EMDR Therapy

EMDR can be used to treat:

• PTSD

• Depression

• Anxiety

• Panic attacks

• Personality disorders

• Complicated grief

• Dissociative disorders

• Pain disorders

• Body dysmorphic disorders

• Eating disorders

• Sexual or Physical abuse

• Performance anxiety

• Stress reduction

• Disturbing memories

• Phobias

• Addictions

The mind has an ability to repair itself and heal. Much of our processing

occurs during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. After trauma, however, this

processing can be interrupted and the memory can become stuck.

In EMDR, the client is asked to pick a memory or issue that you would like to

resolve. Clients are asked to bring to mind the memory or issue and what this

memory or issue might make them feel or think about themselves, and how

they would like to think or feel about themselves in the future. The EMDR

therapist will then use bilateral stimulation, usually by moving their fingers

left to right in front of the client and which the client follows with their eyes

(which simulates the processing that occurs in the brain during REM sleep).

During this processing, the client is awake and able to stop the process at any

point they wish. EMDR does not require you to re-live or re-tell all of the

details of your trauma.

EMDR can be done on an image of a trauma, or a

feeling related to a trauma, or a thought about a trauma rather than a full

exploration of the traumatic event. This can help clients feel more able to

engage in EMDR therapy to help them process their trauma.

EMDR is one of the most researched therapeutic approaches for PTSD. The

Australian Psychological Society (APS) has listed EMDR as a level 1 treatment

for PTSD for both young people and adults, the highest rating that can be

given to a specific therapeutic approach.

EMDR is an approved therapy under

Better Access Medicare Program.