EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy developed specifically to help the brain process and resolve distressing memories, particularly those linked to trauma. It has strong evidence for PTSD and is also used for anxiety, phobias, grief and other distressing life experiences.
Traumatic memories can stay 'stuck' — vivid, emotionally charged, and easily triggered. In EMDR you briefly bring a difficult memory to mind while following a form of bilateral stimulation — usually guided side-to-side eye movements, sometimes gentle taps or tones — which appears to help the memory become less vivid and less charged over time. Unlike some talking therapies, EMDR does not require you to describe the event in detail or complete tasks between sessions. It is delivered by therapists with specific EMDR training.
EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol. The first sessions are history-taking and preparation, including resources for staying grounded; processing sessions then work through target memories one at a time, with the practitioner checking in frequently. Sessions can be intense but are carefully contained.
People who find talking through a traumatic event too much, or who have done talking therapy and still have memories that feel as raw as ever.
Further reading: EMDR Association of Australia.
No. You remain fully alert and in control throughout, and you can stop at any time.
Single-incident trauma can resolve in a small number of processing sessions; complex or repeated trauma takes longer and starts with more preparation.
EMDR requires specific training. Ask when you enquire and we will direct you to a practitioner who offers it.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency. OneBodyMind is not a crisis service. Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.