EMDR Therapy Adelaide
EMDR Therapy
Evidence-based trauma therapy designed to help distressing memories lose their emotional hold.
Adelaide’s Bespoke Psychology Clinic
Do You Suffer From Trauma, PTSD or Distressing Memories?
Trauma can occur when a deeply distressing or overwhelming experience exceeds a person’s ability to cope. This may include childhood trauma, abuse, accidents, medical events, violence, military service, or natural disasters.
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Symptoms of Trauma
When trauma is not fully processed, memories can remain “stuck” in the brain’s processing system. As a result, people may continue to experience ongoing symptoms such as:
- Anxiety or persistent worry
- Sleep difficulties or nightmares
- Depression or emotional numbness
- Intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Feeling constantly on edge or unsafe
These symptoms can significantly affect daily life, relationships, and wellbeing. With the right support, however, it is possible to process these experiences and reduce their impact.
EMDR therapy is one evidence-based approach that psychologists use to help people safely process traumatic memories and move forward
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What is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy used to treat trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
EMDR is based on the understanding that the brain has a natural ability to process and heal from difficult experiences. However, traumatic events can sometimes disrupt this process, causing memories to remain stored in a distressing and unprocessed form.
During EMDR therapy, a psychologist guides you to briefly focus on a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues.
Research suggests this process may help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming. Over time, the memory may remain, but the distress, fear, or physical reactions associated with it often reduce significantly.
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What is the ADHD Assessment Process?
A comprehensive adult ADHD assessment involves several components to develop a detailed picture of your cognitive functioning, behavioural patterns, and life history. This includes:
PTSD
EMDR may lessen symptoms by altering the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, allowing people to engage with them more adaptively.
Severe Trauma
EMDR may help veterans, people who worked in defence, and survivors of severe trauma (such as natural disasters or violent crimes) process the overwhelming and life-altering experiences they’ve faced.
Depression & Anxiety
EMDR may help people process and integrate traumatic or distressing life experiences that underlie their anxiety or depression symptoms.
Phobias
Certain phobias can develop after frightening experiences. EMDR may assist in reducing the emotional response linked to these memories.
Chronic Pain
For some individuals, chronic pain is associated with past trauma or emotional stress. EMDR may help address the psychological aspects of pain.
Other Conditions
EMDR therapy may also be used for those suffering from dissociative disorders, eating disorders, anger issues, and other mental health concerns.
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Ready to Begin Processing Difficult Memories?
You don’t have to carry the weight of painful experiences alone.
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What Does an EMDR Session Look Like?
EMDR therapy follows a structured, evidence-based treatment process. Sessions typically focus on identifying and processing specific memories that continue to cause distress.
During a session, your psychologist will guide you through a series of eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while you briefly focus on aspects of the memory.
Over time, many people notice that the emotional intensity, physical sensations, or distress associated with the memory begins to shift. The memory becomes integrated into normal memory networks rather than remaining “stuck” in a distressing form.
Have a Question?
Will I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. EMDR therapy does not require you to describe every detail of a traumatic experience. Instead, you focus briefly on elements of the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, which supports the brain’s natural processing.
How long does EMDR take?
Sessions typically run for about 60 to 90 minutes. The number of sessions varies depending on factors such as the nature of the trauma, how long symptoms have been present, and your therapy goals.
I’ve tried other therapies. Why should I try EMDR?
Some people find that traditional ‘talk therapies’ help them understand their experiences but don’t fully shift the emotional or physical reactions linked to trauma.
EMDR works differently by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming in the present. For many people, this leads to changes in how they feel and respond to memories, which is why EMDR may be beneficial when other approaches haven’t been helpful.
How quickly will I notice benefits from EMDR?
Everyone’s experience is different. Some people notice changes in how distressing memories feel within a few sessions, while others experience more gradual improvements over time. The pace depends on various factors, such as the nature of the experiences you want to process, how long you’ve had symptoms, and how ready you are for the experience.
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Why Choose Us?
Carefully Matched Psychologists
We take care to match you with a psychologist whose experience and approach align with your needs.
Compassionate, Client-Centred Care
We are committed to offering a warm and supportive environment where you can safely work through your trauma at a pace that works for you.
Trauma-Informed Psychologists
Our team is experienced in both PTSD and trauma, offering evidence-based treatments that may help you move forward.
See One of Our Adelaide EMDR Therapists Today
If past experiences are continuing to affect how you feel, think, or move through the world, you don’t have to face that alone. Our trauma-informed psychologists provide EMDR treatment in a safe, supportive environment, helping you to process difficult memories at a pace that feels right for you.
Book your appointment online today to take a gentle first step towards healing.