Specialised Therapy
EMDR Therapy
A Path to Healing
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy technique designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Using bilateral stimulation — typically through guided eye movements — EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional charge and facilitating healthier coping mechanisms.
Whether you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, or PTSD, EMDR can offer significant relief by transforming negative thoughts and feelings associated with past events. It has been widely recognised for its effectiveness in helping people move past emotional blocks and regain a sense of peace and emotional balance.
Our therapists are trained in EMDR and can guide you through this transformative process in a safe and supportive environment.
Why Choose EMDR?
Evidence-Based
EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Australian Psychological Society as a gold-standard trauma treatment.
Faster Results
Many clients experience significant relief in fewer sessions compared to traditional talk therapies — some see shifts in 6–12 sessions.
Gentle & Safe
You don't need to describe trauma in detail. EMDR allows healing without requiring you to re-live distressing experiences verbally.
Research-Backed
Decades of controlled studies including Shapiro (2001) and van der Kolk et al. (2007) confirm EMDR's effectiveness for trauma and PTSD.
Research & References
Shapiro, F. (2001). Numerous studies have shown EMDR’s efficacy in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Shapiro demonstrated its success in significantly reducing symptoms of PTSD in a controlled study. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
van der Kolk, B. A. et al. (2007). Found EMDR to be highly effective for trauma survivors, particularly in cases where traditional therapies had not been successful. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 20(4), 405–413.
EMDR is Suitable For
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- Phobias
- Complex Trauma
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Grief & Loss
- Low Self-Esteem
- When other therapies haven't worked
How EMDR Works
History & Planning
Your therapist gathers background information, identifies target memories and agrees on a treatment plan tailored to you.
Preparation
You learn relaxation and coping techniques so you feel safe and in control before trauma processing begins.
Assessment
Together you identify the specific memory, the negative belief attached to it, and the positive belief you'd like to hold instead.
Desensitisation
Using bilateral stimulation (guided eye movements or tapping), the brain reprocesses the distressing memory, reducing its emotional charge.
Installation
The positive belief is strengthened and installed, replacing the old negative belief associated with the trauma.
Body Scan & Closure
Your therapist checks for any residual tension and helps you return to a state of calm before finishing the session.