Looking for EMDR therapy in Sydney? Insight Psychology offers EMDR therapy in Newtown with Dr John Ahern, a registered psychologist with a focus on trauma-informed care. EMDR may help people process distressing memories, PTSD symptoms and trauma-related anxiety, with treatment planned carefully around safety, preparation and your individual goals.
EMDR with Dr John Ahern
An Evidence-Based Treatment for Trauma
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is recognised in major clinical guidelines as a trauma-focused treatment for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. Rather than relying on detailed retelling, EMDR works with the brain's natural information-processing system to help reduce the emotional intensity attached to distressing memories.
Whether EMDR is the right approach for you is something your psychologist will assess together with you, based on your history, current symptoms and readiness. Read more about what EMDR therapy is and how it works.
Working with an EMDR Psychologist in Sydney
EMDR is delivered carefully and collaboratively — there is no rush to the difficult parts.
Assessment first
Before any trauma processing, your psychologist will assess your history, current symptoms, readiness and support needs to plan a safe, individualised approach.
Stabilisation & preparation
We build coping resources and a sense of safety before reprocessing begins — preparation comes before processing.
Paced collaboratively
Therapy moves at a pace that feels manageable for you, and you do not necessarily need to describe traumatic experiences in detail.
In person or telehealth
EMDR is available in person in Newtown and via secure telehealth across Australia, where clinically appropriate.
What EMDR May Help With
EMDR has the strongest evidence base for PTSD, and research supports its use across a range of presentations. At Insight Psychology, EMDR may help with:
Trauma & PTSD
One of the best-supported trauma-focused treatments for PTSD and trauma-related symptoms — for single-incident trauma and complex or repeated trauma.
First Responder Trauma
Experience with police, firefighters, paramedics and emergency service workers facing PTSD and cumulative operational stress.
Anxiety Disorders
Where panic, social anxiety, health anxiety or phobias are linked to earlier distressing experiences.
Depression
Where low mood is linked to adverse life experiences, EMDR can support work on the underlying material.
Grief & Loss
A protocol for complicated grief that can reduce ongoing distress while preserving meaningful memories.
Complex PTSD & Attachment
Complex PTSD and attachment-related difficulties, with appropriate stabilisation and pacing.
EMDR may not be appropriate for everyone — your psychologist will assess whether it's a suitable fit for you.
How EMDR Treatment Proceeds
EMDR follows a structured, phased protocol, planned individually with you at assessment.
History & Preparation
Identifying treatment targets and relevant history, building coping resources, and explaining the process before any reprocessing begins.
Reprocessing
Briefly attending to a distressing memory while using bilateral stimulation, then strengthening a more adaptive belief — without needing to retell your experiences in detail.
Review & Next Targets
Returning to equilibrium at the end of each session, reviewing progress, and identifying next targets. The number of sessions varies with the nature and complexity of what you bring.
Common Questions Before Booking
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the nature and complexity of what you are bringing to therapy. Single-incident trauma can often show improvement in fewer sessions, while complex or repeated trauma typically requires a longer, phased approach. Your psychologist will discuss an individualised plan with you at assessment.
Can EMDR be done via telehealth?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. EMDR can be delivered via secure video, using adaptations such as tactile bilateral stimulation (self-tapping) in place of eye movements. Both in-person (Newtown, Sydney) and telehealth sessions are available.
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a referral to attend. If you would like to claim a Medicare rebate, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP — with one, you may be able to claim a rebate on up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
Book an EMDR Consultation
New clients can start with a free 15-minute consultation call to discuss your goals and check we're a good fit — no pressure to commit.
Choose an available time
Open booking pageFind the clinic
6/134–140 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042 · Telehealth available Australia-wide