Have you ever had a memory that doesn’t feel like the past? A sound, a smell or a tone of voice, and suddenly your heart is racing as if it’s happening all over again.
You know you’re safe now. Your body doesn’t seem to agree. That gap between knowing and feeling is one of the most common signs that a difficult experience hasn’t been fully processed. EMDR therapy is designed to close that gap, and for many people it brings relief faster than they expected.
How EMDR helps your brain file a memory away, where it belongs.
Trauma can be stored with its images, feelings and body sensations still switched on.
You briefly hold the memory in mind while following your therapist’s guide.
It starts to feel like something that happened, not something that’s happening.
EMDR therapy at Psychcare, Wahroonga. At your pace, always in your control.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured, evidence-based therapy for trauma, developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s.
During EMDR, you briefly bring a distressing memory to mind while your therapist guides you through bilateral stimulation: gentle left-right eye movements, alternating taps on your hands or knees, or tones that move between your ears. You don’t need to talk through every detail of what happened.
EMDR is well supported by research and recognised by leading health bodies:
- The World Health Organization has recommended EMDR for treating PTSD in children, adolescents and adults since 2013.
- Australia’s PTSD treatment guidelines (Phoenix Australia, 2020) list EMDR among the recommended trauma-focused therapies for adults.
- Since 2020, EMDR delivered by a trained psychologist can attract a Medicare rebate under a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
How Trauma Gets “Stuck”
Most of the time, the brain processes experiences naturally. Upsetting events get filed away as memories: you remember them, but they no longer feel like they are happening now.
When something overwhelming happens, that filing system can get interrupted. The memory may be stored with the original images, sounds, body sensations and beliefs still attached, such as “I’m not safe” or “It was my fault.” Later, small reminders can set it all off again. This can show up as:
- Flashbacks, nightmares or intrusive memories
- Feeling constantly on edge, jumpy or unable to relax
- Avoiding people, places or conversations that bring it back
- Feeling numb, disconnected or “shut down”
- Strong reactions that seem bigger than the situation in front of you
EMDR helps the brain finish the job it couldn’t complete at the time. The memory doesn’t disappear, but its emotional charge fades. People often describe it as finally feeling like it’s in the past.
What Happens in EMDR Sessions?
EMDR follows eight phases. You won’t jump straight into difficult memories: the early sessions focus on getting to know you and making sure you feel safe and steady.
- History and planning. We talk about what brings you in and which memories or triggers to work on.
- Preparation. You learn grounding and calming skills, such as a “calm place” exercise, so you have tools to settle your body.
- Assessment. We pick a target memory and identify the image, belief, emotion and body sensation linked to it. You rate how distressing it feels on a scale from 0 to 10.
- Desensitisation. You hold the memory in mind briefly while following bilateral stimulation, in short sets. Between sets, you simply notice what comes up.
- Installation. We strengthen a more helpful belief, such as “I survived” or “I’m safe now.”
- Body scan. You check for any remaining tension in your body and process it.
- Closure. Every session ends with you feeling settled, even if the work isn’t finished.
- Re-evaluation. At the next session, we check how things have shifted and decide what to work on next.
You are in control the whole time. You can pause or stop at any point, and your therapist will adjust the pace to suit you.
Who Can EMDR Help?
EMDR is best known for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but trauma isn’t only about “big” events. EMDR may help if you are living with:
- Single-incident trauma, such as an accident, assault, medical emergency or natural disaster
- Complex or ongoing trauma, such as childhood neglect, bullying, family violence or emotional abuse
- Distressing life experiences that still feel raw, such as grief, a sudden loss or a painful breakup
- Anxiety, panic or phobias that are linked to past experiences
- Negative beliefs about yourself that won’t shift, like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m always in danger”
EMDR for neurodivergent clients
Many autistic and ADHD adults carry a lifetime of difficult experiences: being misunderstood, criticised or excluded. These can build into deep patterns of shame and rejection sensitivity. EMDR doesn’t rely heavily on talking, and it can be adapted to suit sensory needs. For example, you might prefer taps or tones instead of eye movements, shorter sets, or more breaks. At Psychcare, we tailor EMDR to the way your brain works.
Common Questions About EMDR
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No. You are awake, aware and in control throughout. You can stop at any time.
Will I have to relive my trauma?
You will briefly bring the memory to mind, but you don’t have to describe it in detail or stay with it for long. Many people find EMDR less overwhelming than talking through trauma at length.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your history and goals. A single, recent event may need only a handful of processing sessions. Complex or long-term trauma usually takes longer, with more time spent on preparation and building safety first. We’ll talk about a realistic plan at the start.
Can I claim EMDR on Medicare?
Yes, if you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, EMDR with a psychologist can attract a Medicare rebate. See our fees page for details.
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR isn’t the only option for trauma. Other evidence-based approaches, such as trauma-focused CBT, may suit you better. Your psychologist will help you choose. If you’re unsure, a free 15-minute consult is a good place to start.
Ready to Start EMDR Therapy in Wahroonga?
You don’t have to keep carrying the past into every day. At Psychcare in Wahroonga, on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, our psychologists offer EMDR and other trauma-informed therapies in a calm, neurodiversity-affirming space. We’ll go at your pace, and you’ll always be in control.
Call us on (02) 9037 3509 or book an appointment online. Not sure yet? Book a free 15-minute consult to ask any questions first.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Sources
- World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress, as summarised by EMDR Europe
- Phoenix Australia (2020). Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, PTSD and Complex PTSD, as summarised by the Australian Psychological Society
- AAPi: EMDR added to the Medicare Benefits Schedule
