EMDR Therapy

for Complex Trauma and PTSD

Are you struggling after experiencing a traumatic event?

Do you need therapeutic support to manage PTSD symptoms?

EMDR Therapy is an evidence-based method that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress resulting from disturbing and traumatic life experiences.

Getting Started is Simple

1. Make an Appointment

Discuss your challenges with a psychologist. Together, you will develop a personalised treatment plan to achieve your goals.

2. Commence Therapy

EMDR Therapy with an experienced Psychologist is one of the most effective evidence-based methods to manage complex trauma and PTSD.

3. Experience the Benefits

Experience the benefits of EMDR Therapy, including enhanced understanding, coping skills, and long-term wellbeing.

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Benefits of EMDR Therapy

One of the benefits of EMDR Therapy is that it is a relatively short-term treatment. While traditional talk therapy can take months or even years, EMDR requires fewer sessions. This can particularly appeal to individuals who may not have the time or resources to commit to long-term treatment.

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EMDR Psychologists

Dr Jane Austin

Clinical Psychologist

About Dr Jane Austin >

Dr Mary Asic-Kobe

Clinical Psychologist

About Dr Mary Asic-Kobe >

Dr Miyuki Ono

Clinical Psychologist

About Dr Miyuki Ono >

About EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, also known as EMDR Therapy, is an evidence-based method psychologists use due to its effectiveness in treating Complex Trauma and PTSD. It was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. This evidence-based therapy is based on the premise that traumatic experiences can disrupt the brain’s natural processing of memories, leading to persistent symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks.

EMDR is believed to activate the brain’s natural healing process and help individuals process traumatic memories more adaptively. It also involves using other techniques to help the client identify and change negative beliefs and behaviours associated with the traumatic experience.

What an EMDR Therapy Session With a Psychologist Looks Like

The therapy involves a structured eight-phase approach psychologists use to help clients process traumatic memories, reduce their distressing symptoms, and develop adaptive coping strategies.

During EMDR therapy, the psychologist guides the client through a series of eye movements, sounds, or taps designed to stimulate both sides of the brain, mimicking the rapid eye movements during the dream sleep stage. This is done while the client recalls the traumatic event memories.

A typical session lasts 60-90 minutes, depending on the psychologist you see. Therefore, it could take one or several sessions to process one traumatic experience.

EMDR therapy is often used within an overall treatment plan. How long or how many EMDR sessions you need will depend on your individual circumstances. Typically, the first 3 EMDR sessions provide you with an idea of its effectiveness for you.

EMDR Therapy Phases

The EMDR therapy is based on an eight-phase framework. All eight phases contribute to the overall effect of EMDR therapy, however, not all phases may be used in one EMDR therapy session. The EMDR therapy phases guide both the psychologist and client through identifying and processing traumatic experiences. Below is an overview of each phase of the treatment process.

Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning

The first phase of therapy involves gathering information about the client’s history and developing a treatment plan. Next, the psychologist works with the client to identify the specific traumatic event(s) they want to work on and develop a plan to address those events.
Phase 2: Preparation

During the second phase, the psychologist ensures the client has several ways of handling emotional distress. It involves preparing the client to process the traumatic event(s). The psychologist may teach the client relaxation techniques and coping strategies to help them manage anxiety or distress that may arise during the processing phase.
Phase 3: Assessment

The third phase involves the psychologist assessing the client’s response to the traumatic event(s). The psychologist works with the client to identify the emotions, beliefs, and physical sensations associated with the traumatic event(s).
Phase 4: Desensitisation

The fourth phase of therapy is desensitisation. During this phase, the psychologist uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, sounds, or taps to help the client process the traumatic event(s). The client focuses on the traumatic event(s) while simultaneously receiving the bilateral stimulation.
Phase 5: Installation

The fifth phase involves “installing” positive beliefs or emotions to replace negative beliefs or emotions associated with the traumatic event(s). For example, the psychologist may ask the client to focus on a positive belief or emotion while receiving the bilateral stimulation.
Phase 6: Body Scan

The sixth phase involves a body scan. The psychologist and client work together to identify any residual tension or discomfort in the body associated with the traumatic event(s).
Phase 7: Closure

The seventh phase involves “closing” the session. Again, the psychologist and client work together to ensure the client feels stable and comfortable before the session ends.
Phase 8: Reevaluation

The final phase examines the progress made during the previous sessions. It involves the psychologist and client working together to determine if any additional processing is needed and to identify any future goals for therapy.

Overall, the eight phases of EMDR therapy used by psychologists provide a structured approach to help individuals process traumatic experiences and develop more adaptive coping strategies. The length of treatment may vary depending on the severity of the trauma and the individual’s response to treatment. Therefore, it is essential to work with a qualified psychologist trained in EMDR to ensure that the treatment is delivered safely and effectively.

EMDR Therapy FAQs

How is EMDR Therapy Different From Other Therapies?

Unlike other methods, EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about distressing memories. Instead of focusing on changing your thoughts, emotions and behaviours, EMDR therapy allows the brain’s natural healing process. EMDR therapy can be completed in fewer sessions than other evidence-based methods used to treat trauma and PTSD.

Can I do EMDR without a Psychologist?

EMDR therapy should not be done on yourself. It requires a trained psychologist with knowledge and understanding of the treatment method and the ability to implement the protocol and adjust the bilateral stimulation so that you can have the best results possible in a safe manner. EMDR therapy should only be offered by qualified mental health professionals, such as a Clinical Psychologist trained in EMDR. The EMDR International Association, or EMDRIA, does not support indiscriminate uses of EMDR therapy, including “do-it-yourself” therapy.

Is Online EMDR Therapy effective?

Is Onlne EMDR Therapy Effective?

An online therapy or Telehealth session with a psychologist refers to a videoconference session between you and your psychologist using a video and audio connection, allowing you to access therapy sessions from the comfort of your home. This is similar to connecting with family, friends or business contacts using FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom. For clients unable to access video-conferencing technology, telephone sessions can be offered instead.

Empirical studies found that the use of videoconferencing technologies to deliver psychotherapy had similar outcomes to traditional face-to-face psychotherapy. Across these studies, online therapy services with a psychologist were delivered using different therapeutic approaches and for diverse client difficulties (e.g. trauma, mood, anxiety). Clients reported high satisfaction with online therapy services. When dissatisfaction was reported, it was primarily related to technical difficulties. However, these didn’t impact overall levels of satisfaction.

It is normal and completely understandable to feel unsure or apprehensive about Online Therapy if you have never done it before. Often, people believe that online appointments with a psychologist may not be practical or effective or that they may not feel the same level of connection if they met their therapist in person.

Since the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020, Online Therapy has become an essential tool for psychologists. EMDR Therapy is now delivered online by Clinical Psychologists and mental health practitioners around the world, and the EMDR International Association developed the Guidelines for Virtual EMDR Therapy in order to support psychologists in providing Online EMDR Therapy safely and effectively.

Psychologists who deliver Online EMDR Therapy typically use an online platform that allows them to interact with the client. For instance, they may get their patient to see a ball moving across their screen and/or listen to sounds through their headphones for bilateral stimulation.

What is bilateral stimulation?

Bilateral stimulation is a crucial piece of EMDR therapy. It involves rhythmic sensory input to facilitate the processing of distressing memories. In EMDR therapy, bilateral stimulation works by activating both sides of the brain, allowing for processing memories and emotions that may be ‘stuck’ in the brain due to traumatic experiences. It is believed to help ‘unstick’ such memories so that they can be processed and resolved. Find out more about EMDR Therapy: Bilateral Stimulation Types Options >

Are EMDR and Hypnosis therapy the same?

No, EMDR and Hypnosis therapy are not the same. During an EMDR session, patients are always alert and in control.

Finding an EMDR Psychologist

EMDR therapy is available in Brisbane and is offered by a number of trained therapists in private practice.

EMDR therapy is generally delivered through individual counselling sessions and can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Many therapists in Brisbane who offer EMDR therapy also have experience working with a range of trauma-related issues, including PTSD, complex trauma, and attachment disorders.

You can find an EMDR psychologist online and call or send them an online booking request to learn about their experience, fees and availability. You can also ask for a referral from your GP or psychiatrist. It is important to ensure that the psychologist you choose is trained and experienced in EMDR therapy and understands trauma-related issues well.

Make an Appointment

Send a request to a Psychologist in Brisbane by completing the form below.

EMDR Therapy

Are you struggling after experiencing a traumatic event?

Getting Started is Simple

1. Make an Appointment

2. Commence Therapy

3. Experience the Benefits

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

EMDR Psychologists

Dr Jane Austin

Dr Mary Asic-Kobe

Dr Miyuki Ono

About EMDR Therapy

What an EMDR Therapy Session With a Psychologist Looks Like

EMDR Therapy Phases

Phase 1: History and Treatment Planning

Phase 2: Preparation

Phase 3: Assessment

Phase 4: Desensitisation

Phase 5: Installation

Phase 6: Body Scan

Phase 7: Closure

Phase 8: Reevaluation

EMDR Therapy FAQs

How is EMDR Therapy Different From Other Therapies?

Can I do EMDR without a Psychologist?

Is Onlne EMDR Therapy Effective?

What is bilateral stimulation?

Are EMDR and Hypnosis therapy the same?

Finding an EMDR Psychologist

Make an Appointment

EMDR Resources

The Science Behind EMDR Therapy: How Eye Movements Facilitate Healing

EMDR Therapy: Bilateral Stimulation Types Options

Understanding and Recovering from PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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