Somatic EMDR Therapy in Epsom, Surrey
Releasing Emotional Patterns Through Body-Based Healing
Many people in Epsom come to therapy when they realise they’ve been carrying emotional or physical strain for far longer than they intended. Perhaps certain situations leave you unusually anxious, or stress seems to build faster than it should. Maybe the body feels tense, fatigued, or wired, even during quiet periods. These reactions are often signs that your nervous system is still holding onto past experiences that were overwhelming at the time.
Somatic EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that helps you gently unwind these patterns. It works by integrating brain-based processing with mindful awareness of the body, supporting you to release emotional charge and restore internal balance. Rather than relying solely on talking, Somatic EMDR helps you shift what has been stored deep within the nervous system.
Sessions are available to clients in Epsom , either in-person in Weybridge or online via Zoom, providing flexible access to trauma-informed therapeutic support.
How Somatic EMDR Helps You Heal
When something distressing happens, the mind and body do their best to protect you. But if the experience is overwhelming, your system may not fully process it. Instead, the sensations, emotions, and beliefs tied to the event become “stuck,” resurfacing through anxiety, tension, self-doubt, or emotional numbness.
Somatic EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds — to help the brain complete this incomplete processing. As the hemispheres of the brain re-establish communication, the emotional intensity associated with old memories begins to soften.
The somatic element is what makes this method particularly transformative. By bringing gentle attention to breath, posture, and physical sensations, the body learns that it no longer needs to stay in a defensive or hyperalert state. This creates a safer foundation for deeper emotional healing.
Over time, clients in Epsom often notice they feel calmer, more grounded, and more present — not because they are trying harder, but because their system is finally able to relax.
Why Epsom Clients Choose Somatic EMDR
Life in Epsom — with its blend of busy routines, family commitments, work demands, and personal expectations — can become overwhelming. Many people seek Somatic EMDR when they feel stuck in cycles they can’t break, or when symptoms no longer match their current circumstances.
This approach may help you if you’re experiencing:
Persistent anxiety or panic
Emotional overwhelm or irritability
Trauma (recent or from childhood)
Burnout or chronic stress
Difficulty relaxing or switching off
Feeling disconnected, numb, or “not yourself”
Repeating patterns in relationships
Somatic EMDR does not require you to retell your story in detail. You remain in control at all times, and the therapy is designed to feel safe, steady, and supportive.
About Your Therapist
I’m Cherie James, a Somatic EMDR therapist supporting clients across Surrey, including Epsom and the surrounding areas. My approach blends extensive professional training with lived experience — I know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected from the body, and I know how powerful integrated therapy can be.
Before becoming a therapist, I spent years in high-pressure creative and corporate roles, which gave me a deep understanding of how stress shapes both the body and mind. Today, my work focuses on creating a space where clients can feel safe, grounded, and understood as they rebuild emotional resilience and reconnect with themselves.
Sessions are collaborative and tailored to your pace. There is no rush, no pressure, and no expectation to move faster than your nervous system is ready for.
Therapy Options for Epsom Residents
Choose the format that best suits your wellbeing and lifestyle:
In-person sessions in Weybridge (easily accessible from Epsom)
Online EMDR sessions via Zoom, ideal for flexibility or comfort
Both options provide equally effective, supportive therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does Somatic EMDR work if I don’t remember my trauma clearly?
Yes. Somatic EMDR works with your body’s current responses, not with detailed storytelling. You don’t need to remember or describe everything for the process to be effective.
2. Will I feel overwhelmed during sessions?
The work is paced carefully to ensure emotional and physical safety. We begin by building strong grounding tools so you stay regulated throughout the process.
3. Can Somatic EMDR help with long-term anxiety or stress?
Absolutely. Many long-standing anxiety patterns come from unprocessed experiences. Somatic EMDR helps resolve these at their root, leading to more lasting change.