Trauma, Memory, Menstrual Pain and the Power of EMDR

22 January, 2026

The latest edition of our podcast series Past, Present and Future, is now available. Russell Hurn, EMDR UK’s President Elect, is joined by Peter Pruyn, EMDR Consultant and independent researcher, to explore the powerful connection between trauma and chronic pain—particularly in women.

Ahead of his presentation for our annual conference: Revisiting Cognitive Interweaves: Exploring Clinical Choices in a Case of Processing Menstrual Pain, Peter explains how emotional stress is often held in the body as physical tension, amplifying pain over time. He discusses the multiple layers of trauma experienced by women with conditions such as endometriosis, including medical trauma arising from under-resourced healthcare systems, and highlights the urgent need for increased research and reduced stigma in women’s health.

Peter shares insights into why women experience higher rates of chronic pain and autoimmune conditions, often linked to unresolved trauma, and explains how EMDR can be an effective approach for addressing the psychological components of chronic pain by targeting distressing memories and negative cognitions associated with pain.

The episode also features discussion of Peter’s clinical work, case examples, and additional resources.  

Peter will present his workshop on day two of the EMDR UK’s Annual Hybrid Conference on 20&22 March in Bristol. 

Listen to the podcast above or via the Buzzsprout site.