EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Looking to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that stems from disturbing life experiences?
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or read more about EMDR below.
EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and it is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.
EMDR is effective for:
– Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias
– Chronic Illness and medical issues
– Depression and bipolar disorders
– Dissociative disorders
– Eating disorders
– Grief and loss
– Pain
– Performance anxiety
– Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
– Sexual assault
– Sleep disturbance
– Substance abuse and addiction
– Trauma and stress-related issues
– Violence and abuse
For more information about EMDR and its benefits, here are some helpful links.
What is EMDR? Learn the basics
What is an actual EMDR session like? Learn the 8 phases of treatment
Introductory video about EMDR
EMDR experts explain the benefits of EMDR
EMDR patients share their stories
An EMDR therapist shares her EMDR experience
Frequently asked questions about EMDR
EMDR research
Research indicates that EMDR therapy can lead to significant improvements in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Studies have shown that EMDR is not only effective but also efficient, often providing relief in fewer sessions compared to other therapeutic methods.
EMDR is effective for:
The research includes:
- Twenty-four randomized controlled trials support the positive effects of EMDR therapy in the treatment of emotional trauma and other adverse life experiences relevant to clinical practice.
- Seven of 10 studies reported EMDR therapy to be more rapid and/or more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Twelve randomized studies of the eye movement component noted rapid decreases in negative emotions and/or vividness of disturbing images, with an additional 8 reporting a variety of other memory effects.
Keen to know more – follow this link to find more EMDR research.
A more complete list of the research and frequently asked questions about EMDR
Want faster results tailored to your needs?
EMDR intensives are an accelerated form of therapy designed for those ready to make rapid progress on their mental and emotional health challenges.
How it works
EMDR therapy has eight phases of treatment and the goal is to work towards processing disturbing memories, which allows people to reframe any negative beliefs developed from these disturbing experiences. It reduces the intensity of symptoms and triggers, and helps people cope with everyday life. One of the most unique components of the treatment is the bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements from side-to-side. Bilateral stimulation activates the brain in a way that helps store the memory in a different part of your brain where the memories become distant and the emotional distress reduces. The bilateral stimulation is only one part of the treatment, and this eight-phase model can take different lengths of time, depending on your circumstances. Some people require more preparation than others and some memories resolve in a single session, sometimes it takes a few sessions.
What we do
If you are interested in EMDR, we will guide you through some assessment questions to determine if this treatment is suitable for you.
Service delivery information
Online Consultation
We send you a link via email to connect with us on Zoom or Microsoft Teams
Referral Pathways
You can book privately, or you may be eligible for funding through Medicare, VOCAT, NDIS, TAC, Worksafe and Private health insurance. Click here to read more about what these funding types are and how to refer for each of them.
Ready to book an appointment or make a referral?
EMDR is recognised and endorsed
- Medicare 2020
- World Health Organisation – 2013
- The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies – 2009
- National Health and Medical Research Council – 2007
- American Psychiatric Association – 2004
- US Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense – 2004
- Northern Ireland Department of Health – 2003
- Dutch Guidelines of Mental Health Care – 2003
- Clinical Division of the American Psychological Association – 1998
- Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
