much does EMDR cost at a residential centre?
Treatment costs vary based on length of stay, accommodation choice, and specific clinical needs. Contact our admissions team for a personalised quote at The Dawn.
What happens after EMDR treatment?
Are there English-speaking EMDR therapists in Thailand for dealing with trauma?
How much does EMDR cost at a residential centre?
Treatment costs vary based on length of stay, accommodation choice, and specific clinical needs. Contact our admissions team for a personalised quote at The Dawn.