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 recommended for:
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.
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.
Not in the same way as traditional talking therapy. EMDR accesses memories through targeted processing rather than detailed verbal recounting — many people find this less re-traumatising than conventional trauma therapy.
Yes. EMDR via telehealth uses auditory bilateral stimulation (tones through headphones) or self-tapping, and has strong evidence for effectiveness comparable to in-person delivery.
Single-incident PTSD often resolves in 6–12 sessions. Complex trauma typically requires more extended treatment. Your psychologist will discuss realistic timelines after your initial assessment.
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
