EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that supports the processing of distressing or overwhelming experiences.
At times, difficult experiences can remain “stuck”, continuing to affect how you feel, think, and respond in the present. EMDR helps the brain process these experiences so they can be integrated in a way that feels less distressing and more resolved.
EMDR involves gently bringing attention to aspects of a memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory stimulation). This supports the brain’s natural capacity to process and organise experiences, allowing memories to feel less vivid, less intrusive, and less emotionally overwhelming over time.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is commonly used to support:
Trauma and post-traumatic stress
Complex trauma and childhood trauma
Child sexual abuse and other experiences of abuse and neglect
Distressing or intrusive memories
Anxiety and panic
Phobias
Grief and loss
Shame and self-worth difficulties
Attachment wounds and relationship difficulties
Performance blocks and confidence issues
Distressing life experiences that continue to affect you in the present
Many people are surprised to discover that experiences do not need to meet a particular definition of “trauma” to be appropriate for EMDR. Sometimes experiences such as bullying, relationship breakdowns, medical procedures, accidents, workplace incidents, or periods of chronic stress can continue to affect the nervous system long after the event has passed.
EMDR for Complex Trauma and Dissociation
Many of the people I work with have experienced repeated or long-term trauma, often beginning in childhood.
In these situations, EMDR may be adapted and integrated with other approaches to ensure therapy proceeds safely and at a pace that feels manageable. This may include working with protective parts of self, addressing dissociation, strengthening emotional regulation skills, and developing a greater sense of safety before processing traumatic memories.
EMDR is highly flexible and can be adapted to meet the needs of people with complex trauma histories.
Online EMDR Therapy
Many people are surprised to learn that EMDR can be delivered effectively via telehealth.
Online EMDR uses secure video technology and adapted forms of bilateral stimulation, allowing therapy to be conducted from the comfort of your own home. Research has found that EMDR delivered online can be effective for many of the same concerns as in-person therapy.
Some clients prefer online sessions because they feel more comfortable and regulated in their own environment, while others prefer to attend in person. Both options are available.
EMDR Intensives
For some clients, a concentrated therapy format may be more appropriate than weekly sessions.
EMDR intensives involve extended therapy sessions delivered over one or more days and may be particularly helpful for people travelling from regional areas, Australians living overseas, humanitarian workers on leave, or individuals seeking focused trauma treatment.
EMDR intensives are not suitable for everyone. A thorough assessment is conducted beforehand to determine whether an intensive format is appropriate and to develop an individualised treatment plan.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss whether an EMDR intensive may be suitable for your circumstances.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR can be highly effective for many people, but it is not always the best approach for every situation.
If you are unsure whether EMDR is right for you, we can discuss your concerns and goals together and determine the most appropriate approach.
Appointments
EMDR therapy is available in-person in Frankston, Somerville on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as via telehealth across Australia.