EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy for trauma and distressing experiences that still feel close. It helps the brain finish processing memories that have stayed stuck, so they can settle into the past where they belong. EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organization and by Australia’s Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health as a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress.
I’m Veronica West, a registered psychologist (Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours), Master of Public Health, Master of Psychology) based on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. I’ve completed advanced training in EMDR and am registered with the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA). I offer EMDR therapy for adults and adolescents via secure telehealth across Australia.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured therapy designed to help the mind work through experiences that have stayed stuck. When something distressing happens, the brain usually processes it over time and the memory settles. With trauma, that processing can be left incomplete. The memory keeps feeling present, with the emotions, the body sensations, and sometimes the images all showing up as if the event were still happening.
EMDR helps the brain finish that processing. It uses bilateral stimulation, usually following the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes, or alternating taps or sounds, while you briefly hold a memory in mind. Over a session, the memory tends to become less charged. The facts remain, but the distress softens.
EMDR is not about reliving experiences in detail or talking through them at length. It’s about helping the brain do something it’s naturally capable of, with structure and support.
What EMDR can help with
EMDR is best known for treating post-traumatic stress, but its use is broader. It can be helpful for:
- Specific traumatic events, such as accidents, assaults, medical experiences, or sudden losses
- Childhood experiences that still influence adult relationships, self-worth, or emotional regulation
- Complex or developmental trauma, approached more gradually and with more preparation
- Grief that feels stuck or unresolved
- Persistent anxiety or panic responses that haven’t shifted with talk therapy alone
- Phobias and intrusive memories of distressing events
EMDR works well alongside other approaches. Many people use it for specific pieces of work within a broader course of therapy that also draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, depending on what’s most relevant.
What to expect from EMDR
EMDR is not a one-session approach. It follows structured phases: history-taking, preparation, assessment, processing, and integration.
Early sessions focus on:
- Building a clear picture of what brought you to therapy and what you’d like to work on
- Strengthening grounding and regulation skills, so that processing later stays within a manageable range
- Identifying the specific memories or experiences that will be the focus of the work
Once preparation is complete, processing sessions follow a structured rhythm. You’ll be asked to bring a particular memory to mind, along with the emotion, body sensation, and belief connected to it. Sets of bilateral stimulation are then used while you notice what shifts. Between sets, you briefly describe what came up. There’s no expectation to share every detail. The focus is on noticing what changes, not on narrating.
Sessions usually run 60 to 90 minutes. Many people feel tired after a processing session, and it can take a day or two for things to settle. That’s a normal part of how EMDR works and tends to ease with experience.
EMDR can be delivered just as effectively online as in person, using the same structured phases. For a detailed look at how online EMDR works and the options for bilateral stimulation over video, see my article on EMDR therapy online.
Is EMDR right for you?
EMDR is one of several effective approaches for working with trauma and related concerns. It isn’t the only one, and it isn’t always the first step. The right starting point depends on what you’re working with, what feels manageable, and what your goals are.
A short consultation is usually the most useful way to find out whether EMDR fits your situation. Some questions worth considering:
- Are there specific memories or experiences that still feel present in your day-to-day life?
- Have you tried other forms of therapy and felt that something deeper wasn’t being reached?
- Do you feel relatively grounded day to day, with reasonable supports around you?
If your current focus is on stabilisation, regulation, or working through more recent stress, another approach may be a better starting point, with EMDR coming in later once the foundation is steady.
Frequently asked questions
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain finish processing distressing memories that have stayed stuck. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds, while you briefly hold a memory in mind. Over time, the memory tends to feel less charged, while the facts of it remain.
Is EMDR available online and across Australia?
Yes. I offer EMDR via secure telehealth across Australia. Research published since 2020 has consistently shown that online EMDR produces outcomes comparable to in-person delivery for most adults, using the same structured phases. You can read more in my article on EMDR therapy online.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
This varies depending on what you’re working with. Most people spend several sessions in preparation before processing begins, followed by a series of processing sessions, then integration. The pace is guided by what feels safe and manageable, not a fixed number. A brief consultation is usually the best way to get a realistic picture for your situation.
Does EMDR work for complex or childhood trauma, not just single incidents?
Yes, though the approach is adapted. Single-incident trauma may be addressed in a shorter course of EMDR. Complex or developmental trauma usually needs more preparation before processing begins, and the processing itself tends to be more gradual. Stabilisation and regulation come first, with deeper processing following when the foundation is steady.
Do I need a referral to start EMDR?
No referral is needed to begin. If you’d like to access a Medicare rebate, you’ll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. You can find current fee and funding information on the fees and funding page. For a fuller breakdown of what seeing a psychologist costs across Australia, see how much it costs to see a psychologist.
If you’re considering EMDR therapy, the first step is a brief consultation to talk through what’s going on and decide together whether EMDR is a good fit. There’s no pressure to commit, and no expectation that you arrive with a clear idea of what you want to work on. You can book using the booking link below. If you’d like more information first, you’re welcome to get in touch through the contact page.
If you are in crisis or need urgent support, EMDR therapy is not suitable in an emergency. Please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or call 000 in an emergency.