> EMDR Therapy

Evidence-Based Trauma Therapy

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

Do you carry the weight of past trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or distressing memories? EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that helps your brain process and heal from difficult experiences — so they no longer control your present. Available at our Sippy Downs and Maroochydore clinics, and via Telehealth.

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About This Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative, evidence-based approach to psychotherapy that helps people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences. Originally developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is now recognised as a first-line treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe your traumatic experiences in detail. Instead, it uses bilateral stimulation — most commonly guided eye movements — to help the brain process distressing memories that have become "stuck" and are continuing to cause emotional distress.

WHO Endorsed Recognised as a first-line treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organisation

No Detailed Retelling You do not need to describe your trauma in detail — EMDR works differently to talk therapy

Rapid Results Many clients experience significant relief in fewer sessions than traditional therapy

Lasting Change EMDR helps the brain permanently reprocess memories — not just manage symptoms

Medicare Rebates Available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan — ask us about your eligibility

Telehealth Available EMDR sessions are available in-clinic and via secure video call

How It Works

The Science Behind EMDR

When we experience a traumatic or highly distressing event, the brain can struggle to process it normally. The memory becomes "frozen" — stored with the same intensity of emotion, sensation, and belief as when it first occurred. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to activate the brain's natural processing system, allowing the memory to be integrated and stored in a way that no longer triggers distress.

History Taking

Your psychologist takes a thorough history and identifies the specific memories and experiences to target in treatment.

Preparation

You learn stabilisation and resourcing skills to ensure you feel safe and grounded before processing begins.

Assessment

The target memory is identified, including the image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations associated with it.

Desensitisation

Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones) is used while you hold the target memory in mind, allowing the brain to process it.

Installation

A positive belief is strengthened and linked to the memory, replacing the negative belief that was previously associated with it.

Body Scan

You scan your body for any remaining tension or distress related to the memory, which is then processed if present.

Closure

Each session ends with grounding and stabilisation to ensure you leave feeling calm and resourced.

Re-evaluation

At the start of each new session, progress is reviewed and any remaining distress is assessed before continuing.

Why EMDR

The Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR has been proven highly effective for a wide range of presentations. Here is how it can help you.

PTSD

Trauma & PTSD

EMDR is a first-line, gold-standard treatment for PTSD. It helps individuals process and resolve traumatic memories in a safe, supported environment — reducing flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.

ANXIETY

Anxiety & Phobias

EMDR targets the underlying memories and experiences that fuel anxiety and phobias — reducing their emotional intensity and helping you respond to triggers with greater calm.

MOOD

Depression & Low Mood

By processing the distressing memories and negative beliefs that contribute to depression, EMDR can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve overall mood and wellbeing.

SELF

Self-Esteem & Confidence

EMDR helps individuals identify and reprocess the negative self-beliefs formed through difficult experiences — replacing them with more accurate, positive beliefs about themselves.

What EMDR Can Help With

Conditions & Presentations EMDR Treats

EMDR has a growing evidence base across a wide range of mental health presentations. Click any condition to learn more.

Trauma & PTSD Anxiety Disorders Depression Relationship Difficulties Phobias Grief & Loss Childhood Trauma Sexual Assault & Abuse Accidents & Medical Trauma Negative Self-Beliefs Panic Disorder Addictions

Who We Help

Who is EMDR Suitable For?

EMDR is suitable for adults, adolescents, and children who have experienced trauma or distressing life events.

Adults

EMDR is widely used with adults experiencing PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and the lasting effects of childhood or adult adversity. It is effective even for long-standing trauma that has not responded to other treatments.

Children & Adolescents

EMDR can be adapted for children and teenagers using age-appropriate protocols. It is particularly helpful for young people who have experienced abuse, accidents, medical trauma, or other distressing events.

First Responders & Veterans

EMDR is one of the most effective treatments for occupational trauma in first responders, emergency workers, and veterans. DVA funding may be available for eligible veterans — contact us to discuss.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR

Does EMDR really work? Is there evidence for it? +

Yes — EMDR has one of the strongest evidence bases of any psychological therapy for trauma and PTSD. It is endorsed as a first-line treatment by the World Health Organisation, the American Psychological Association, the Australian Psychological Society, and numerous other international bodies. Over 30 randomised controlled trials have demonstrated its effectiveness.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail? +

No — this is one of the key advantages of EMDR over traditional talk therapy. You do not need to describe your traumatic experiences in detail. Your psychologist will guide you to hold the memory in mind while the bilateral stimulation does the work. Many clients find this a significant relief, particularly those who have found it difficult to talk about their experiences.

How many EMDR sessions will I need? +

The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and complexity of your trauma. Single-incident trauma (such as an accident or assault) may resolve in as few as 3–6 sessions. Complex or childhood trauma typically requires more sessions. Your psychologist will discuss a recommended plan with you after the initial assessment.

Is EMDR available via Telehealth? +

Yes. EMDR can be delivered effectively via secure video call using online bilateral stimulation tools. Telehealth EMDR is a fully evidence-supported option and Medicare rebates apply to eligible sessions.

Is EMDR covered by Medicare or NDIS? +

Medicare rebates are available for EMDR sessions under a GP Mental Health Care Plan (up to 10 sessions per calendar year). DVA funding is available for eligible veterans. NDIS participants with "Improved Daily Living" funding may also be able to use their funding for EMDR sessions. Contact our admin team to discuss your specific funding options.

Will EMDR make me feel worse before I feel better? +

It is normal to experience some emotional activation during EMDR processing — this is a sign that the brain is working. However, your psychologist will ensure you are well-prepared with stabilisation skills before processing begins, and will pace the work carefully to your readiness. Between sessions, some clients notice increased emotional awareness, vivid dreams, or temporary heightening of symptoms — this is a normal part of the processing and typically settles quickly.

Explore Further

Related Therapy Approaches

EMDR is often used alongside other evidence-based therapies. Your psychologist will recommend the approach that best suits your needs.