​What Is EMDR?

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EMDR is a therapy that helps the brain process memories or experiences that haven’t been fully “digested.” These might be traumatic events, moments of overwhelm, or times when things felt too big, too fast, or too much.

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Instead of retelling or analysing the story in detail, EMDR uses gentle bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or sound) to support the nervous system in processing those experiences in a more integrated way.

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For many people, EMDR helps reduce distress, build emotional safety, and shift beliefs like “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault” into something more grounded and self-compassionate.

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Who Might EMDR Help?

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EMDR can be helpful for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced:

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• Trauma (including complex or developmental trauma)

• Family violence, abuse, or neglect

• Grief and loss

• Medical trauma or accidents

• Anxiety or phobias

• Intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares

• Ongoing emotional responses linked to past events

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Sometimes EMDR is also used to strengthen internal resources—such as a sense of safety, confidence, or calm—before processing more distressing material. This can be especially helpful for people with complex trauma, or when working with children.

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What Does the Process Involve?

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EMDR begins with a period of preparation and grounding. There is no rush to begin memory processing—in fact, much of the work early on focuses on building safety, resourcing, and understanding what you need to feel supported.

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The process may include:

• History-taking and assessment

• Developing internal resources (e.g. calm place, nurturing figures, protective imagery)

• Identifying target memories or themes to process

• Processing using bilateral stimulation

• Integration of new insights, beliefs, or shifts in emotional experience

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The pace is always guided by your readiness, not by a protocol.

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For children, EMDR is often adapted to include play, stories, drawing, or symbolic imagery to support engagement in an age-appropriate way.

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A Trauma-Informed Approach

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EMDR is offered with a trauma-informed, attachment-focused lens. That means:

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• Safety and consent come first—nothing is rushed or pushed

• The process is collaborative, relational, and grounded in choice

• Work with children is always supported by their caregivers and adapted to their developmental stage

• Cultural safety, identity, and systemic factors are considered throughout

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Fees and Availability

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EMDR sessions are billed as standard therapy sessions and may be eligible for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), if you have one in place.

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If EMDR is being offered as part of a broader assessment or support plan, this will be discussed with you during the intake or planning phase. You can view fees here, or get in touch to learn more or express interest.

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