EMDR Therapy
When you know something is over, but part of you still responds as though it isn't
Sometimes we understand intellectually that an experience belongs to the past, yet our mind and body continue to respond as though the danger is still present.
A memory might immediately bring up fear, shame or distress. A situation in the present may trigger an emotional or physical response that feels much bigger than what is happening now.
You might find yourself thinking:
"I know I'm safe, but I don't feel safe."
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, trauma-focused psychotherapy approach that can support the processing of distressing memories and experiences.
How can past experiences continue to affect us?
Usually, our brains are able to process experiences over time.
We remember what happened, but the memory no longer carries the same emotional intensity.
Following traumatic, distressing or overwhelming experiences, aspects of what happened may continue to feel very immediate.
Emotions, physical sensations, images or beliefs about ourselves can become activated when something in the present reminds our nervous system of what happened in the past.
EMDR aims to support the brain's natural capacity to process these experiences so that the past can begin to feel more like the past.
What can EMDR support?
EMDR is most widely recognised for its use in the treatment of trauma and PTSD, and may also be used when working therapeutically with distressing experiences such as:
- Traumatic or overwhelming experiences
- Difficult or intrusive memories
- Experiences of abuse or violence
- Relational trauma
- Loss
- Persistent emotional triggers
- Fear or anxiety associated with past experiences
- Shame or negative beliefs about yourself
EMDR isn't necessarily the right approach for every person or every situation.
Part of our work together involves understanding what you're experiencing and deciding collaboratively whether EMDR may be appropriate for you.
What happens during EMDR therapy?
EMDR involves several stages, and processing difficult memories is not where we necessarily begin.
We first spend time understanding what is happening for you now, your history, your internal resources and what you would like therapy to support.
Preparation is an important part of the process.
When appropriate, EMDR processing involves briefly bringing aspects of an experience to mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as alternating eye movements.
You remain present and in control throughout the process.
Do I have to talk about everything that happened?
Not necessarily.
EMDR does not always require you to describe every detail of an experience.
We need enough understanding to work safely and appropriately, but you remain in control of what you choose to share.
Therapy can move at a pace that respects both the parts of you that want change and the parts that may be understandably cautious about approaching difficult experiences.
Integrating EMDR and IFS
I often work with EMDR alongside Internal Family Systems (IFS) and other trauma-informed approaches.
Sometimes one part of us wants to process an experience while another part is frightened of going anywhere near it.
Rather than viewing this as resistance, we can become curious about what that protective part is concerned about and establish greater safety before moving forward.
This allows trauma processing to remain collaborative rather than something that is pushed or forced.
Online EMDR therapy
EMDR can be provided through telehealth when it is clinically appropriate for the individual.
I offer EMDR therapy online across Australia via telehealth, with in-person appointments available on Mondays and Fridays in Billinudgel, Northern Rivers NSW.
For some people, we may initially work with IFS, emotional regulation or other approaches before deciding whether EMDR would be helpful.
Therapy doesn't have to begin with the hardest experience
You don't need to arrive ready to process trauma.
We can begin by understanding what you're experiencing now and what would feel most supportive.