EMDR Therapy in Brisbane
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that can help people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect how they feel, think or respond in the present.
I provide EMDR therapy for adults from my practice in Sumner, Brisbane. EMDR may be helpful for people experiencing the effects of trauma, anxiety, grief and loss, difficult or emotionally abusive relationships, low self-worth and other distressing life experiences.
Rather than relying solely on talking about an experience, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, while working with distressing memories, thoughts, emotions and physical sensations. The aim is to support the brain's natural information-processing system so that memories can become less distressing and have less influence on the present.
What Can EMDR Help With?
Trauma and distressing past experiences
Anxiety and fears associated with difficult experiences
Grief and loss
Distressing experiences from emotionally abusive or difficult relationships
Negative beliefs and low self-worth
Emotional responses linked to past experiences
EMDR can be used as a standalone therapeutic approach or integrated with counselling, depending on your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR
What happens during an EMDR session?
EMDR involves working with distressing memories, thoughts, emotions or sensations while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. Sessions are structured and paced according to your individual needs. Preparation and ensuring that you feel comfortable with the process are important parts of EMDR therapy.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. Unlike some forms of traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of a distressing experience. You will need to share enough information for us to work together safely and effectively, but you remain in control of what you choose to disclose.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
There is no set number of sessions. This varies depending on your circumstances, the experiences being addressed and your individual response to therapy. A single distressing event may require a different approach from longstanding or complex experiences. We can discuss this as therapy progresses.
Is EMDR safe?
EMDR is an established therapeutic approach that has been extensively researched, particularly in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. However, working with distressing memories can sometimes bring up strong emotions or physical sensations. For this reason, EMDR should be appropriately assessed, prepared for and paced according to the individual.
Can EMDR help with anxiety?
EMDR may be helpful when anxiety is connected to distressing experiences, memories, fears or negative beliefs. During an initial consultation, we can discuss what you are experiencing and whether EMDR or counselling may be more appropriate for your needs.
Can EMDR help after narcissistic or emotional abuse?
EMDR may be considered when experiences from an emotionally abusive or controlling relationship continue to cause distress. Therapy can focus on distressing memories, triggers and negative beliefs that may remain after the relationship or experience has ended.
Can EMDR help with grief and loss?
Grief is a natural response to loss and does not necessarily require therapy. However, when particular memories or circumstances surrounding a loss remain especially distressing, EMDR may sometimes form part of the therapeutic approach.
How do I know whether EMDR or counselling is right for me?
You don't need to decide this before making contact. We can talk about what you are experiencing, what you would like help with and whether counselling, EMDR, or a combination of approaches may be suitable for you.
Examples of How EMDR May Be Used
The following examples are illustrative and do not represent specific clients. Individual experiences and outcomes from therapy will vary.
Car Accident Trauma
Someone who has experienced a car accident may continue to feel anxious when driving or travelling in a vehicle, even after the immediate danger has passed. EMDR may be used to process distressing memories associated with the accident and reduce the emotional intensity of reminders and triggers.
Childhood Emotional Neglect
Experiences of emotional neglect during childhood can sometimes contribute to longstanding beliefs such as “I'm not good enough” or “My needs don't matter.” EMDR may be used to work with distressing memories and the negative beliefs associated with these earlier experiences.
Grief and Loss
For some people, particular circumstances or memories surrounding a loss can remain intensely distressing. EMDR may be considered as part of grief counselling to help process these experiences, while recognising that grief itself is a natural response to losing someone important.
Ready to Begin?
If you're considering EMDR therapy and would like to find out whether it may be suitable for you, you're welcome to get in touch.
I offer EMDR therapy for adults in person at my Sumner practice in Brisbane, as well as by video consultation where appropriate.
You don't need to know whether EMDR is the right approach before contacting me. We can talk about what you're experiencing, what you'd like help with, and whether EMDR, counselling, or a combination of approaches may best suit your needs.
Book a free 30-minute phone consultation to have an initial chat.