Processing and healing from distressing memories and experiences.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based treatment approach that enables individuals to process and heal from distressing memories and experiences in a safe and structured manner. EMDR can help individuals with unresolved trauma or anxiety relating to distressing memories, and has been found to be an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It can also lead to better outcomes in a shorter time period when compared with other psychological treatments, with research showing that some individuals no longer meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after only 5-12 sessions of EMDR (Jongh et al., 2023).
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EMDR therapy is built upon psychological theories suggesting that some traumatic memories become ‘stuck’, unprocessed in our brain, causing them to be easily triggered, and consequently interfere with our daily lives – whether this be through re-experiencing the emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations associated with the distressing memory, or through the negative beliefs we developed as a result of experiencing the trauma. EMDR therapy aims to bring these ‘stuck’ memories back into the brain's working memory to process them, ultimately reducing the distress associated with the memory.
How does EMDR work?
During EMDR therapy, you and your therapist will work collaboratively to identify distressing memories or experiences related to past traumas, unresolved emotions, or negative beliefs about yourself. Early stages of EMDR therapy also focus on ensuring that you have a range of coping skills for handling distress to use during and in between sessions.
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After selecting and activating an initial target memory, your therapist will guide you through a series of bilateral stimulation techniques (for example, following their hand movements with your eyes, holding 'tappers' that vibrate in your palm or listening to alternating tones through headphones). After this, your therapist will guide you to notice any thoughts, feelings, or images coming to mind. This process can be repeated multiple times throughout the session, with the goal of reducing distress related to the target memory and associating a new adaptive belief with the memory.
How to choose a therapist for EMDR therapy
Not all psychologists work with all types of trauma when delivering EMDR therapy. The type of experiences you’ve had, and the kind of support you’re looking for, can guide us in matching you with a psychologist who feels well-suited to your needs.
If you call True North Psychology to enquire about EMDR, we may gently ask whether you’re seeking support for something like:
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Phobias – such as fears of spiders, small or enclosed spaces, open or outdoor spaces, vomiting, or other specific fears that feel overwhelming or hard to manage.
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Single-incident trauma – for example, a car accident, medical emergency, assault, or another distressing event that continues to affect you.
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Complex or developmental trauma – longer-term or repeated experiences that have caused distress, such as ongoing difficulties within a family, living arrangement, or workplace.
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You’re always welcome to share only what feels comfortable at that stage. Our aim in asking is simply to ensure you’re connected with a psychologist who has the right experience to support you in a way that feels safe, thoughtful, and appropriate.
Find a Psychologist
At True North Psychology we recognise that every individual is unique and as such your psychologist will tailor EMDR sessions to meet your specific needs and goals. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists offering EMDR therapy in North Brisbane to find out how it can support you to reach your goals. ​True North Psychology has several clinicians that are trained in EMDR.
People Also Ask... FAQ
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How many sessions will I need for EMDR therapy?
This will depend on the type of trauma and the severity of your associated distress. It could be as little as 5-10, or more than 50. Your therapist will be able to work with you to develop a treatment plan that suits your needs.
2
Can I use a Mental Health Care Plan?
Yes, you can use a Mental Health Care Plan to receive Medicare rebates when you receive EMDR treatment from a psychologist.
3
How do I choose a therapist?
Find a therapist that works with the type of trauma you have experienced, e.g. single-incident trauma, complex trauma, or a phobia. The True North Psychology reception team will be able to help you choose one of our therapists who will suit your needs.