Treatment Approaches

EMDR Therapy Sydney

Supporting you to process past experiences so they may begin to lose their hold.

A Way Forward From Distressing or Traumatic Life Experiences.

Do negative thoughts, experiences, and memories weigh on your daily life? As a psychologist in Sydney, PsychWell Consultants uses evidence-based techniques, such as EMDR therapy, that are designed to help you work through difficult experiences.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people reprocess emotional distress and symptoms caused by disturbing or traumatic life experiences.

Using bilateral stimulation, often through repetitive eye movements, EMDR can support people with traumatic memories and thoughts, potentially easing their negative impact and helping them move forward in daily life.

Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?

Originally, EMDR therapy was developed to help address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over the years, research has found that it may also help support a range of psychological concerns, such as:

Are past experiences still causing emotional distress today?

Find compassionate EMDR therapy in Sydney with PsychWell Consultants.

How Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy Works

EMDR therapy follows eight phases, tailored to your needs and readiness. Some phases may take several sessions, while others may occur within the same session. Your therapist may revisit phases as treatment progresses.

1. History Taking and Treatment Planning

Your therapist explores your concerns, relevant experiences and treatment goals. Together, you develop a personalised plan and identify memories or experiences that may be contributing to your current difficulties.

2. Preparation and Education

Your therapist explains the process, answers your questions and helps you develop strategies for managing distress during and between sessions. You also agree on how to pause processing whenever needed.

3. Assessment

Together, you select a particular memory to work on and identify its associated image, negative belief, emotions and body sensations. You also identify a positive belief you would prefer to hold about yourself.

4. Desensitisation and Reprocessing

With your therapist’s guidance, you briefly focus on aspects of the memory while using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or alternating taps. You notice what arises as processing continues, with the aim of reducing the memory’s distress.

5. Installation

Installation focuses on your new positive belief while you process your past experiences and negative emotions.

As distress reduces, your therapist helps strengthen the positive belief associated with the memory, so it feels more believable.

6. Body Scan

During this phase, you will carefully assess how your body feels, you bring the memory and positive belief to mind and notice any remaining tension or discomfort in your body. Your therapist helps you process any unresolved sensations.

7. Closure and Stabilisation

Closure and stabilisation focus on helping you find calm and comfort after a session. Each session ends with support to feel grounded, whether or not processing is complete. Your therapist explains what you might notice afterwards and how to manage distress between appointments.

8. Reevaluation

At the next session, you review changes, check whether improvements have lasted and decide what needs further attention. This guides the next steps in treatment.

Answering Your EMDR Therapy Questions

Is EMDR an evidence-based treatment?

EMDR is recognised as an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder by leading bodies, including the World Health Organization, and it is supported internationally through the EMDR International Association.

How is EMDR different from traditional talk therapy?

Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses largely on discussing thoughts and experiences in depth, EMDR aims to help you reprocess difficult memories with less need to describe them in detail. It also helps to change the relationship you have with your emotional distress and symptoms caused by disturbing or traumatic life experiences.

During a processing session, you may notice shifts in thoughts, emotions, and body sensations as your brain works through past experiences. For some people, EMDR complements talk therapy and other psychotherapies rather than replacing them.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

This varies from person to person. Some people notice change in fewer sessions, while complex trauma or childhood trauma may benefit from a longer course of therapy.

Your therapist will discuss a personalised plan with you and review your progress along the way, so you know what to expect.

What if I get upset or overwhelmed during an EMDR session?

This is a common worry, and your comfort comes first. Before any deeper processing begins, your therapist teaches you techniques that may help you feel calm and steady.

Sessions are paced to you, and you can pause at any time. You’re never pushed further than feels manageable.

Can I claim a Medicare rebate for EMDR therapy?

Eligible clients with a Mental Health Care Plan and a referral from their GP may be able to access Medicare rebates for sessions.

Medicare eligibility depends on your individual circumstances, so our team can explain the options when you enquire about Sydney EMDR therapy with PsychWell.

The PsychWell Consultants Difference

Experienced EMDR Therapists

Our team includes fully credentialed therapists, from AHPRA-registered practitioners to APS members, with years of experience delivering evidence-based techniques like EMDR.

Tailored Treatment Plans

Every treatment, including EMDR therapy, is personalised to suit your unique needs, experiences, and goals, so your therapy reflects what matters most to you.

A Warm Space

Our clinic offers a comfortable, welcoming space where you may share your thoughts and feelings openly with someone who understands.

Find Personalised EMDR Therapy in Sydney

If you're struggling with past experiences, negative beliefs, and difficult memories, we're here to help.

Our team offers compassionate, understanding support in a sensory-friendly, welcoming environment, aiming to help you move forward at your own pace.