Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapist in Melbourne
Have you experienced something terrible that continues to affect your daily life?
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If you struggle with PTSD, negative thoughts about your self, others and the world, or fears/phobias about the future, our skilled therapists can help you process and move on from past traumatic experiences and embrace the future with greater confidence.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based therapy designed to help people to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR can also help people to cope with present triggers, and feel more confident about facing feared situations in the future. EMDR is a recommended therapy for PTSD, and shows good effectiveness with 'everyday' painful memories as well.
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EMDR Therapy works by kick-starting the brain's natural tendency to self-heal. When something overwhelmingly distressing happens to us, such as a traumatic experience, the brain does not store the memory in a regular way. EMDR Therapy works by pairing the distressing memory with bilateral stimulation (similar to what occurs when you're in REM sleep), which helps the memory to be filed away as a regular non-traumatic memory. After EMDR Therapy people don't forget what happened to them, they simply aren't as distressed about it anymore.
Components of EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy works by targeting three time intervals:
Past
Present
Future
Process past traumatic memories, leading to more adaptive ways of thinking and feeling
Work on the triggers and fears/phobias that keep you trapped in distress
Prepare yourself to face future challenges with confidence
Our Locations
We offer face-to-face EMDR Therapy across two convenient locations in Melbourne and online therapy via telehealth Australia-wide
EMDR Therapy FAQs
Who is EMDR Therapy suitable for?
EMDR is suitable for individuals dealing with a wide range of challenges, including: trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When is EMDR Therapy helpful?
EMDR Therapy is helpful for managing a range of conditions or managing the following presentations:
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You're experiencing acute PTSD symptoms and need urgent relief
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You've tried other psychotherapies with little effect
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You'd rather not analyse the ins and outs of your past experiences
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You're suffering daily and just need to function
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You recognise patterns of negative thoughts relating to past experiences affecting your life
How long does EMDR Therapy take to work?
It’s hard to say exactly how long EMDR Therapy takes to work, as everyone is different. The number of sessions will depend on a range of factors, including whether you have something else you’re struggling with (e.g., another diagnosis or history of trauma), and how well your environment supports you to change.
Do I need a referral for EMDR Therapy?
No, you don’t need a referral to see an EMDR therapist. However, if you want to claim Medicare rebates, we recommend discussing your eligibility for a Mental Health Treatment Plan with your GP.