At East Maitland Holistic Psychology Clinic, our psychologists provide compassionate, individualised EMDR therapy in a supportive environment. We can help you explore whether EMDR is suitable for your circumstances and treatment goals.
Did you know there's a therapy that can reduce PTSD symptoms in just a few sessions by moving your eyes back and forth? It is called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or “EMDR”. During EMDR a therapist guides your eye movements, or sometimes uses tapping or sounds, while you recall distressing memories. This dual attention seems to help the brain reprocess traumatic experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming. Sessions usually last 60 to 90 minutes and most people need 6 to 12 sessions, though it depends on the traumas’ complexity.
EMDR is best known for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but it's also been shown to help with anxiety, depression and phobias. So how does EMDR help PTSD specifically? Although the exact mechanisms are not yet known, research shows that EMDR reduces flashbacks, nightmares and intrusive memories. It makes avoided reminders feel safer, it calms hypervigilance and reshapes core beliefs like “I am not safe” or I'm permanently damaged” into “I am safe now”, “I have survived”, and “I'm strong”. Brain scans suggest EMDR reduces overactivity in the amygdala, the brain's emotional (fear centre). It helps the hippocampus, which puts memories into context, so trauma feels like it belongs in the past, instead of being relieved, and it strengthens the prefrontal cortex restoring top down control over emotional reactions.
EMDR helps unlock the nervous system's imprint of trauma - the trauma is still there but it is no longer running your life. Like any therapy, there can be side effects; emotional rawness, vivid dreams or temporary distress between sessions, but these usually settle with continued support.
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured psychological therapy that helps people process distressing or traumatic experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help reduce the emotional impact of difficult memories.
EMDR can be helpful for people who have experienced trauma or distressing events that continue to affect their thoughts, emotions or everyday life. It may be used with adults and young people experiencing trauma, PTSD, anxiety and other trauma-related difficulties.
Yes. EMDR is a recognised treatment for trauma and PTSD. It can help reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories, allowing them to feel less overwhelming and have less impact on your present life.
Your psychologist will first help you understand the process and develop strategies to feel safe and grounded. When you are ready, you will be guided to focus on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following eye movements or alternating sounds or taps.
EMDR is a well-established psychological therapy. Your psychologist will guide you through the process at a pace that feels manageable and will help you develop strategies to feel grounded and supported.
Most people need 6 to 12 sessions, however the number of sessions varies from person to person. Your psychologist will discuss your needs and treatment goals with you and regularly review your progress.
An initial consultation is a good place to start. Your psychologist can learn more about your circumstances and discuss whether EMDR is an appropriate approach for your needs and goals.
EMDR is most commonly associated with trauma and PTSD, but may also be used to address anxiety and other difficulties where distressing experiences or memories are contributing to symptoms. Your psychologist can discuss whether it may be suitable for you.
East Maitland Holistic Psychology Clinic
5/28 Mitchell Drive, East Maitland, NSW 2323, Australia
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