Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological approach commonly used to support people who have experienced trauma or distressing life events. At HMCE, EMDR-informed therapy may be used within Psychology appointments to help reduce the emotional intensity of distressing memories and support recovery in a structured, trauma-informed way.
EMDR focuses on how memories are processed and stored in the brain. When overwhelming experiences are not fully processed, they may continue to trigger distress in the present. EMDR aims to help the brain reprocess these experiences so they feel less intrusive and easier to manage.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is based on the understanding that the brain has a natural ability to heal following distress, much like the body does after physical injury. However, traumatic or overwhelming experiences can disrupt this process, leaving memories “stuck” with their original emotional intensity.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds—while focusing on aspects of a distressing memory. This process supports adaptive reprocessing, helping memories become less emotionally charged and better integrated into your overall life experience.
How EMDR Works
EMDR follows a structured framework and is always delivered in a way that prioritises safety and stability. Sessions are paced carefully, and preparation is an important part of the process.
- Building safety, grounding, and emotional regulation skills
- Identifying memories or experiences linked to current distress
- Using bilateral stimulation to support reprocessing
- Reducing emotional intensity and distress linked to memories
- Strengthening more adaptive beliefs and responses
Not every session involves memory processing. Early sessions often focus on preparation, stabilisation, and ensuring you feel resourced and supported before deeper work begins.
What EMDR Can Help With
EMDR-informed therapy may be used within Psychology services to support people whose current difficulties are connected to past experiences. It is commonly associated with trauma work, but may also be relevant in other contexts depending on clinical assessment.
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms
- Distressing memories or flashbacks
- Anxiety linked to past experiences
- Strong emotional reactions triggered by reminders
- Negative self-beliefs formed after difficult events
- Complex or cumulative life stress
What Happens in an Initial EMDR Appointment
The Initial Appointment focuses on understanding your current concerns, history, and goals for therapy. Your psychologist will assess whether EMDR is appropriate and explain how EMDR-informed work may fit within ongoing Psychology appointments.
Preparation is a key part of EMDR. This may include learning grounding strategies, emotional regulation skills, and ways to manage distress between sessions. Memory processing is not rushed and only begins when sufficient stability is in place.
What Happens in Subsequent Appointments
Subsequent Appointments may involve continued preparation, skill-building, and—when appropriate—EMDR processing phases. Sessions are collaborative, with regular check-ins to ensure the pace feels manageable.
Many people notice that memories become less vivid, less emotionally charged, and less likely to trigger strong reactions over time. Progress is reviewed regularly and the approach adjusted as needed.
How EMDR Is Tailored
EMDR is highly individualised. The number of sessions, pacing, and focus areas depend on the type of experiences involved, current coping capacity, and personal goals.
EMDR-informed therapy may be integrated with other approaches—such as CBT, ACT, or skills-based support—depending on what is most helpful at each stage. The emphasis remains on safety, consent, and collaboration throughout the process.
Booking and Pathways
EMDR-informed therapy is delivered within HMCE’s Psychology appointments. It is not a separate booking category. Please select the appointment type that matches your funding pathway and whether this is your first or a subsequent session.
- Private (Full Fee) — Psychology Initial or Subsequent
- Medicare Bulk Billed (where eligible)
- NDIS Psychology
- WorkCover
- ADF
Unsure which option to choose? Contact HMCE for guidance before booking.
