EMDR Therapy
Adaptive Information Processing
EMDR
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.
EMDR therapy is designed to support individuals in processing distressing or overwhelming experiences that continue to impact their emotional wellbeing, relationships, or daily functioning. It provides a structured approach to working with memories, beliefs, emotions, and body responses that are traumatic, or that may feel “stuck” or unresolved.
EMDR does not involve sharing or reliving experiences in detail, nor does it rely solely on talking through events. Instead, it supports the brain’s natural capacity to process experiences in a way that reduces emotional intensity and allows for greater integration and meaning-making. This process is activated through Bilateral Stimulation (BLS). Read more below.
Topics of concern may include:
Single-incident trauma (such as accidents, medical trauma, assaults, or sudden loss)
Complex or developmental trauma
PTSD and trauma-related symptoms
Distressing or intrusive memories
Childhood experiences that continue to impact adult functioning
Past events and experiences that continue to negatively affect functioning in the present
Sexual assualt and abuse
Addictive behaviour
Negative beliefs about self
Important note:
EMDR is not always appropriate as a first-line intervention. Some individuals benefit from significant stabilisation work before engaging in trauma processing. EMDR is also not a crisis intervention. Where there is active domestic violence, unmanaged addiction, psychosis, severe dissosociation and significant dissociative disorders, or current high-risk presentation, alternative supports may be required and a referral will be made.
EMDR sessions may explore:
Distressing memories or experiences (at a pace that feels manageable)
Associated beliefs about self, others, or the world
Emotional and physiological responses held in the body
Present-day triggers linked to past experiences
Internal resources and grounding strategies
Adaptive beliefs and new ways of relating to experiences
Future goals
In this video I explain what EMDR is and how it works.
What is Bilateral Stimulation and How Does it Work?
Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) is a core part of EMDR therapy. It refers to gentle, alternating stimulation of the left and right sides of the body or senses. This can include guided eye movements, alternating tapping, or other rhythmic back-and-forth forms of stimulation.
BLS is used while focusing on a memory, thought, or body sensation. Its role is to support the brain’s natural ability to process experiences in a way that feels more integrated and less emotionally distressing over time.
How does BLS work?
When we experience overwhelming or traumatic events, the brain may not fully process the experience at the time. As a result, memories can remain “stuck,” continuing to trigger strong emotional or physical reactions in the present.
BLS activates both sides of the brain while attention moves between the past experience and the present moment. This appears to support the brain in re-processing the memory so it becomes less intense and less disruptive, while still being remembered.
You do not need to analyse, verbally explain, or relive the event in detail. The focus is on noticing whatever arises: thoughts, emotions, or sensations, while the brain does the processing work.
What does BLS feel like?
People experience BLS differently. Some notice shifts in emotions or physical sensations, others notice changes in thoughts or images. There is no “right” experience. Processing may feel subtle or more noticeable at times, and this can vary from session to session.
Importantly, you remain fully present and in control throughout. We regularly pause to check in, and the pace is always adjusted to what feels manageable for you.
BLS is not hypnosis and does not involve loss of control. You can stop, slow down, or change the approach at any point. If something feels too much, we return to grounding and stabilisation.
BLS is only introduced when you have the skills and supports needed to engage safely, and it may not be used in every session.
Online EMDR
$160/Session (50 mins)
Session Structure:
Individual sessions and their structure are highly influenced by the presenting needs of the individual. However, EMDR is a structured therapy which follows 8 clear phases. These phases help ensure therapy is paced, safe, and responsive to your individual needs. Not every phase looks the same for every person, and EMDR does not mean moving through these stages quickly or rigidly.
Before session 1:
You will receive some forms and assessments to complete. This allows me to have an understanding of your mental health and wellbeing history, as well as your suitability and readiness for EMDR. Sometimes a modified version of EMDR (such as contained or restricted EMDR) may be more appropriate in your circumstance.
Setting up EMDR
Phase 1: History-taking and assessment
We begin by exploring your history, current concerns, and goals for therapy. This includes understanding past experiences, present triggers, strengths, and supports. Together, we assess whether EMDR is appropriate at this time and what pace would feel manageable.
This can take approx 1-3 sessions.
Phase 2: Preparation
Before any trauma processing begins, we focus on building calm and stability. This phase includes learning grounding strategies, strengthening internal skills, and developing a shared understanding of how EMDR works. Preparation may take several sessions and is an essential part of the process.
Stabilisation may be a significant part of the preparation phase, especially if you are experienced heightened emotional distress or currently challenging life circumstances.
This phase may range from one session for some, and months for others.
Processing Memories with EMDR
These following phases can all occur in one session, but may vary depending on the natural timing required to process a memory.
Phase 3: Assessment (Identifying target memories)
When you are ready, we collaboratively identify specific memories, experiences, or themes to work with. These are chosen carefully and may relate to past events, present triggers, or future situations you want to feel more equipped to handle.
Phase 4: Desensitisation
This phase involves focusing on the selected memory and gently processing while using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or alternating tapping). You are not required to recount details aloud. The focus is on noticing whatever arises: thoughts, emotions, sensations, while the distress associated with the memory gradually reduces.
Phase 5: Installation
As distress decreases, we work to strengthen more adaptive beliefs about yourself or the experience. This supports the integration of new perspectives that feel more aligned with how you want to relate to yourself and your history.
Phase 6: Body scan
We check in with the body to notice any remaining tension or discomfort linked to the memory. If needed, this is processed further to support a sense of completion and ease.
Phase 7: Closure
Each session ends with grounding and stabilisation. You leave the session feeling settled, oriented, and supported, even if processing continues over multiple sessions.
Phase 8: Re-evaluation
At the start of subsequent sessions, we review how things have felt since the previous session. This helps guide next steps, whether that involves further processing, integration work, or returning to resourcing and support.
What to Expect from EMDR?
In this video I explain what to expect from EMDR therapy, including the 8 phases of EMDR.
My approach to EMDR
My approach to EMDR is trauma-informed, collaborative, and paced with care. I prioritise emotional safety, consent, and choice at every stage. EMDR is offered as one therapeutic tool within a broader counselling framework, and may be integrated with approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused ACT, and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT).
I am completing accredited basic and advanced EMDR training and engage in ongoing case consultation to support ethical and effective practice. Referrals are made where additional or specialised support is required.