How EMDR VR helped a midwifery student overcome her fear of needles

Saffron is a midwifery student. For years, she lived with an intense fear of needles and blood – a phobia that threatened to hold back her career in a profession where both are unavoidable.

Taking part in the trial

Saffron joined our EMDR VR clinical trial, a collaboration between the University of Northampton and St Andrew’s Healthcare. Over five sessions, she used our VR therapy programme to process and overcome her phobia in a safe, controlled environment.

In Saffron’s own words

“I can take bloods without flinching. I don’t panic anymore. I feel a lot more confident with what I’m doing – I’m not faking it anymore.”

“I was in complete control of what was going on. I think I was able to engage a lot more. The time I’ve been able to spend thinking about the thing and working through it has been really beneficial.”

“I’ve been able to really engage in placement and think about things that matter, rather than being afraid. I can actually focus on what I’m doing, which is good.”

Her story is a powerful example of what restorying looks like in practice – moving from a fear that defined her daily experience to a new chapter where it no longer holds her back.

A team effort

This work was made possible by the research team – Prof Mu Mu, Andrew Debus, David Nicholls, Dr Murtada Dohan, and Olive Chan – working in collaboration with St Andrew’s Healthcare to bring clinically validated VR therapy to people who need it.

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