Compassionate, Body-Based Healing with Cherie
Hello, I’m Cherie James, an EMDR Therapist in Weybridge, and I believe that therapy can be life-changing for anyone who’s ready to heal. I know this not only as a professional but as someone who has personally walked through deep loss, burnout, chronic illness, and recovery. My own journey through anxiety, grief, and rebuilding my life across different countries taught me that change is possible — even when it feels far out of reach.
Before training as a Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapy (QCH) Practitioner and EMDR Therapist, I spent more than two decades working in high-pressure international industries. Those years gave me first-hand insight into how stress, perfectionism, and emotional pain can affect every part of our lives — from relationships and health to our sense of identity. Today, that understanding helps me connect deeply with clients from all walks of life, offering practical, evidence-based tools for emotional freedom and self-trust.
Why EMDR?
Sometimes life’s overwhelming experiences — whether a single trauma or years of accumulated stress — don’t fully process in the brain. Instead of becoming integrated memories, they remain “stuck,” tangled with emotions, body sensations, and unhelpful beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m not safe.”
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) helps the brain complete that natural healing process. Through guided eye movements or gentle bilateral stimulation, EMDR supports both sides of the brain to work together again, reducing emotional charge and allowing calm, clarity, and balance to return.
A Somatic Approach to EMDR
My work combines traditional EMDR with somatic (body-based) practices. This integration recognises that trauma isn’t only psychological — it’s stored in the body and nervous system. Many people mentally “move on” after trauma, yet their body still holds tension, numbness, or hypervigilance.
In Somatic EMDR, we begin by creating safety in the present moment. Using breathwork, grounding, and gentle body awareness, we help your nervous system find stability before approaching difficult memories. When your body feels supported, the healing process becomes smoother and more profound. Over time, distressing memories lose their charge, and new, life-affirming beliefs begin to take root — “I’m okay now,” “I survived,” “I’m enough.”
My Philosophy
I do this work because I’ve seen — and felt — its power. Therapy isn’t just about talking; it’s about transformation. It’s about rediscovering your capacity for joy, self-compassion, and confidence. Whether you’re navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, or burnout, my goal is to help you reconnect with the calm and resilience that have always been within you.
If you’re looking for an EMDR Therapist in Weybridge or prefer online sessions, you’re warmly invited to reach out. Healing often begins with one conversation — and that single step can open the door to lasting change. Learn more about how EMDR works here: EMDR Therapy with Cherie James
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What issues can EMDR help with?
EMDR is widely used for trauma and PTSD but also supports people dealing with anxiety, panic, grief, phobias, and chronic stress. It can help whenever past experiences continue to trigger strong emotional or physical reactions.
2. Do I have to talk in detail about my trauma?
No. EMDR doesn’t require you to share every detail. The process focuses on how memories are stored in the brain and body, not on reliving them. Your comfort and sense of safety are always the priority.
3. What’s different about Somatic EMDR?
Somatic EMDR integrates body awareness and regulation techniques. It acknowledges that trauma lives not just in the mind but in the nervous system — helping you heal at both levels for more lasting change.
4. How long does EMDR therapy take?
The number of sessions varies depending on your history and goals. Some people feel a shift after a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work. Together, we’ll create a pace that feels right for you.
5. Can EMDR be done online?
Yes. Online EMDR is highly effective and follows the same principles as in-person therapy. As long as you have a quiet, private space, remote sessions can be just as powerful and convenient.