EMDR Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing Therapy

With Sally Race, EMDR therapist at Acorn Natural Health Centre

How EMDR Helps

EMDR works by helping the brain complete that unfinished processing.

Using gentle, guided techniques such as eye movements or tapping, EMDR supports the brain to reorganise how memories are stored.

As this happens, many people notice:

• Reduced emotional intensity
• Fewer triggers
• A greater sense of calm
• Feeling more like themselves again

The memory doesn’t disappear, but it no longer has the same emotional hold.

What Happens During Sessions?

EMDR therapy at Acorn is always tailored to you.

We begin by understanding what’s been going on for you and making sure you feel comfortable and supported before any deeper work begins.

You won’t be rushed.

A key part of the process is helping you feel stable, grounded, and able to manage your emotions confidently.

During EMDR sessions:

• You remain fully aware and in control
• You do not need to share every detail out loud
• The pace is guided by what feels right for you

It’s structured, but flexible. Supportive, but effective.

What Can EMDR Support?

EMDR is widely used for:

• Trauma and post-traumatic stress
• Anxiety and persistent worry
• Panic attacks
• Phobias
• Low confidence and self-esteem
• Stress and burnout
• Difficult past experiences
• Grief and loss
• Emotional triggers that feel hard to shift

It is particularly helpful when you feel “stuck” despite understanding things logically.

Is EMDR Right for You?

You may benefit from EMDR if:

• You feel held back by past experiences
• Certain situations trigger a strong emotional reaction
• You feel anxious but aren’t sure why
• You’ve tried to move forward, but something still lingers
• You want a more direct, focused approach to change

A Personalised Approach at Acorn

At Acorn Natural Health Centre in Heanor, EMDR is offered by Sally Race, who brings over 20 years’ experience in therapeutic work, alongside a background in healthcare and psychology.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, sessions are adapted to suit you, often integrating EMDR with other therapeutic techniques where appropriate.

The aim is simple:
To help you feel better, think more clearly, and move forward with confidence.

Meet your Practitioner

Sally Race

BSc.(Hons) OT. Dip.C.Hyp. MNCH

Clinical Hypnotherapist

NLP Practitioner

Hello, I’m Sally Race, Clinical Hypnotherapist & EMDR therapist at Acorn Natural Health Centre in Heanor.

I hold a Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy and an Honours Degree in Occupational Therapy and I'm a qualified EMDR Practitioner. I am also a registered member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy, The General Hypnotherapy Register and General Hypnotherapy Standards Council, meaning I am fully qualified, insured and committed to high professional standards.

For me, therapy is not just about qualifications. It is about helping people create meaningful, lasting change. Whether that is freedom from anxiety, overcoming panic attacks, improving confidence, addressing IBS symptoms, or achieving sustainable weight loss, my focus is always on helping you move forward in a way that feels realistic and empowering.

Professional Background and Experience

Before moving into full time private practice, I worked for many years within the NHS as a Senior Occupational Therapist. During that time I:

• Delivered stress management groups within a cardiac rehabilitation team

• Supported individuals one to one with anxiety, overthinking and panic attacks

• Taught rehabilitation skills including cognition, perception and neuroplasticity at the University of Derby

• Lectured at Derby College

• Delivered workshops for both NHS and private healthcare professionals

This clinical background gives me a strong understanding of how the brain, nervous system and behaviour interact. It also means my approach to hypnotherapy for anxiety and related conditions is grounded in evidence, not guesswork.

Private Practice Since 2005

I have been working in private practice since 2005, supporting clients across Derbyshire and beyond.

While I use a range of therapeutic approaches, my core methods are:

• Clinical Hypnotherapy

• Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP)

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

• Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR)
•  

Hypnotherapy, NLP & EMDR are particularly powerful because they work at a subconscious level, often allowing us to reach the root of anxiety patterns, phobias, trauma responses and unwanted habits more efficiently. CBT and other evidence based approaches are integrated when they will enhance the outcome.

The aim is always the same. To create change that lasts.

Specialist Interests

Some people jokingly call me a bit of a research geek. I take that as a compliment.

I regularly read the latest research on anxiety disorders, panic attacks, weight management, IBS and the science of behaviour change. I attend professional development courses to stay up to date with current evidence and best practice.

When I come across valuable new insights, I often share them on social media and write educational blog posts. You can explore helpful articles and resources on my blog at Derbyshire Hypnotherapy.

Staying informed means my clients benefit from approaches that reflect modern neuroscience and practical psychology.

Choosing the Right Therapist

When considering hypnotherapy for anxiety, weight loss or any personal goal, it is essential to feel comfortable and confident in the therapist you choose.

That is why I offer a free 20 minute initial consultation at Acorn Natural Health Centre in Heanor.

During this consultation we will:

• Clarify what you would like to change

• Discuss how clinical hypnotherapy works

• Explore whether we are the right fit

• Answer any questions you may have

There is no obligation to continue. If I believe another approach or specialist would better meet your needs, I will always say so and can usually signpost you to trusted NHS or private healthcare professionals within my network.

If you are looking for a qualified Clinical Hypnotherapist  or EMDR therapist in Heanor, Derbyshire, with extensive NHS experience and a practical, evidence based approach to anxiety and behaviour change, I would be delighted to speak with you.

Change is possible. The first step is simply starting the conversation.

Location

Clinical Hypnotherapy Sessions with Sally Race are held at Acorn Natural Health Centre in Heanor.

Clients also attend from nearby areas including Ilkeston, Eastwood, Langley Mill, Codnor, Loscoe, Belper and Ripley, looking for support with anxiety, panic symptoms, stress overload, and confidence issues in a calm and private setting.