EMDR is a therapy that helps your brain heal from distressing memories.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It’s a type of therapy used to help people recover from difficult experiences, including trauma, anxiety and grief, by helping the brain process and “file away” upsetting memories.

EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. She noticed that certain eye movements seemed to reduce the intensity of distressing thoughts. From there, she developed a structured therapy approach to help people process trauma.

Since then, EMDR has been widely researched and is now used all over the world to treat PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health concerns. It is recognised by Medicare as an approved psychological treatment.

Trauma memories are different to other memories

EMDR is based on something called the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. In simple terms, this means your brain is built to heal. When something hard or painful happens, your brain usually knows how to process it, like sorting it into a filing cabinet so you can move on.

But if the experience was too overwhelming at the time, your brain might not finish the job. Instead, the memory gets “stuck,” and you might keep feeling the emotions or body reactions as if the event is still happening, even years later.

EMDR helps your brain unstick those memories so they can finally be processed, understood, and filed away safely, making space for new, more helpful ways of thinking and feeling.

What Happens in EMDR Therapy?

EMDR has a clear structure that your therapist will guide you through. It’s not just about eye movements – there’s a whole process to make sure things feel safe and manageable.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Getting to Know You
   Your therapist will take time to understand your story, what’s bothering you, and what’s been helpful or unhelpful in the past. You’ll work together to create a plan that feels right for you.

2. Preparation
   Before processing any memories, you’ll learn ways to feel calm, grounded, and in control. This might include visualising a safe place, using grounding techniques, or practicing short exercises to steady the nervous system.

3. Choosing What to Work On
   You and your therapist will decide which memories or situations to focus on — one at a time. You don’t have to go into every detail of what happened. You’ll just notice what comes up, while your therapist supports you through the process.

4. Processing with Bilateral Stimulation
   This is where EMDR gets its name.  You’ll be gently guided to bring part of a memory to mind, just enough to notice thoughts, emotions, or body sensations connected to it. At the same time, your therapist will move their fingers back and forth in front of you, and you’ll follow the movement with your eyes. This left-right motion, called bilateral stimulation, helps both sides of the brain work together to reprocess the memory in a way that feels more resolved and less charged.
   
   Other forms of bilateral stimulation include alternating sounds through headphones, tapping on the body, or holding small buzzers that gently vibrate left and right. Your therapist will help you choose the method that feels most comfortable and effective for you. 

5. Closing and Reflection
   Each session ends with time to check in and settle your body and mind. You might feel tired, lighter, or emotional afterwards.  All of this is normal. Your therapist will help you reflect on what came up and support you between sessions as needed.

What Does It Feel Like?

EMDR can feel intense, but it’s designed to be safe and contained. You don’t have to talk through everything, and you’re always in control. Many people say they feel relief, clarity, or a sense of “finally letting go” after a memory has been fully processed.

Can EMDR Be Combined With Other Therapies?

Yes. EMDR often fits well with talk therapy, somatic (body-based) approaches, and trauma-informed care.  Sometimes a blend of approaches will best meet your needs.

EMDR helps your brain do what it was meant to do: heal.
It’s structured, effective, and can help you feel less stuck in the past, without needing to relive and talk about every painful detail. If you’re curious about EMDR you are welcome to reach out and have a chat about whether it might be the right fit for you.