EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy on the Gold Coast
EMDR is a psychotherapy treatment used to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. After successful treatment with EMDR, affective distress decreases, negative beliefs are reformulated, and physiological arousal is also reduced.
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly researched therapy designed to help people recover from trauma, PTSD, and distressing life experiences.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds) while you briefly focus on traumatic memories. This helps the brain “reprocess” the memory so it becomes less emotionally intense and no longer feels like it’s happening in the present.
In 1987, psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro made the observation that certain eye movements could reduce the intensity of disturbing thoughts, feelings and associated bodily sensations. During an EMDR session, a client attends to emotionally disturbing material in brief sequential periods, whilst simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus; most commonly eye movements. EMDR facilitates the accessing of the traumatic memory network, so that information processing is enhanced. And new associations are made between the traumatic memory and more adaptive memories or information. These new associations can result in complete information processing, new learning, significant reduction or elimination of emotional distress, and the development of new cognitive insights.
The EMDR Process: A three pronged protocol
- The past events that have laid the groundwork for dysfunction are processed, developing new associative links with adaptive information.
- The current circumstances that elicit distress are targeted, and internal and external triggers are desensitized.
- Templates of future events are incorporated, to assist the client in acquiring the skills needed for adaptive functioning.
When a person becomes very upset, their brain cannot process information as it does normally. This is the reason why emotionally ditressed people can behave so irrationally. One moment can become “frozen in time,” and remembering a trauma may feel just as bad as it was going through it the first time. The images, smells, sounds and feelings haven’t changed. Such memories can have a lasting negative effect that may interfere with the way a person perceives things, functions in daily life, and in the way they relate to others.
EMDR can be thought of as a physiologically based therapy, that helps a person see disturbing material in a new and less distressing way. EMDR seems to have a direct impact upon the way that the brain processes information, and normal information processing can be resumed. After successful EMDR therapy, a person’s emotional intensity reduces when reliving the images, sounds, and feelings when the event is brought to mind. Of course you still remember what happened, but it is less upsetting. EMDR appears to be similar to what occurs naturally during dreaming or REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
How EMDR Can Help You?
EMDR is especially effective for:
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Childhood trauma or abuse
- Anxiety, phobias, and panic attacks
- Grief and loss
- Depression linked to unresolved experiences
- Performance anxiety and self-esteem issues
- Distressing memories that feel “stuck”
After EMDR processing, clients generally report that the emotional distress related to a traumatic memory has been eliminated, or at least greatly reduced, and that they have gained important cognitive insights. Importantly, these emotional and cognitive changes usually result in spontaneous improved behavioural changes.
What to Expect in EMDR Sessions
In EMDR, therapy follows a structured 8-phase process:
- History-taking and planning – understanding your background and goals
- Preparation – learning coping skills for safety and regulation
- Assessment – identifying the target memory
- Desensitisation – using bilateral stimulation while focusing on the memory
- Installation – strengthening positive beliefs about yourself
- Body scan – noticing and resolving any physical tension
- Closure – ensuring you leave sessions grounded and calm
- Re-evaluation – reviewing progress and planning next steps
You stay awake and in control at all times. The memory is not erased, but it loses its emotional charge.
Benefits of EMDR
With EMDR, clients often experience:
- Relief from flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive memories
- Reduced anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance
- Stronger sense of calm and control
- Improved self-esteem and resilience
- Healing from past trauma without needing to “retell” every detail
- Ability to move forward without the past holding you back
If traumatic memories or distressing experiences are affecting your life, EMDR can help you process the past, reduce emotional pain, and move forward with strength.
The Evidence for EMDR
EMDR is one of the most researched therapies for trauma worldwide, with over 100 randomised controlled trials (RCT’s) and meta-analyses – confirming its efficacy across adult PTSD, youth trauma, comorbid anxiety, and depressive disorders. EMDR is recommended as a first-line treatment by major international clinical practice guidelines, including those from the World Health Organization (WHO; 2013), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE; 2018), the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS; 2018), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense (VA/DoD; 2023).
Scientific research has established EMDR is effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinicians have reported great success in using EMDR for the treatment of complicated grief, dissociative disorders, disturbing memories, panic attacks, phobias, pain disorders, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorders, performance anxiety, stress reduction, addictions, sexual and/or physical abuse.
FAQ’s About EMDR
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to describe your trauma in detail.
Is EMDR safe?
Yes. EMDR is a safe, structured approach provided by trained professionals. You remain in control at all times.
How many sessions does EMDR take?
It varies. Some clients notice significant improvement within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work.
Is EMDR only for PTSD?
No, while it’s best known for PTSD, EMDR also helps with anxiety, phobias, grief, and self-esteem issues.
Michelle van Namen is a registered Psychologist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and Integrative Health Practitioner with over 30 years of experience working with human behaviour and improving mental health. Michelle has been trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapies. She has worked in a variety of roles within private practice, corporate organisations, education, research, and community crisis support. Established in 2006, Integrated Health Specialists is her psychology practice located on the Gold Coast, providing individual and couples therapy for adults. Michelle focuses on providing a warm, authentic and non-judgemental therapeutic space to support clients and facilitate healing and personal growth. Read more about Michelle.
BA (Hons) in Psychology: University of Wollongong, 1995
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board (AHPRA) PSY0001395059
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI) 15525
Qualifications verified by Psychology Today
Medicare and Health Insurance Provider.