Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach that helps the brain process and make sense of experiences that may feel as though they have been left unfinished or stuck.

When we go through something overwhelming, such as trauma, a frightening event, a painful relationship experience or a period of intense stress, the brain doesn’t always file those memories away neatly. Sometimes they remain highly charged, and years later they can still show up as anxiety, emotional reactions, physical sensations or beliefs about ourselves that no longer serve us.

EMDR helps the brain revisit these experiences in a safe and structured way, allowing them to be reprocessed and integrated. The process involves bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, gentle tapping, or other rhythmic techniques while focusing on aspects of a memory, emotion, belief or body sensation.

The aim isn’t to erase memories. Our brains are not hard drives with a convenient delete button. Instead, EMDR helps reduce the emotional charge attached to difficult experiences, allowing the memory to become something that happened rather than something that continues to feel like it is happening.

EMDR can be beneficial for many concerns, including trauma, anxiety, phobias, grief, distressing memories, confidence issues, negative self-beliefs and experiences that continue to affect your sense of safety, wellbeing or how you see yourself.

EMDR is not hypnosis, though they share similarities such as focused attention, accessing emotions and memories, using imagery, and helping reduce the emotional intensity of distressing experiences.

During EMDR, you remain fully present, aware and in control. You are able to talk, reflect, pause and make choices throughout the process. Unlike hypnosis, which uses a focused state of attention and therapeutic suggestion to support change, EMDR works by engaging the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate experiences.

That said, I do combine EMDR with clinical hypnosis when it is appropriate. The two approaches can work together remarkably well. Hypnosis can be a powerful tool for developing calm, strengthening inner resources, improving emotional regulation and helping people access helpful states of mind. EMDR then supports the deeper processing and integration of experiences that may have been holding them back.

Research exploring the integration of hypnosis and EMDR suggests that hypnosis may enhance certain aspects of EMDR treatment, particularly by supporting relaxation, resource development and access to therapeutic material.

Ultimately, therapy is not a one-size-fits-all process. The approach I use is shaped around you and your experiences, your goals and what feels safe and appropriate for your journey. There is no forcing, no rushing and no requirement to dig through every difficult memory with a metaphorical shovel and a hard hat. The work is collaborative, considered and always guided by what will best support you.

EMDR is not simply a therapy that has gained popularity because it sounds interesting (although, admittedly, “moving your eyes while your brain does some housekeeping” does sound like something that belongs in a science-fiction film). It is a well-researched psychological treatment with a strong evidence base, particularly for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Research over several decades has shown that EMDR can significantly reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories, decrease PTSD symptoms, and help people develop healthier beliefs and responses after distressing experiences.

In Australia, EMDR is recognised as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. The Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, developed with support from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), identify trauma-focused psychological therapies — including EMDR — as among the most effective approaches for treating PTSD.

Australian researchers have also contributed to the evidence base. A study from the University of Western Australia examined EMDR alongside other trauma-focused approaches and found significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and stress following treatment. These improvements were maintained at follow-up, suggesting that the benefits of EMDR can extend beyond the immediate therapy period.

Research from Murdoch University has also explored EMDR’s effectiveness in real-world trauma settings. Findings from this work reported significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, depression, and anxiety following EMDR treatment, supporting its use as an effective intervention for people experiencing trauma-related difficulties.

Beyond Australia, international reviews and clinical guidelines from organisations including the World Health Organization and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognise EMDR as an effective treatment for PTSD. The broader research literature suggests that EMDR performs similarly to other leading trauma-focused therapies, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapies.

It is important to remember that EMDR is not about forcing someone to relive their worst moments or repeatedly telling their story. The goal is not to change what happened — because unfortunately, none of us have been given the “edit history” button for life — but rather to help the brain process those experiences so they no longer carry the same emotional weight.

For many people, this means moving from “I am still trapped in what happened” towards “that happened, and I am safe now.”

Like any meaningful therapeutic work, EMDR can bring up emotions, memories, or physical sensations that may feel uncomfortable at times. After all, we are working with experiences that your brain has identified as significant. It is not unusual for people to notice changes between sessions, such as memories becoming less intense, emotions shifting or new insights emerging as the brain continues processing.

The important part is that EMDR is not about forcing you to relive trauma or pushing you beyond what feels manageable. You remain in control throughout the session. You can pause, slow things down, or stop at any time. Therapy should feel like a supported journey, not an emotional obstacle course where you are expected to run uphill carrying a backpack full of bricks.

Research supports the safety of EMDR when used appropriately. Large clinical reviews have found that EMDR has a low rate of adverse effects and is comparable in safety to other evidence-based trauma therapies.

It is also important to recognise that EMDR is not the right approach for everyone at every stage of their journey. I will always consider your individual circumstances, readiness, and support systems before deciding whether EMDR is appropriate.

My approach is always collaborative and paced around you. The goal is not to open difficult memories and leave you sitting with them, the goal is to help your brain process what it has been carrying, so those experiences have less power over your present.

EMDR follows a structured eight-phase process, and I guide you through each stage carefully, ensuring the work is paced appropriately and feels safe and supportive.

History & treatment planning: I begin by getting to know your story, what has brought you to therapy, and identifying the memories, triggers, patterns, or future goals we may work with. Together, we decide what feels appropriate to focus on and create a plan for your therapy journey.

Preparation: Before processing difficult experiences, I explain how EMDR works, answer any questions, and introduce techniques to help you feel grounded and in control. This includes developing resources for calm, safety, and emotional regulation.

Assessment: Together, we identify a specific memory or experience to work with, including the images, thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations connected to it. This helps us understand how that experience is still affecting you today.

Desensitisation: Using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or tapping, I support your brain’s natural processing ability as you revisit the memory in a safe and controlled way. The aim is to reduce the emotional intensity attached to the experience.

Installation: Once the distress connected to the memory has reduced, we strengthen a more positive and empowering belief about yourself — helping your mind and nervous system connect with a healthier perspective.

Body Scan: I guide you to notice any remaining physical sensations linked to the memory. If anything is still being held in the body, we work with this so the experience can become more fully integrated.

Closure: At the end of each session, I make sure you feel grounded and supported. We use calming techniques and strategies to help you leave feeling settled, even if the processing is not yet complete.

Re-evaluation: At the beginning of our next session, we review what has changed, what you have noticed since our last meeting, and whether any further memories, emotions, or goals need attention.

EMDR is not about reliving the past or becoming overwhelmed by difficult experiences. It is about helping your brain process what has happened, so those memories can take their rightful place in your history rather than continuing to shape your present.

Everyone’s journey is unique. Typically, with EMDR, multiple sessions are required given the intensity of the issues and emotions. You’ll always know what to expect and be able to make informed decisions. I offer competitive, transparent pricing and will be happy to discuss this with you during your initial enquiry.  

I offer both in-person and online hypnotherapy sessions, providing flexibility and choice to suit your individual needs.

In-person sessions offer the opportunity to meet in a calm, supportive environment where you can fully disconnect from daily distractions and experience a personalised therapeutic space. Being physically present can help some clients feel more connected, comfortable, and supported throughout their journey.

Online sessions provide the convenience of accessing hypnotherapy from the comfort and privacy of your own space. They are a flexible option for those with busy schedules, limited availability or who prefer the ease of receiving support without the need to travel. With a quiet and comfortable environment, online sessions can offer the same personalised guidance and therapeutic experience as meeting in person.

Whether you choose to attend in person or online, my approach remains the same: creating a safe, supportive and empowering space to help you work towards meaningful and lasting change.