Eye-Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy for processing trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and distressing memories.
Using both standard EMDR and EMDR 2.0, I help clients heal and adapt to past experiences efficiently and effectively.

Trauma & PTSD
EMDR is a highly effective treatment for processing traumatic memories and alleviating symptoms of PTSD by reducing the emotional intensity and distress associated with past events.
Anxiety & Phobia
EMDR can help desensitise fears and reduce anxiety by addressing the root causes and altering negative thought patterns associated with specific triggers.
Depression
EMDR may be used to explore and resolve past experiences contributing to depression, promoting emotional healing and fostering resilience.
Grief & Loss
EMDR supports individuals in processing complex emotions and unresolved memories related to grief and loss, helping to ease the burden of painful feelings.
Chronic Pain
EMDR addresses the psychological aspects of chronic pain, such as past trauma or stress, which may amplify physical discomfort, offering relief and improved coping mechanisms.




What Is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a groundbreaking, evidence-based psychotherapy method that helps individuals recover from distressing memories, trauma, and a range of emotional challenges. Recognised globally and endorsed in Australia as a Level 1 trauma treatment by Phoenix Australia (the Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health), EMDR is widely used and respected for its effectiveness.
History of EMDR & EMDR 2.0
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, who discovered that specific eye movements could reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts and emotions. Initially used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has since evolved to address a wide range of mental health conditions, supported by robust research and widespread clinical application.
EMDR 2.0, developed more recently by Mark Beurskens and Ad de Jongh, builds on Shapiro’s foundational model. Introduced as an innovative approach to accelerate and enhance processing, EMDR 2.0 incorporates a more flexible and client-centered framework. This updated method emphasizes the use of faster bilateral stimulation, visual tasking, and adaptive methods to address complex or deeply entrenched memories more efficiently. It is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe or chronic trauma and integrates seamlessly into standard EMDR practice, offering clinicians and clients an expanded toolkit for recovery.
What’s Involved in EMDR?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones, to help the brain process unresolved memories and reduce emotional distress. Unlike hypnotherapy, EMDR keeps clients fully aware and in control during sessions.
Is EMDR an Endorsed Treatment?
EMDR is one of the most extensively researched therapies for PTSD. Since 1989, over 20 controlled clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in significantly reducing or resolving PTSD symptoms for most clients, often more efficiently than other approaches.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has recognised EMDR as a Level 1 treatment for PTSD in their report Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions: A Literature Review (2010), the highest possible rating for a therapeutic approach, applicable to both young people and adults. Emerging research also highlights EMDR’s effectiveness in treating depression, anxiety, and other concerns, with consistently strong outcomes.
EMDR has been endorsed by the following organisations:
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World Health Organisation – 2013
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The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies – 2009
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National Health and Medical Research Council – 2007
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American Psychiatric Association – 2004
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US Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense – 2004
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Northern Ireland Department of Health – 2003
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Dutch Guidelines of Mental Health Care – 2003
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Israel National Council for Mental Health – 2002
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Clinical Division of the American Psychological Association – 1998
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Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
What Kind Of Problems Can EMDR Treat?
Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Clinicians have also successfully used EMDR as a treatment component in the management of:
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Panic attacks
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Personality disorders
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Complicated grief
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Dissociative disorders
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Pain disorders
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Body dysmorphic disorders
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Eating disorders
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Sexual or Physical abuse
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Performance anxiety
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Stress reduction
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Disturbing memories
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Phobias
Phases of EMDR
EMDR therapy typically follows eight structured phases:
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History-taking: Identifying target memories and understanding your concerns.
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Preparation: Building trust, explaining the process, and teaching coping strategies.
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Assessment: Identifying emotions, beliefs, and sensations tied to the target memory.
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Desensitization: Using bilateral stimulation to reduce the distress linked to the memory.
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Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs associated with the processed memory.
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Body Scan: Addressing lingering physical sensations.
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Closure: Ensuring emotional stability at the end of each session.
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Reevaluation: Reviewing progress and goals in future sessions.
EMDR 2.0 refines these stages by introducing faster processing techniques and adaptive methods tailored to the individual’s unique needs, often resulting in more rapid relief from distressing memories.

Questions About EMDR
If you have any questions about EMDR, please contact Brydan.
Funding & Coverage
EMDR therapy is eligible for rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan through Medicare (up to 10 sessions per year). It is also funded by victims of crime agencies, WorkCover, transport accident commissions, and the National Redress Scheme, making it accessible to those seeking support for trauma and other concerns.
Method of Treatment
EMDR is effective in both online and in-person settings. Online EMDR employs digital tools like visual or auditory bilateral stimulation, ensuring clients can access therapy wherever they are.
How Many Sessions Are Needed?
EMDR is quite efficient. The number of sessions depends on the individual and the complexity of their concerns. A single-trauma case may require 6-8 sessions, while more complex cases might need longer-term treatment.
Session Duration
Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes. Longer sessions are often recommended for trauma processing to maximise effectiveness.
Blind-to-Therapist EMDR: Privacy and Personal Control in Healing
Blind-to-Therapist EMDR is a specialised approach designed for clients who wish to maintain privacy about the specific details of their distressing memories or experiences. In this method, clients are not required to share the content of their trauma or distress with the therapist. Instead, the focus remains on the emotions, sensations, and beliefs associated with the memory, rather than the memory's explicit details.
The therapist guides the client through the standard EMDR process using bilateral stimulation while relying on the client’s internal processing to address the distress. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals who may feel uncomfortable discussing sensitive or deeply personal experiences, or for those who prefer to focus on their internal work without verbalising specifics.
Increased Privacy
Clients can engage in deep trauma processing without the need to disclose personal or sensitive details. This ensures they feel safe and in control during sessions.
Reduced Emotional Barriers
Some individuals may hesitate to seek therapy due to discomfort with sharing traumatic experiences. Blind-to-Therapist EMDR removes this barrier, making treatment more accessible.
Faster Engagement
By bypassing the need for verbal elaboration, therapy can move directly to processing the distressing memory, potentially accelerating progress.
Empowerment
The method reinforces the client’s autonomy, allowing them to take charge of their healing journey while being supported by the therapist’s expertise.
Suitable for Complex Trauma
For those with multiple traumas or difficulties verbalising experiences, this approach reduces the cognitive and emotional load of recounting distressing events.
Trauma-Informed Approach
Blind-to-Therapist EMDR is aligned with trauma-informed care principles, emphasising safety, choice, and control for the client throughout the process.
Want To Know More About EMDR?
For more detailed information on EMDR you can visit the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA), EMDR UK Association; EMDR Europe; EMDR International Association;