Pendulum
Neuro-Affirming Support Systems
EMDR, Emotional Eating and Neurodivergent Wellbeing
For neurodivergent adults exploring EMDR or using it with a practitioner. Notice what is present today, prepare a question for your next session, or simply choose grounding. This is not self-guided trauma processing; no traumatic detail is needed.
Short and gentle
Nine calm steps, one at a time.
Stays on your device
No account, no automatic sending.
Yours to share
Save or print a summary for your clinician.
Before you begin
- • Keep descriptions brief and general. There is no need to relive detail.
- • Every answer is optional. Skip anything that does not fit today.
- • There are no right answers, and nothing here is a test of how you cope.
- • If distress rises, stop and use grounding, then let your clinician know.
If you need help right now: if you are in immediate danger, or at risk of harming yourself or someone else, stop here and contact your local emergency or crisis service.
Your way of noticing
These are suggested adaptations, not research findings or a treatment protocol. Neurodivergent experiences vary; use what fits you.
Sensory preferences
Light, sound, texture, smell and taste may feel soothing, distracting or too much. Choose only what feels comfortable; silence and fewer sensations are options too.
Five-senses grounding · choose a comfortable present-moment anchor.
Hunger signals and emotional eating
Hunger, fullness and other body signals can feel unclear. Eating for comfort is not a moral failure. You can notice a need without counting food, judging yourself or trying to change your eating here. Discuss persistent concerns with an appropriate health professional.
S — Sensation · notice a present body signal, or leave it blank.
Executive functioning
Starting, remembering and putting experiences into words may take effort. A few words, a selected option or no answer at all are enough.
TICES check-in · short optional notes for a conversation, not a task to finish.
Masking and overwhelm
You do not need to look calm, make eye contact or find the perfect words. You can ask for a pause, quieter space or different communication.
Notes for next session · name a support need without describing traumatic detail.
Questions for your EMDR practitioner
- Can we use spoken words, pictures, gestures or written notes in the way that suits me?
- Can we adjust lighting, sound, seating or other sensory input?
- How will we agree the pace, breaks and a signal to stop?
- How will you check consent, and what happens if I change my mind?
- What preparation and grounding do we need before processing?
- How will we recognise disconnection or overwhelm and respond together?
Notes for next session · keep one question to bring, if you want.
If you use the companion book, bring one short observation or question into this check-in. The book provides reading and reflection; the app offers optional noticing and everyday grounding. Trauma processing belongs with your practitioner, not in the book or app alone.
Choose a present-focused grounding exercise