Frequently Asked Questions - EMDR therapy
Is EMDR the only technique used in therapy?
While EMDR is a powerful tool, it is just one part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Therapy at Salt & Earth Psychology combines EMDR with other evidence-based techniques to provide appropriate treatment tailored to your needs.
Is EMDR suitable for everyone?
No. While EMDR is highly effective for many, it may not be the best fit for every individual. The first step is to determine if EMDR is the right approach for you. And if not, we can formulate a plan for more appropriate treatment for you.
Do you offer in-person sessions?
Yes, I offer in-person psychology in Elwood in Melbourne. You can find me at Pando Society, 109 Brighton Road Elwood Vic.
Salt & Earth Psychology is also an online practice, offering therapy to individuals across Australia. This means you can also access professional psychological support from the comfort and privacy of your own home.
Why is online therapy a great option?
Online therapy offers the same level of professional support as in-person sessions, with added benefits:
Convenience – Access therapy from the comfort of your home, eliminating travel time.
Flexibility – Schedule appointments that fit your lifestyle and commitments.
Equally Effective – Research shows online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions.
Enhanced Tools – Kellie uses specialised online tools to ensure sessions are engaging and effective.
How long does a session take?
Each session typically lasts 50 minutes.
How long does it take to see results with EMDR?
The timeline for results depends on the complexity of the issue. Each person’s healing journey is unique.
Will EMDR erase my memories?
No. EMDR does not erase memories; rather, it helps process and reduce the emotional intensity associated with them. You will still remember past experiences, but they will feel less distressing.
What if I have trouble doing the eye movements in EMDR?
Eye movements are just one method of EMDR therapy. If they are difficult for you, other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones, can be used instead.
Is EMDR similar to hypnosis?
No. Unlike hypnosis, EMDR does not put you in an altered state of consciousness. You remain fully aware and in control during the process.
If you have more questions, feel free to get in touch and book a consultation.
Is EMDR also helpful for treating anxiety?
EMDR therapy is most commonly used to treat posttraumatic stress symptoms but since EMDR therapy changes the meaning and the emotional content of memories, EMDR therapy can be used for any symptom related to memories of experiences in the past.
To treat anxiety and phobias the memories of situations where the client has learned to fear something are addressed, reducing anxiety. Depressed clients very often struggle with guilt and shame over adverse experiences where they have failed, felt powerless or insignificant.
Processing these memories relieves their guilt and shame and changes their core beliefs.
What does research say about EMDR’s effectiveness?
Two significant studies provide insight into EMDR’s effectiveness, particularly in comparison to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
"EMDR for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review" (ResearchGate) analysed 26 randomised controlled trials on how EMDR impacts depression. The study found that EMDR often provides faster relief than CBT, with long-lasting improvements and lower relapse rates. It was especially effective for individuals with depression linked to trauma or adverse life events.
"The Efficacy of EMDR in Reducing Depression: A Comparative Study" (PMC) compared the effectiveness of EMDR and CBT for treating depression. This study found that EMDR outperformed CBT, particularly for individuals whose depression stemmed from trauma. Participants undergoing EMDR experienced greater improvements in emotional regulation and often required fewer sessions to achieve noticeable progress.
These findings highlight EMDR’s ability to address the root causes of distress, making it an effective and efficient option for treatment.
DISCLAIMER: EMDR may not be the correct treatment for you, or may not have the same outcomes. Your treatment is unique to your situation and we will discuss treatment options during our first discussions.