EMDR — Trauma Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an important approach to trauma treatment. It helps people process distressing experiences and traumatic memories that continue to affect emotional wellbeing and daily functioning.
About this service
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based approach to trauma treatment. It helps people process distressing experiences and traumatic memories that continue to affect emotional wellbeing and daily functioning.
When something overwhelming happens, the brain can struggle to fully process the memory. It can become 'stuck', continuing to trigger intense emotional and physical reactions long after the event. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation — typically guided eye movements — to help the brain reprocess these memories so they lose their emotional charge.
EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as a first-line treatment for post-traumatic stress. It does not require detailed verbal retelling of the trauma, which many clients find a relief.
The approach
- An eight-phase protocol that includes history-taking, preparation, and processing
- Bilateral stimulation — usually eye movements — to support memory reprocessing
- Processing of single-incident trauma and complex or repeated adverse experiences
- Work with adverse childhood experiences in a safe, paced way
- Integration with Schema Therapy where early trauma underlies lifelong patterns
Benefits
- Reduces the emotional charge of traumatic memories
- Processes adverse childhood experiences safely
- Supports recovery from PTSD, anxiety, and phobic responses
- Recognised by the WHO and APS as a first-line trauma treatment
Who it's for
- People who have experienced trauma, abuse, or distressing events that still affect them
- Those with PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, or intrusive memories
- Individuals whose adverse childhood experiences continue to shape present reactions
- Anyone seeking a trauma treatment that does not require extensive retelling of the event
What to expect
- A thorough preparation phase ensuring you have the resources and stability to process safely
- A clear explanation of each phase before it begins, with your consent throughout
- Sessions that pace the work to your tolerance — you remain in control
- Noticeable reduction in the intensity of memory-triggered reactions as processing progresses
Questions about EMDR — Trauma Therapy
Is EMDR safe?
Yes. EMDR is a well-established, internationally recognised treatment. Franco follows the eight-phase protocol carefully, including a thorough preparation phase to ensure you have the emotional resources to process memories safely. You remain in control throughout, and the work is paced to your tolerance.
Do I have to talk about the trauma in detail?
No. One of the advantages of EMDR is that it does not require you to give a detailed verbal account of the traumatic event. You identify key images, thoughts, and sensations, and the bilateral stimulation supports the brain's own reprocessing — without extensive retelling.
How long does EMDR take?
For a single-incident trauma, EMDR can sometimes produce results relatively quickly. For complex or repeated trauma, the process is longer because the preparation and stabilisation phases are more substantial. Franco will discuss a realistic timeline with you after assessment.
Ready to explore emdr — trauma therapy?
A free 15-minute call is the simplest way to find out whether this approach fits your needs. Every intake is personally triaged by Franco.
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