Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

 

What is EMDR Therapy?

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EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)

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EMDR is a type of psychotherapy designed to help people process and recover from distressing life experiences, so the past doesn’t keep feeling like it’s happening in the present.

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Many people assume that if something has hurt deeply, it must take years to heal. EMDR is based on a different idea: that the brain can heal from psychological trauma in a similar way the body heals from physical injury, especially when it has the right support.

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Think of it like this: if you cut your hand, your body naturally works to repair it. But if the wound keeps getting irritated, it can stay inflamed and painful. Emotional wounds can work in a similar way. When something overwhelming happens, the brain’s natural processing system can become “stuck”, and the memory may continue to trigger distress long after the event has passed.

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EMDR uses a structured, evidence-based approach to help the brain reprocess these memories. With an EMDR-trained clinician guiding the process, many people find that the memory becomes less intense, their reactions feel more manageable, and they feel more able to move forward.

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The Research Behind EMDR Therapy

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EMDR therapy is supported by extensive research, with over 30 positive controlled outcome studies conducted. Key findings include:

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• 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer experience PTSD after just three 90-minute sessions.

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• A study funded by Kaiser Permanente found that:

  • 100% of single-trauma victims and 77% of multiple-trauma victims were no longer diagnosed with PTSD after six 50-minute sessions.​

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• 77% of combat veterans were free of PTSD after 12 sessions.

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EMDR therapy is recognised as an effective treatment for trauma and other distressing experiences by leading organisations, including:

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• The American Psychiatric Association

• The World Health Organization (WHO)

• The Department of Defense

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This recognition highlights EMDR’s effectiveness not only for trauma but also for addressing “everyday” memories that contribute to issues such as low self-esteem, feelings of powerlessness, and other challenges that bring people to therapy.

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How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

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EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment that uses eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help clients process traumatic memories.

 

During a session, the clinician identifies a specific memory to target and guides the client to hold aspects of the event in mind while following the clinician’s hand movements with their eyes.

This process is believed to mimic the biological mechanisms of Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, allowing the brain to process and reframe the memory.

 

Clients often experience a shift in their emotional response to the event. For example, a rape survivor may move from feelings of self-disgust to a belief such as, “I survived, and I am strong.”

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Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR therapy doesn’t rely on extensive verbal discussion or homework assignments. Instead, it facilitates accelerated emotional and intellectual processing, empowering clients to transform their wounds into sources of strength.

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What Makes EMDR Therapy Different?

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• It doesn’t require clients to talk in detail about their distressing experiences.

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• There’s no homework between sessions.

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• It focuses on unprocessed traumatic memories, allowing the brain to resume its natural healing process.

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• Many clients complete EMDR therapy in fewer sessions compared to traditional psychotherapies.

 

Who Can Benefit from EMDR Therapy?

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EMDR therapy is suitable for children and adults of all ages. It has been used to address a wide range of challenges, including:

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• Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

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• Chronic illness and medical issues

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• Depression and bipolar disorders

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• Dissociative disorders

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• Eating disorders

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• Grief and loss

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• Pain management

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• Performance anxiety

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• Personality disorders

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• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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• Sexual assault

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• Sleep disturbances

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• Substance abuse and addiction

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• Violence and abuse

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Why Choose EMDR Therapy at Mental Health Counselling Geelong?

 

At our Geelong practice and online, we have experienced and EMDR clinicians who tailor therapy to each client’s unique needs.

 

Whether you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, or other challenges, EMDR therapy can help you achieve meaningful and lasting healing.

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Have you got further questions? See our EMDR specific FAQ's here.

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