Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most researched and effective psychological treatments for trauma and PTSD, recommended by the World Health Organisation, the Australian Psychological Society, and NICE guidelines internationally. Our psychologists offer EMDR across four Melbourne clinic locations and via Telehealth.
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Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing was developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in 1987 and is now one of the most extensively researched trauma treatments in the world. EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model — the understanding that psychological distress arises when traumatic memories are stored in a way that prevents normal processing and integration (Shapiro, 2018).
During EMDR therapy, distressing memories are processed using bilateral stimulation — typically eye movements guided by the psychologist, or alternatively taps or tones — which is thought to facilitate the brain’s natural information processing, allowing traumatic memories to be reprocessed and stored in a less distressing form.
EMDR is used for the concerns below. Its strongest evidence is for PTSD:
The evidence base for EMDR is extensive: randomised controlled trials consistently show EMDR to be as effective as Trauma-Focused CBT for PTSD, often in fewer sessions (Bisson et al., 2013).
Standard EMDR follows an 8-phase protocol:
Our psychologists deliver EMDR using the standard protocol and evidence-based adaptations:
Full 8-phase EMDR for single-incident PTSD and well-defined traumatic memories. Produces rapid and complete processing of targeted memories with durable outcomes.
Adapted EMDR protocol for complex PTSD and developmental trauma — with extended preparation and stabilisation phases, careful titration of processing, and attention to dissociation and multiple trauma targets.
Building positive resource memories and internal strengths before trauma processing begins — particularly important for clients with limited internal resources or significant dissociation.
EMDR is often combined with cognitive and behavioural components for complex presentations — addressing both the memory-level processing and the cognitive patterns that maintain PTSD.
Your first appointment focuses on your history, trauma experiences, and whether EMDR is the right approach. We assess stability and resource capacity before beginning memory processing.
EMDR sessions are typically 50–90 minutes. Longer sessions allow for complete processing of a target within the session, which is important for safety and effectiveness.
Many people experience significant improvement in PTSD symptoms within 6–12 sessions, though complex trauma presentations take longer.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
These psychologists list EMDR among the therapies they use. Availability changes, so please call 1300 224 665 to check who is available before you book.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
EMDR is well researched, and Australia’s PTSD guidelines from Phoenix Australia strongly recommend it for adults with PTSD. It is delivered in phases, and your psychologist makes sure you have ways to manage distress before any work on memories begins. Between sessions, some people notice new memories, strong feelings or vivid dreams. This is a known part of the process, so let your psychologist know if it happens.
No. EMDR does not rely on describing what happened in detail. You bring the memory to mind briefly while your psychologist guides the bilateral stimulation, and you only share what you are comfortable sharing.
It depends on what you are working on. The UK’s NICE guideline says EMDR for PTSD typically takes 8 to 12 sessions, and more for people who have experienced multiple traumas. Some people with a single traumatic event improve sooner, while complex or childhood trauma usually takes longer. Your psychologist will give you a realistic estimate after your first appointment.
Yes, some of our EMDR psychologists offer it by secure video. Bilateral stimulation can be done by following movement on the screen, listening to tones through headphones or tapping. Research on online EMDR is promising, but most studies so far are small, so your psychologist will check that telehealth suits you. Call 1300 224 665 to find out who offers EMDR by telehealth.
No, but PTSD is where the evidence is strongest. EMDR was developed for traumatic memories, and psychologists also use it for other problems that started with a distressing experience, such as some anxiety problems, grief or performance anxiety. Research on these uses is still developing, so your psychologist will talk with you about whether EMDR or another approach fits best.
It can be. EMDR is one of the therapies Medicare accepts for psychology sessions under the Better Access initiative. You need a referral, usually a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your regular GP, and Medicare rebates up to 10 individual sessions each calendar year. Our fees are higher than the rebate, so there is usually a gap to pay. Some eligible clients can be bulk billed, mostly via telehealth, and a waitlist usually applies, so call 1300 224 665 to check your options.
Trauma can be processed. Recovery is not just possible — it is expected with the right treatment.
Bisson, J. I., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(12), CD003388. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4
Cuijpers, P., van Veen, S. C., Sijbrandij, M., Yoder, W., & Cristea, I. A. (2020). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for mental health problems: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 49(3), 165–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2019.1703801
