What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychological therapy that helps people process distressing memories and reduce the emotional intensity linked to those memories. It is most commonly used for trauma and PTSD, and may also be used for anxiety and other difficulties where past experiences continue to affect the present.
EMDR was developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Rather than relying on detailed retelling of events, it works with the brain's natural information-processing system to help memories that remain "stuck" become less distressing.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — such as eye movements, taps or tones — while you briefly attend to a distressing memory, supported by your therapist. The goal is to help the brain reprocess memories that remain distressing, so they feel less overwhelming over time.
Importantly, EMDR does not always require detailed retelling of traumatic experiences, and pacing and safety matter throughout. Some explanations compare bilateral stimulation with processes involved in memory integration, but the exact mechanisms continue to be studied.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
A step-by-step journey, at your pace
Reevaluation
Next session we check the gains have held and decide what to focus on next.
Closure
We end each session calm and grounded, whether or not the memory is fully processed.
Body Scan
We check where the memory still sits in your body and release any leftover tension.
Installation
We strengthen a positive, truer belief about yourself to take the place of the old one.
Desensitisation
Using gentle eye movements or taps, we process the memory so that its distress gradually fades.
Assessment
We choose a specific memory and notice the belief and body feelings tied to it, to set a clear starting point.
Preparation
I explain how EMDR works and we build calming tools, so you feel steady and in control before we start.
History and Planning
We talk through your history and what's troubling you, and map out which memories to work on together.
Insight Psychology · EMDR Therapy, Newtown
What EMDR May Help With
EMDR has the strongest evidence base for PTSD, but research supports its use across a range of presentations. 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. It is also used with first responders and others with occupational trauma histories.
Anxiety, Phobias & Panic
Many anxiety presentations — including panic, social anxiety, health anxiety and specific phobias — can have roots in earlier distressing experiences that EMDR may help address.
Depression Linked to Experiences
Where depression is linked to adverse life experiences, EMDR may be integrated with other approaches to process underlying material.
Grief & Loss
A protocol for complicated grief that may reduce ongoing distress while preserving meaningful memories and connections.
Occupational & First Responder Trauma
Police, firefighters, paramedics and other emergency service workers are at elevated risk of PTSD and cumulative operational stress, where EMDR may be used as part of treatment.
Other Presentations
- Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
- Attachment difficulties
- Performance anxiety
- Chronic pain with psychological components
- Dissociative presentations (with appropriate stabilisation)
EMDR may not be appropriate for everyone — a psychologist will assess whether it's a suitable fit for you.
Research & Evidence Base for EMDR
EMDR is one of the most thoroughly researched trauma treatments available. Key points (with sources listed in References) include:
- 1EMDR is recognised in major clinical guidelines as a first-line, trauma-focused treatment for PTSD.
- 2Meta-analyses report EMDR produces outcomes comparable to other trauma-focused therapies such as trauma-focused CBT for PTSD.
- 3Research supports its use across single-incident trauma, complex trauma, childhood trauma, and first responder populations.
- 4Neuroimaging studies have explored changes in brain activity following EMDR, though research into the precise mechanisms is ongoing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes. EMDR is recognised in major clinical guidelines as a trauma-focused treatment for PTSD, and it has been studied across many randomised controlled trials. Specific guideline citations are listed in the References section.
How is EMDR different from talking about trauma?
EMDR does not always require you to describe your experiences in detail. It works by briefly activating a memory while using bilateral stimulation (often eye movements), supporting the brain to reprocess the experience rather than simply retelling it. Many people find this preferable to prolonged exposure or narrative-based approaches.
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 may 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.
Does EMDR work for anxiety, not just PTSD?
It can. While EMDR has the strongest evidence base for PTSD, it is increasingly used for anxiety, phobias, depression and other presentations where underlying distressing experiences appear to be contributing to current difficulties.
Can EMDR be done via telehealth?
Yes, where clinically appropriate. EMDR can be delivered via secure video, with adaptations such as tactile bilateral stimulation (self-tapping) in place of eye movements. At Insight Psychology, both in-person (Newtown, Sydney) and telehealth sessions are available.
What qualifications should an EMDR therapist have?
In Australia, EMDR should be delivered by a registered psychologist or appropriately trained mental health clinician who has completed accredited EMDR training. Dr John Ahern is an EMDR-trained psychologist registered with AHPRA, with a clinical focus on trauma.
References
- World Health Organization — PTSD treatment guideline
- Australian Psychological Society — guidance on evidence-based psychological interventions
- NHMRC — relevant clinical guidance
- Key EMDR meta-analysis (PTSD outcomes)
- EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA)