EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITISATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
What is EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychological therapy that helps people process distressing memories and experiences. It is best known for its use in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some memories remain highly distressing long after an event has ended, contributing to intrusive recollections, strong emotional reactions, negative beliefs about oneself and a persistent sense of danger. EMDR aims to help people process these memories so they become less distressing and have less influence on their present lives.
HOW DOES IT WORK
EMDR involves several stages, including preparing for treatment, identifying relevant memories, establishing appropriate coping strategies and memory processing. During processing, the client briefly focuses on aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating taps or sounds.
The psychologist monitors the client's responses and helps them work through the experience at a manageable pace. EMDR is a structured treatment rather than simply discussing a traumatic event.
EMDR is particularly well established for PTSD and may be considered for people experiencing trauma-related symptoms following other traumatising and distressing experiences. EMDR is not suitable in exactly the same way for everyone, and cannot be used if there may be legal action associated with the targeted experience.
WHERE DOES IT COME FROM
EMDR was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Shapiro observed that certain eye movements appeared to reduce the distress associated with troubling thoughts and subsequently developed a structured treatment protocol. Research and clinical practice have since expanded the approach, and EMDR is now recognised in major clinical guidelines as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Although bilateral stimulation is a distinctive feature, the precise mechanisms through which EMDR works continue to be studied.
Ready to Begin?
At Ensemble Psychology, we are committed to providing evidence-based, collaborative care that respects your identity, values, and goals.
If you are seeking thoughtful, personalised support from an experienced clinical psychologist, we invite you to get in touch to arrange an initial consultation.
Initial phone consultations are free of charge. Standard appointments (50 minutes) are charged at $260 per session