EMDR Therapy
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Therapy is a well-researched treatment that has helped people around the world for over 35 years.
It works by helping you process upsetting memories, so they don’t continue to affect you in your daily life. The idea is that many emotional problems come from unprocessed memories—so by working through those memories, the symptoms can improve.
EMDR can help reduce emotional triggers, ease cravings related to addiction, and support healthier ways of coping in the future.
It can also help people who feel like they have different “parts” of themselves—especially if they’ve experienced trauma or difficult relationships early in life—by helping those parts feel more connected and whole.
Why Consider EMDR Therapy?
Sometimes, painful memories from the past can feel stuck and continue to affect how we feel, think, and relate to others. These memories may feel as vivid and upsetting as when they first happened.
EMDR Therapy helps the brain to re-process these memories, so they no longer cause distress. Even if you’ve developed strong coping skills, EMDR can support deeper healing by working through the emotional impact of past experiences.
After EMDR sessions where you re-process a negative, past traumatic memory to full resolution, you may still remember the event, but it won’t feel overwhelming or disturbing anymore.
What Are The Benefits Of EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a powerful therapeutic approach that offers a range of emotional, psychological, and functional benefits. It’s especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma, ongoing anxiety, or emotional distress that hasn’t shifted through traditional talk therapy. One of EMDR’s greatest strengths is its ability to work gently and effectively with deeply held memories—without the need to revisit every painful detail.
Some of the key benefits of EMDR include:
- Empowers clients to reclaim their lives from trauma.
- It often leads to faster results than traditional therapy.
- It suits clients who find it hard to talk about distress.
- EMDR helps regulate the nervous system and reduce overwhelm.
- It improves day-to-day life, confidence, and relationships.
- EMDR is backed by strong research and clinical evidence.
- It supports healing from PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, phobias and more.
Further Reading
EMDR therapy is a proven method for treating trauma. It helps individuals process distressing memories and reduce their emotional impact. For more information, please check out these industry leading resources.
EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)
- EMDRAA sets and monitors standards of therapy across Australia, ensuring the promotion of scientifically proven trauma healing.
emdraa.org >
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
- EMDRIA™ members are trained in EMDR therapy and seek the highest standards for the clinical use of EMDR. The organisation provides online networking opportunities and Special Interest Groups for its members.
emdria.org.au >
EMDR Institute, Inc. founded by Francine Shapiro
- The EMDR Institute is committed to transforming mental health through excellence in EMDR therapy training. Founded on a deep respect for the healing process, the work centres around authenticity in therapy and the lifelong journey of self-discovery for both clinicians and clients.
emdr.com >
Book Appointment
You’re welcome to book an appointment directly — no referral is required. However, if you wish to access the Medicare rebate, a referral from a GP or Psychiatrist is necessary. Referrals are also required for third party organisations such as ADF, DVA, and QPS (self-refer program).
