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What is EMDR Therapy?
If you've heard about EMDR and felt a bit unsure – you're not alone. EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, might sound complex, but at its heart, it's simply a type of therapy designed to help people process difficult memories. Over the past few decades, EMDR has grown in popularity here in Australia as more research has shown its effectiveness, especially for people dealing with trauma, anxiety, phobias, and distressing memories (EMDRIA).
So, what actually happens in EMDR? This approach works on the idea that when something really distressing happens, our brains sometimes can't process the memory properly – it gets 'stuck' and keeps causing emotional pain. EMDR uses a unique process where your psychologist gently supports you to recall these memories while guiding your eyes to move from side to side, often by asking you to follow their fingers or a moving image. This bilateral eye movement isn't just a quirky extra – it helps your brain reprocess those memories in a way that makes them feel less distressing and more manageable (World Health Organization).
It's not about reliving every detail of a traumatic experience, nor is it some form of hypnosis. EMDR is a highly structured, evidence-based therapy developed to shift the way your mind stores and responds to painful memories. Whether you're new to therapy or simply curious, understanding EMDR's basics can help you take the next steps with more confidence. The following FAQs aim to gently answer your most common questions, demystifying EMDR and supporting you to make sense of whether it could be a good fit for you.
Is EMDR Right for You? Frequently Asked Questions for Australian Clients
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) can be a powerful therapy for a range of concerns—not just life-threatening trauma. In Australia, EMDR has grown in popularity among psychologists and clients alike because of its adaptability and evidence-backed outcomes. So, who might find EMDR helpful?
PTSD and Trauma: EMDR is best known for its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), whether from one-off incidents like accidents and assaults or ongoing trauma. It's included in guidelines from mental health authorities such as Black Dog Institute and the Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder & PTSD.
Complex Trauma: People who've experienced ongoing or repeated trauma—such as prolonged abuse, domestic violence, or early childhood neglect—may also benefit from EMDR. It can help process memories that are deeply stored and hard to access through talk therapy alone.
Anxiety and Phobias: Research increasingly shows EMDR can support those living with specific phobias (like flying or spiders), panic attacks, and general anxiety (Australian Psychological Society).
Other Issues: EMDR is used for grief, significant life transitions, disturbing memories, low self-esteem, and the lingering impact of bullying or medical trauma.
However, EMDR isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The right fit depends on your situation, preferences, and current wellbeing. Collaborative conversation with a qualified psychologist is key, making sure the timing and approach work for you. At Salt & Earth, this means a genuine partnership in understanding where you’re starting from and what you hope to get out of therapy.
What to Expect During EMDR Sessions
If you’re new to EMDR, it can seem a bit mysterious. The good news? It’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Here’s what sessions typically involve:
Dual Attention with Guidance: Your psychologist will support you to briefly focus on emotionally charged memories, feelings, or beliefs—while simultaneously guiding your attention elsewhere. Most commonly, this involves tracking the therapist’s hand movements with your eyes (side to side), but tapping, audio tones, or gentle pulses can also be used.
No Need to Relive Every Detail: You won’t have to recount full details or relive traumatic events aloud. EMDR works by activating your brain’s natural processing abilities, so even partial or vague memories can be used safely.
A Gradual, Controlled Approach: Your psychologist will check in regularly, making sure you stay grounded and feel safe. Sessions are paced at your comfort level, never rushed or overwhelming.
Closing and Calming: Sessions end with time to ensure you feel settled, using grounding techniques if needed. EMDR is structured to help you leave the room feeling as steady as possible.
Think of EMDR as a collaborative process. You’re in the driver’s seat, with professional support every step of the way. Clients often describe surprise at how manageable (and even empowering) EMDR feels compared to early expectations.
Are There Any Side Effects or Aftereffects of EMDR?
It’s common to feel a bit different after EMDR sessions—sometimes tired, sometimes reflective, sometimes even lighter. What’s happening here is your brain working through new information and emotions.
Tiredness or Fatigue: Many clients report feeling sleepy or emotionally wrung out. This is completely normal—processing tough memories can require a lot of energy, even when you don’t go into graphic detail.
Ongoing Reflection: Thoughts, dreams, or insights may surface between sessions. Some people notice increased awareness of body sensations or mood shifts for a day or two afterwards.
Occasional Upset: For a minority, distressing feelings or dreams might pop up. This is why planning for self-care and having good support matters. Let your psychologist know so adjustments can be made.
In almost all cases, these experiences are temporary signs your mind is processing and adapting—a healthy, if sometimes uncomfortable, part of the journey. You won’t be left to figure it out alone; your psychologist is there to guide, reassure, and debrief as needed.
Safety Considerations and Assessments Before EMDR
Safety is everything in EMDR. Before starting, your psychologist will run through a careful assessment to make sure EMDR is right for you, right now.
Initial Assessment: This includes exploring your history, strengths, current coping skills, and any immediate risks—physical, emotional, or social. It’s about getting a full picture, not ticking boxes.
Safety & Stabilisation: If you’re in crisis, feeling unstable, or without enough support, your psychologist may prioritise building coping strategies and emotional grounding skills first. These foundational steps help you stay safe and steady during EMDR sessions.
Tailoring the Approach: Every person is different. Your therapist will design and pace your EMDR journey based on where you’re at—in terms of readiness, cultural background, supportive networks, and resilience.
In the Australian context, mental health care is increasingly collaborative—a partnership where your input, consent, and comfort drive each decision. EMDR at Salt & Earth is always tailored for you; we never rush into trauma work, and there’s always room to pause, adapt, or switch approaches if needed.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About EMDR
Exploring EMDR therapy is, ultimately, about taking back a sense of control over your mental wellbeing. Throughout this FAQ, we've covered the fundamentals: what EMDR is, who it can help, what to expect from sessions, possible aftereffects, and key safety considerations. It's clear that EMDR is an evidence-based approach, endorsed by leading health organisations like the World Health Organization, and can be transformative for many Australians struggling with psychological distress or trauma.
Still, deciding if EMDR is right for you is a deeply personal choice—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important step is to seek advice from a qualified, compassionate professional who understands your goals and history. An experienced psychologist can help assess whether EMDR suits your specific situation and tailor a plan to your needs. Remember, you're never expected to navigate this alone.
If you're feeling curious about EMDR, or simply want to understand how therapy could support your wellbeing, reaching out is a powerful first step. At Salt & Earth Psychology, we're here to ensure you feel informed, supported, and empowered—so you can make decisions about your mental health with clarity and confidence.
Ready to take the next step? Consider scheduling a confidential chat with a registered psychologist.
Bring along your questions—no concern is too small or too big to discuss.
Above all, remember: your wellbeing matters, and support is always within reach.
