What is EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), which helps individuals process (and therefore recover from) traumatic or highly-distressing memories and experience and complex / ongoing trauma, is a type of therapy provided by our Melbourne psychology team at Inner Eastern. 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.  

What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does It Work?

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. 

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. 

Additionally, seeking personalised guidance about the timing and appropriateness of EMDR therapy for your symptoms from your treating team is crucial.   Together, you, your psychologist and other treatment providers will consider what level of preparation or risk management is appropriate given the extent to which you are aware of your symptoms.

What might be useful to occur before EMDR therapy?

In general, it is helpful that you embark upon EMDR therapy with a clear understanding of treatment goals as well as limitations and potential risks that exist with any treatment. Usually, this is done with your EMDR psychologist, GP or psychiatrist.  

For most clients, it is important to discuss options and alternative approaches to trauma treatment as your resources and other clinical needs may require prioritisation.  For example, some individuals may benefit from stabilisation and coping skills building before they take the step towards reprocessing in EMDR.

As with most courses of treatment, an appropriate safety and step-up support plan should be considered and discussed in consideration of your access to resources.  These could include but are not limited to:

• Your coping mechanism and strategies

• Your personal and professional support network               

• System and plans to access more frequent support with a variety of health care team members

• Phone support help lines or more immediate support options

Are there circumstances and examples where clinicians may be more cautious about EMDR?

• When there are immediate or acute risk issues that needs urgent assessment and medical intervention.      

• When a person’s cognition (thinking and memory) is severely affected by their physical wellbeing, such as unstable disorders of eating or nutrition, or high levels of substances that affect memory processing, such as alcohol and other substance use.    

• If there are outstanding or potential future legal proceedings or police enquiries, a client may need to advise the psychologist or seek legal advice on doing EMDR therapy as there may be implications for current or future court cases

You can learn more about EMDR at:

• EMDR Association of Australia

• EMDR International Association

frequently asked questions