EMDR Therapy in Sydney & Online

What is EMDR Therapy?

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EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is an evidence-based, structured form of psychotherapy that helps the brain process distressing or overwhelming experiences that may continue to affect you in the present.

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When we experience something difficult, our minds and bodies don't always get the opportunity to fully process what has happened. Sometimes, even when we know something is in the past, it can still feel very present. A difficult experience might continue to affect how we feel, how we see ourselves, or how we respond to situations in everyday life.

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EMDR can help you work through these experiences so they become less emotionally overwhelming and feel more like something that happened in the past, rather than something you're still living with today.

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During EMDR, we use a process called bilateral stimulation. This may involve following movements with your eyes, alternating taps or other forms of left-right stimulation while briefly focusing on aspects of a difficult experience.

You don't need to have everything figured out before beginning. We'll work together to understand what you're experiencing and whether EMDR might be a helpful approach for you.

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What Happens During EMDR Therapy?​

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EMDR follows a structured process, but your experience will be individual to you. We move through the process together, taking the time needed at each stage. Throughout therapy, we'll regularly check in about how you're feeling and adjust the approach to suit your needs, ensuring you feel supported and in control of the process.

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1. Getting to know you
We'll begin by exploring what has brought you to therapy, what you're finding difficult and what you'd like to change. This helps us understand your experiences and decide whether EMDR is likely to be a good fit.

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2. Building safety and coping strategies
Before working with distressing memories, we'll develop practical ways to help you feel grounded and manage difficult emotions. This preparation is an important part of therapy and may take place over several sessions.

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3. Working through difficult experiences
When you're ready, we'll identify memories or experiences to work on. Using bilateral stimulation, you'll briefly focus on aspects of the experience while noticing any associated thoughts, feelings or body sensations. You don't need to describe every detail out loud. I'll guide you through the process and help you stay connected to the present as we work together.

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4. Making sense of changes
As therapy progresses, you may notice that memories feel less intense, that your perspective begins to shift, or that old beliefs about yourself become easier to question. We'll take time to notice these changes and explore how they affect your everyday life.

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5. Integrating what you've learned
We'll continue to focus on your wellbeing, your therapeutic goals and the ways you can carry changes into daily life. Therapy can be adjusted as your needs evolve.

 

Not every session involves processing memories. Sometimes, the most helpful work is strengthening your coping strategies, building stability or making space to reflect on how you're feeling.