Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Some experiences leave a mark that talking alone cannot fully reach. Trauma, distressing memories, and deeply held negative beliefs about ourselves can become lodged in the nervous system in ways that continue to shape how we think, feel, and respond, long after the original experience has passed.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help the brain do what it couldn't do at the time: fully process and integrate difficult experiences, so they no longer carry the same emotional weight.
EMDR is endorsed by the World Health Organisation and the Australian Psychological Society as an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research also supports its use for anxiety, depression, grief, and other mental health difficulties where distressing memories or negative beliefs play a role.
“Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence. Not only can trauma be healed, but with appropriate guidance and support, it can be transformative.”
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EMDR is built on the understanding that when we experience something overwhelming, the brain's natural processing system can become disrupted. Rather than being stored as an ordinary memory, the experience can remain "stuck", vivid, emotionally charged, and easily triggered.
EMDR works by activating the distressing memory while simultaneously engaging the brain through bilateral stimulation, most commonly guided eye movements, though alternating taps or sounds may also be used. This process mimics what the brain naturally does during REM sleep and allows the memory to be reprocessed and stored in a way that is less distressing.
Importantly, EMDR is not about talking through the details of what happened. The processing occurs largely through the bilateral stimulation itself, which means you are not required to describe your experiences in depth if you do not wish to.
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EMDR is primarily known for treating trauma and PTSD, but its applications are broad. It may be helpful for:
Single-incident trauma (accidents, medical events, assault)
Complex or childhood trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic
Depression rooted in past experiences
Grief and loss
Phobias
Negative core beliefs about the self, for example "I am not good enough", "I am not safe"
The lasting impact of difficult relationships in childhood or adulthood
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EMDR does not begin with eye movements. The early sessions focus on building the therapeutic relationship, understanding your history, and ensuring you have the grounding and stabilisation tools needed to engage safely with deeper work.
Once processing begins, you will be guided to hold a target memory in mind while following sets of bilateral stimulation. Over time, the emotional charge associated with the memory typically reduces and new perspectives often emerge naturally.
Every session ends with a return to calm. You will never leave a session in a state of distress.
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EMDR 2.0 is a refined version of standard EMDR that incorporates a more intensive approach to memory activation during processing. Research suggests this can accelerate and deepen the reprocessing of traumatic memories, making it particularly well-suited to clients with complex trauma histories or those who have not responded as expected to standard EMDR.
EMDR 2.0 does not replace standard EMDR. Rather, it offers an additional tool that can be drawn upon when needed.
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Faith is a trained EMDR and EMDR 2.0 clinician and is a member of the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA). EMDR is central to her clinical practice and is used alongside other evidence-based approaches as part of a tailored treatment plan.
Extended sessions are available for EMDR where clinically indicated.
If you would like to find out more about whether EMDR may be right for you please contact us.