EMDR Therapy in Sydney CBD

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps the brain reprocess these memories so they are remembered as past events, with far less distress attached.

I am a registered psychologist offering EMDR in person in Sydney CBD and via telehealth across Australia.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that combines brief, focused attention on a distressing memory with bilateral stimulation, usually guided eye movements, but sometimes taps or tones. You do not need to describe the event in detail. The aim is to reduce the emotional charge of the memory and update the beliefs that formed around it, such as “I am not safe” or “it was my fault”.

One leading explanation is that holding the memory in mind while attending to the stimulation places a load on working memory, which makes the memory less vivid and less distressing over time. The exact mechanism is still debated, but the clinical results are well documented. The Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, PTSD and Complex PTSD (Phoenix Australia, 2020) include EMDR among the recommended psychological treatments for adults with PTSD.

Who EMDR Can Help

EMDR is most commonly used for:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and acute stress reactions

• Single-incident trauma, such as accidents, assaults, medical events or sudden loss

• Distressing memories that feel current, with intrusive images, nightmares or strong physical reactions to reminders

• Anxiety, phobias and performance difficulties linked to specific past experiences

• Work-related trauma, including cumulative exposure to critical incidents in first responder and other high-exposure roles

Where trauma is longstanding or complex, we spend longer on preparation and stabilisation before any memory work begins. EMDR is one tool, and I will tell you if a different approach should come first.

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions

EMDR follows eight phases, and most of the early work is preparation rather than processing.

1. History and planning. We map what you are dealing with and which memories are driving it.

2. Preparation. You learn techniques to settle your body and stay grounded during and between sessions.

3. Assessment. We select a target memory and identify the image, belief, emotion and body sensation attached to it.

4. Desensitisation. You focus on the memory while following the bilateral stimulation, and we track how it shifts.

5. Installation. We strengthen a more accurate, adaptive belief to replace the old one.

6. Body scan. We check for any remaining tension linked to the memory.

7. Closure. Every session ends with you feeling settled and grounded.

8. Re-evaluation. At the next session, we check what has changed and decide what to target next.

You stay in control throughout. We can pause at any point, and you never have to share more than you choose to.

How I Work

I use EMDR alongside the CBT and ACT frameworks that form the basis of my practice, so treatment is matched to what you need rather than run as a fixed protocol. I see adults with a range of trauma-related presentations, including PTSD, single events such as accidents or assaults, medical trauma, sudden loss, and anxiety or phobias that began after a specific experience. Some people come in with intrusive memories or nightmares, others with avoidance, irritability or a body that stays on alert, and the work looks different for each. If you are unsure whether EMDR is the right fit, we can work that out together in the first session.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to describe the trauma in detail? No. EMDR does not require a full verbal account of the event. You need to be able to bring the memory to mind, but how much you say is your choice.

• Is EMDR hypnosis? No. You are awake, aware and in control throughout the session.

• How many sessions will I need? It depends on what you are working through. A single, well-defined event typically needs fewer sessions than multiple events or longer-standing trauma. After the initial assessment I can give you a realistic estimate.

• Can EMDR be done over telehealth? Yes. The core procedure can be adapted for video sessions, and I will make sure you have a private, comfortable space and a plan for grounding before we begin.

• Is EMDR evidence-based? Yes. It is included among the recommended psychological treatments for adult PTSD in the Australian PTSD guidelines (Phoenix Australia, 2020). Trauma-focused CBT also has strong support, and I will discuss which option fits you best.

• Will I feel worse before I feel better? Some people notice stronger emotions or vivid dreams between sessions as memories are processed. This is why preparation comes first, and why we agree on a plan for managing it before processing starts.

• Do I need a referral to see a psychologist? No referral is required to see a psychologist. A GP referral is only needed if you want to access Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Related Services

If you are looking into trauma-related treatment, you may also find these pages relevant:

• PTSD — anxiety and depression frequently co-occur, and treatment often needs to address both

• Anxiety: Persistent anxiety often traces back to specific events, and EMDR can be used when that is the case.

• Insomnia: Nightmares and disrupted sleep are common after trauma, and they are usually addressed alongside the memory work.

• Burnout & Stress: Cumulative work stress and exposure to distressing events can overlap with trauma symptoms.

• Depression: Low mood frequently accompanies trauma, and treatment often needs to address both.

If you'd like to discuss your situation and whether therapy might help, please get in touch here or by using the form below.