EMDR Therapy Melbourne

Sometimes we understand intellectually that something is over, yet our nervous system continues to react as though the threat is still present.

You may find yourself feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally reactive, disconnected, or stuck in patterns that no longer make sense. You may have tried talking about your experiences and gained insight, yet still find that certain memories, triggers, or beliefs continue to affect your daily life.

EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence based psychotherapy designed to help the brain process and integrate distressing experiences that may be contributing to current difficulties.

At Salt & Earth Psychology, EMDR therapy is offered online across Australia by Kellie Dundon, a registered psychologist with additional training in trauma informed approaches and EMDR. Therapy is tailored to your individual needs, pace, and goals, with a focus on creating emotional safety and supporting lasting change.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.

Developed by psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro, EMDR is a structured therapy approach that helps the brain process experiences that may have become "stuck" in the nervous system.

When something overwhelming, frightening, painful, or emotionally significant happens, the brain will often process and store the experience naturally over time. However, when experiences are particularly distressing, this process can sometimes become disrupted.

As a result, memories may continue to feel emotionally charged long after the event has passed. People often describe feeling as though they "know it's over, but it doesn't feel over."

EMDR helps the brain revisit and process these experiences in a different way. Through the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds, the brain is supported to integrate information that may have remained unprocessed.

Unlike some forms of therapy that focus primarily on talking about problems, EMDR works directly with the way distressing experiences are stored within memory networks. As processing occurs, people often notice a reduction in emotional intensity, changes in negative beliefs about themselves, and an increased sense of freedom in the present.

EMDR is recognised internationally as an evidence based treatment for trauma and PTSD, and is increasingly used to support a range of other concerns where past experiences continue to influence current wellbeing.

What Can EMDR Therapy Help With?

EMDR is most widely known for its effectiveness in treating trauma, but many people are surprised to learn that trauma is not limited to major catastrophic events.

Sometimes the experiences that continue to affect us are subtle, cumulative, or relational.

EMDR therapy may be helpful for:

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Following traumatic events, people may experience intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, or a persistent sense of danger. EMDR can help process traumatic memories and reduce their ongoing impact.

Complex Trauma

Complex trauma often develops through repeated experiences of emotional neglect, abuse, criticism, unpredictability, or relational harm. These experiences can shape beliefs about safety, trust, worthiness, and connection.

Childhood Trauma

Many adults carry the emotional effects of childhood experiences that were never fully processed. EMDR can support healing from experiences that continue to influence self esteem, relationships, and emotional wellbeing.

Anxiety Linked to Past Experiences

Sometimes anxiety is maintained by unresolved experiences that taught the nervous system the world is unsafe. EMDR may help address the underlying memories contributing to anxiety responses.

Distressing Life Experiences

EMDR may also be used to process experiences such as bullying, medical trauma, accidents, workplace incidents, grief, relationship breakdowns, birth trauma, or other events that continue to feel emotionally unresolved.

How EMDR Therapy Works

EMDR therapy follows a structured process designed to support both emotional safety and effective processing.

Treatment typically begins with getting to know your story, understanding your goals, and developing skills to help you feel grounded and supported. This preparation phase is an important part of the work and helps create a strong foundation before processing begins.

Once you feel ready, therapy focuses on identifying memories, beliefs, emotions, body sensations, or experiences that may be contributing to current difficulties.

During processing, bilateral stimulation is used while you notice aspects of the memory. Many people find that thoughts, emotions, insights, and associations begin to shift naturally over time.

The goal is not to erase memories or forget what happened. Rather, the goal is to help the brain process experiences so they become part of your story without continuing to dominate your present.

People often describe feeling that memories become more distant, less emotionally overwhelming, and less likely to trigger intense reactions.

Is Online EMDR Effective?

Many people are surprised to learn that EMDR can be delivered effectively through telehealth.

Online EMDR uses secure video technology and can incorporate eye movements, tapping, or other forms of bilateral stimulation adapted for virtual sessions.

For many clients, working from the comfort of their own home can actually increase feelings of safety and support engagement in the therapeutic process.

Whether online EMDR is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances, goals, and needs. This can be discussed during an initial appointment.

Why Choose Salt & Earth Psychology?

Choosing a therapist is an important decision.

At Salt & Earth Psychology, therapy is grounded in warmth, curiosity, respect, and a deep appreciation for the complexity of human experience.

Kellie Dundon is a registered psychologist who works with adults experiencing trauma related difficulties, anxiety, emotional overwhelm, and life challenges. Her approach integrates EMDR with broader trauma informed psychological care, recognising that healing is not simply about symptom reduction but about helping people reconnect with themselves, their relationships, and the life they want to live.

Therapy is collaborative rather than prescriptive. There is no expectation that you should share more than feels manageable, move faster than feels safe, or fit your experiences into a particular narrative.

Instead, the focus is on creating a space where healing can unfold at a pace that respects both your goals and your nervous system.

Appointments are available online for adults throughout Melbourne and across Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Mental Health Care Plan for EMDR?

No. You can access EMDR therapy privately without a referral. Some clients choose to access sessions using a Mental Health Care Plan from their GP, while others attend as private clients.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

This varies considerably depending on your goals, history, and the nature of the difficulties being addressed. Some concerns may be resolved relatively quickly, while more complex presentations often benefit from longer term therapy.

Is EMDR suitable for complex trauma?

EMDR can be adapted for people with complex trauma. Treatment often includes a longer preparation phase focused on emotional regulation, safety, and stabilisation before memory processing begins.

Will I have to talk in detail about traumatic experiences?

Not necessarily. While some discussion of experiences is usually helpful, EMDR generally requires less detailed retelling than many people expect.

Can EMDR make things worse?

Processing difficult experiences can sometimes bring up strong emotions. A careful assessment process and appropriate preparation help support safety throughout treatment.

Is online EMDR effective?

Research suggests that EMDR can be effectively adapted for telehealth. Suitability depends on individual circumstances and can be discussed during your appointment.

Is EMDR only for PTSD?

No. While EMDR is widely recognised as a treatment for PTSD, it may also be helpful for a range of difficulties where past experiences continue to affect current wellbeing.

Book an Appointment

If past experiences continue to feel present in your life, EMDR therapy may help create space for healing and change.

Salt & Earth Psychology offers online EMDR therapy for adults throughout Melbourne and Australia.

To learn more or book an appointment, please get in touch.