EMDR Therapy

Therapy for trauma, emotional regulation, and relationship challenges

EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps you process overwhelming memories, sensations, and beliefs without needing to talk through every detail.

EMDR is based on the idea that trauma—big or small—can get “stuck” in the nervous system, leading to ongoing distress. Through guided bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or vibrating “tappers”), EMDR supports the brain in reprocessing these experiences so they lose their emotional charge. Evidence suggests this may reduce the emotional intensity associated with certain memories or triggers.

TheraTappers bilateral stimulation device used in EMDR therapy, Brisbane

EMDR may be right if you…

Find it hard to talk about experiences or prefer less verbal therapy
Have tried insight-based or cognitive approaches but still feel impacted
Notice that your distress lives in the body as much as in the mind
Have limited memory of things that have happened to you (for example, with pre-verbal memories)
Feel emotionally overwhelmed, reactive, or shut down

What to Expect

We begin by building safety and internal resources.
You choose the memories, symptoms, or triggers you want to work on.
Sessions can include gentle body awareness, imagery, and bilateral stimulation (tapping, use of “buzzies” or eye movement).
You remain fully in control throughout the process; this is not like hypnosis.

Should I do EMDR now?

EMDR can be highly effective, when it is used thoughtfully, at the right time, and as part of a broader therapeutic plan. EMDR is not always something we begin immediately. For many people—particularly those with complex trauma, dissociation, neurodivergence, or long-standing emotional patterns—preparation and resourcing are essential to ensure the work is safe, contained, and sustainable.

Before beginning trauma processing, we take time to assess your current emotional and nervous system stability, capacity to stay present with strong sensations, emotions, or memories and what else might be happening in your life right now (stress, health, relationships, work).

When needed, therapy may initially focus on building the foundations that make EMDR effective. This can include developing emotional regulation and grounding skills (often drawing from DBT), strengthening internal resources such as safety, self-compassion, and boundaries, understanding trauma responses, parts, or dissociative patterns.

In some cases, effective EMDR work also depends on external supports. Where appropriate, we may discuss linking with NDIS or other funded supports, community services, peer supports or other practical supports that reduce day-to-day stress.