EMDR
Release painful memories and break free with EMDR.
Image by Bogdan Yukhymchuk
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based psychotherapy designed to help people recover from trauma and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain reprocess and integrate difficult memories so they no longer cause ongoing distress.
EMDR was originally developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980’s and has undergone numerous clinical studies before becoming a widely accepted treatment by authorities like; WHO (World Health Organisation), APS (Australian Psychological Society, Phoenix (The Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health), The US Department of Veteran Affairs, APA (American Psychiatric Association). EMDR has been embraced more broadly by the general public since Bessel van Der Kolk discussed it’s efficacy as a trauma treatment in his best selling book - The Body Keeps The Score*.
Are you struggling with painful memories, PTSD, anxiety, or emotional triggers?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a proven, evidence -based therapy that helps you process trauma, reduce distress, and regain emotional balance.
If you have had enough of past pain affecting your life today.
Free Inquiry Call Here
EMDR treatment available at Camberwell and nearby suburbs of Ashburton, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Burwood, Canterbury, Glen Iris, Hartwell, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East, Kew and Kew East, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills through The Health & Wellbeing Studio, 1160 Toorak Rd, Camberwell, and on the beautiful Bass Coast, at Lull, 13 Marketplace, Cape Paterson and nearby rural townships of Wonthaggi and Inverloch, VIC.
How does EMDR work?
When a traumatic event occurs, the brain can become “stuck” in how it processes the memory. This means the memory remains vivid, emotionally charged, and can trigger strong reactions long after the event. Time has moved on but the trauma has remained cycling through the nervous system.
EMDR helps by activating the brain’s natural healing process. Through guided bilateral stimulation, the memory is reprocessed in a way that reduces its emotional intensity. Over time, the distressing memory feels more like a neutral fact from the past rather than an ongoing threat.
What happens during EMDR?
In a safe therapeutic environment you and the therapist identify the trauma together. The therapist guides you through a series of bilateral movements using either the eyes or tapping, which engage the brain during recall and the movement begins reducing the intensity of emotion that has been connected to the memory.
What Types of Trauma Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR is highly effective in treating a wide range of trauma-related conditions:
Military, Police & Emergency Responders - Effective for PTSD, flashbacks or emotional numbness in first responders.
Childhood Abuse & Neglect – Supports release of deeply embedded negative beliefs about trust, self-worth, and relationships.
Car or Work Accidents - Helps survivors manage flashbacks, hypervigilance, anxiety, restoring a sense of safety.
Natural Disasters – Aids recovery from floods, bushfires, and earthquakes, restoring emotional stability.
Domestic Violence & Abusive Relationships – Reduces fear, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms from past abuse.
Grief & Loss – Eases intense emotional pain following sudden loss, promoting healthy grief processing.
Beyond Trauma: EMDR is also effective for:
✔ Chronic pain & stress-related conditions related to trauma
✔ Panic attacks and Hyper-reactivity founded in trauma
✔ Chronic fears & Phobia developed from a traumatic incident. (e.g., fear of flying, social anxiety)
✔ Depression & low self-esteem
Begin moving away from survival mode into thriving mode today. Free Inquiry call available.
EMDR Benefits
Evidence-Based & Highly Effective – Endorsed by the National Center for PTSD and leading Australian health organisations. Research shows that for people with a single traumatic event, EMDR can be highly effective, with studies finding that around 84–90% no longer met the criteria for PTSD after just three 90-minute sessions, and these improvements were maintained at follow-up.*
Reduces Anxiety & Depression – Addresses root causes, not just symptoms.
Fast & Long Acting - Client experience noticeable change often within 3 -5 sessions*
Natural, Safe, Supported Treatment - utilises the nervous system’s natural healing pathways
Improves Sleep & Reduces Nightmares – Restores healthy sleep patterns.
Recognized by the APS, AAPi, and Phoenix Australia – Recommended for PTSD and trauma-related disorders.
How Hypnotherapy and EMDR Can Be Complementary
EMDR and hypnotherapy are different, yet complementary approaches to emotional healing:
EMDR focuses on trauma recovery by reprocessing distressing memories using bilateral stimulation. It is primarily used for PTSD, anxiety, and phobias.
Hypnotherapy helps modify subconscious beliefs through deep relaxation and guided suggestions. It is also effective for trauma, distressing feelings, distorted coping processes leading to depression, anxiety and unwanted reactions or behaviours.
Both EMDR and hypnotherapy are offered, which can be used separately or combined for enhanced healing and transformation.
What clients say…
Image by Christopher Burns
“Had the pleasure of receiving some EMDR sessions with Andrea and WOW - what a huge shift! We were able to move a trauma reaction I had to a previous injury that had really held me back. the whole experience was amazing and I feel very positive moving forward. Thank You.'“
Julien (NSW)
References and Recommended Reading
Van der Kolk, B. (2014), The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma, Penguin Books
Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye movement desensitisation: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Behaviour Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry. 20(3), 211-217
Rothbaum, B. O. (1997). A controlled study of EMDR in the treatment of post-traumatic stress–disordered sexual assault victims. Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 61(3), 317–334. (Study delivered four sessions; widely summarized as ~90% remission by session three.)
Wilson, S. A., Becker, L. A., & Tinker, R. H. (1995). EMDR treatment for psychologically traumatized individuals. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(6), 928–937. (Three 90-min sessions.) Follow-up: Wilson, S. A., Becker, L. A., & Tinker, R. H. (1997). Fifteen-month follow-up… Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 65(6), 1047–1056. (84% reduction in PTSD diagnosis maintained.)
Australian Psychological Society (2023). Trauma and PTSD Guidelines.
Scelles,C.,& Bulnes, L.C. (2021). EMDR as a treatment option for conditions other than PTSD: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 644369
Fischer, N. (2021). Using EMDR therapy to treat clients remotely. Journal of EMDR Practice & Research, 15(1).