What is EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) is an important type of therapy that helps individuals process (and therefore recover from) traumatic or highly-distressing memories and experience, as well as complex / ongoing trauma. EMDR often targets symptoms such as vivid or intrusive reliving symptoms (flashbacks and / or nightmares), distressing memories, and can also help with avoidance and interpersonal symptoms.
It is widely accepted as an effective and evidence-based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by local organisations such as Phoenix Australia (Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health), the Australian Psychological Society (APS), as well as international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Treatment usually involves bringing a focus of the memory to mind and using guided side to side eye movements to help the brain reintegrate the memory. Importantly, a client may not need to disclose or talk about the content of their traumatic experience. Clients may focus on noticing their present moment responses and processing the content with the support of the therapist. For some individuals, EMDR can have faster results compared to older forms of trauma treatment, such as exposure therapy.
There are a number of psychologists in the team who are trained in EMDR. It is important to discuss the approach, combination and timing of your treatment with your GP and mental health professional(s). This discussion should include the stage of your recovery, and ensuring that adequate internal and external resources for safety and stabilisation are in place.
You can read more about EMDR at: