EMDR THERAPY BRISBANE
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy)
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy)
When difficult experiences don't stay in the past
When difficult experiences don't stay in the past
Sometimes the hardest part about a difficult experience isn’t what happened — it’s how it continues to affect your life long afterwards.
You might find yourself constantly on edge, avoiding certain places or situations, struggling with sleep, feeling emotionally numb, or reacting more strongly than you’d like. Even when you know you’re safe, your mind and body can continue responding as though the experience is still happening.
You may know exactly why you’re feeling this way, or you may simply notice that something doesn’t feel quite right anymore. Whatever has brought you here, you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories and experiences, so they no longer carry the same emotional intensity. Rather than trying to erase the past, EMDR helps your brain make sense of it, allowing you to move forward without those experiences continuing to shape your everyday life.
At Brisbane Centre for Psychology, our psychologists provide EMDR as part of a compassionate, trauma-informed approach. We’ll take the time to understand your experiences, answer your questions, and work alongside you at a pace that feels right for you.
Before we talk about EMDR... you might be wondering
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychological therapy originally developed to help people recover from trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Today, EMDR is also used to support people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, distressing life events, childhood trauma, and other emotional difficulties linked to past experiences.
Sometimes difficult memories can become “stuck”. Rather than being stored as something that happened in the past, they continue to influence how you think, feel and respond in the present.
EMDR helps the brain process these experiences differently. Through guided bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, tapping or auditory tones — alongside the support of your psychologist, your past, memories and emotional responses can gradually become less overwhelming while remaining part of your story.
Many people describe this as feeling like the memory has finally found its proper place. They still remember what happened, but it no longer carries the same emotional weight.
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A therapy tailored to you
No two people experience trauma in the same way.
That’s why EMDR treatment isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your psychologist will take the time to understand your individual experiences, goals and circumstances before recommending whether EMDR is likely to be the right therapy for you.
Sometimes EMDR forms the primary focus of treatment. Other times it’s combined with approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) or Schema Therapy as part of a broader treatment plan.
Because finding the right therapy starts with understanding the person, not simply the symptoms.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
You don’t need to know whether EMDR is the right therapy before reaching out.
In fact, many people who contact us have heard about EMDR from a friend, their GP, another health professional, or through their own research, but aren’t sure whether it’s the right fit for their situation.
That’s completely okay.
Your first appointment isn’t about deciding on a therapy approach. It’s about understanding you.
Your psychologist will take the time to learn about your experiences, what’s been happening in your life, and what you’d like to be different. Together, you’ll explore whether EMDR is likely to be helpful or whether another evidence-based approach may better suit your needs.
Sometimes EMDR becomes the primary focus of therapy. Other times it’s used alongside approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Because every person’s journey is different, your therapy should be too.
What Can EMDR Help With?
While EMDR is best known for helping people recover from trauma and PTSD, research has shown it can also be effective for a range of other concerns where difficult experiences continue to have an impact.
For some people, those experiences are linked to a single event. For others, they’re the result of years of smaller experiences that have gradually taken their toll.
EMDR may be helpful if you’re experiencing:
Trauma &
PTSD
Helping reduce the emotional impact of traumatic experiences so they no longer feel as overwhelming.
Complex Trauma
Supporting people whose difficulties stem from repeated or long-term experiences, often beginning in childhood.
Anxiety &
Panic
Helping process past events and experiences that may continue to contribute to ongoing anxiety or panic.
Depression
Working through difficult experiences that may be influencing low mood, hopelessness or self-belief.
Grief & Loss
Supporting you as you process significant loss while honouring what’s important to you.
Distressing Life Experiences
Including accidents, medical trauma, workplace incidents, relationship breakdowns and other experiences that continue to affect daily life.
Low Self-Esteem & Negative Self-Beliefs
Helping shift long-held beliefs about yourself that may have developed through difficult life experiences.
Emotional Regulation
Supporting greater confidence in managing overwhelming emotions and responding to life’s challenges.
EMDR isn’t suitable for everyone or every situation. Your psychologist will discuss whether it’s likely to be beneficial based on your individual experiences and goals.
What to expect in an EMDR session
Starting any new therapy can feel like a big step, especially when it involves experiences that may still feel difficult to think about.
One of the most reassuring things to know is that EMDR isn’t about jumping straight into painful memories.
It’s a structured process that begins with understanding you, building trust, and making sure you have the tools and support you need before moving into memory processing.
Everyone moves through therapy differently, and that’s okay. Some people spend longer building those foundations before beginning EMDR. Others feel ready sooner.
We’ll move at a pace that feels right for you.
1. History-taking & treatment planning
Getting to Know You
Every journey starts with a conversation.
Your psychologist will spend time getting to know you, understanding what’s brought you to therapy, exploring your current challenges, and learning about your goals. Together, you’ll decide what you’d like to focus on and whether EMDR is the right approach.
2. Preparation
Building Strong Foundations
Before beginning any memory processing, you’ll work together to develop practical strategies to help you feel grounded and supported throughout therapy.
This might include breathing techniques, grounding exercises, relaxation strategies, or other approaches that help you feel more comfortable managing strong emotions if they arise.
There’s no expectation to move forward until you feel ready.
3. Assessment
Understanding What Still Feels “Stuck”
Together, you’ll identify the memories, situations or beliefs that continue to affect your life today.
Rather than focusing on every difficult experience you’ve ever had, therapy is guided by what’s most relevant to your current concerns and goals.
4. Desensitisation
Processing Difficult Experiences
This is the phase most people associate with EMDR.
Using guided bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements, tapping or auditory tones, your psychologist will support your brain in processing distressing memories differently.
Many people notice that while they still remember what happened, the memories gradually become less emotionally overwhelming.
5. Installation
Strengthening New Perspectives
As distress begins to lessen, therapy focuses on reinforcing more balanced and helpful beliefs about yourself and your experiences.
This helps create lasting change beyond simply reducing symptoms.
6. Body scan
Checking In With Your Body
Our minds and bodies often hold onto difficult experiences in different ways.
Your psychologist will help you notice any remaining physical sensation, tension or discomfort connected to the memory, working together to address anything that still feels unresolved.
7. Closure & re-evaluation
Ending Each Session Feeling Grounded
Every session finishes with time to help you feel settled before you leave.
You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on the session, discuss any questions, and make a plan together for what comes next.
As therapy progresses, your psychologist will regularly review how you’re going and adjust the approach to make sure it continues to meet your needs.
Research & effectiveness of EMDR
EMDR is one of the most extensively researched therapies for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and is recognised by leading mental health organisations around the world.
Research has shown that EMDR can help reduce the emotional responses of traumatic memories, improve emotional stability, and support long-term recovery for many people.
EMDR is recognised as an evidence-based treatment by organisations including:
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- Australian Psychological Society (APS)
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
While research is important, so is recognising that every person’s experience is different.
No therapy can promise the same outcome for everyone. Your psychologist will work alongside you to understand your progress, celebrate the changes you notice, and adjust your treatment as your needs evolve.
Why Choose EMDR at Brisbane Centre for Psychology?
Choosing a therapy is important. Choosing the right psychologist is just as important.
At Brisbane Centre for Psychology, we believe meaningful therapy starts with feeling understood. That’s why we take the time to get to know you, understand what’s brought you here, and work together towards goals that matter to you.
Whether you’re seeking support for a recent traumatic experience, childhood trauma, PTSD symptoms, or something that’s been affecting you for years, we’re here to help you move forward with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based care.
MEET OUR EMDR PSYCHOLOGISTS BRISBANE
Every psychologist brings their own experience, personality and clinical strengths to therapy.
If EMDR therapy is likely to be the right approach for you, we’ll help connect you with a psychologist who has the experience and expertise to support your individual needs.
Because finding the right psychologist isn’t just about qualifications. It’s about finding someone you feel comfortable talking to.
Our Team
EMDR Therapy, Brisbane FAQs
How many EMDR sessions will I likely need?
Every person’s experiences are different, so there’s no set number of EMDR sessions.
Some people notice meaningful improvements within a relatively short period of time, while others benefit from a longer course of therapy. This depends on factors such as your current concerns, past experiences, therapy goals and how long those difficulties have been affecting you.
Your psychologist will regularly review your progress with you and adjust your treatment plan as your needs evolve.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
No.
One of the reasons many people choose EMDR is that it doesn’t require you to describe every detail of what happened.
Your psychologist will work with you in a way that feels manageable, helping you process difficult experiences without expecting you to revisit every part of your story.
Is EMDR only used for PTSD?
No.
Although EMDR is best known for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it may also be helpful for anxiety disorders or panic attacks, grief, depression, childhood trauma, distressing life experiences and other concerns where past experiences continue to affect daily life.
Your psychologist will discuss whether EMDR is likely to be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Can my EMDR sessions be combined with other therapies?
Absolutely.
EMDR therapists often use EMDR alongside other evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Your psychologist will recommend an approach that best supports your individual goals and experiences.
Can children and adolescents have EMDR?
Yes.
An EMDR therapist at Brisbane Centre for Psychology can easily adapt EMDR for children and adolescents experiencing trauma or other distressing experiences.
Sessions are tailored to suit a child’s developmental stage and may include age-appropriate activities such as drawing, storytelling or play-based techniques where appropriate. We aim to provide a supportive environment in which children will feel comfortable.
How do I know if EMDR therapy sessions are right for me?
You don’t need to decide that before making an appointment.
Your first session is an opportunity to talk about what’s been happening, ask questions, and explore the therapy options available to you.
If EMDR is likely to help, your experienced psychologist will explain how it works and what you can expect. If another approach is more appropriate, they’ll discuss that with you too.