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EMDR Therapy Sydney

Some memories do not fade the way others do. Long after a frightening or distressing event, a sound, a place or a passing thought can bring it rushing back — along with the fear, tension or numbness that came with it. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy developed to help people process experiences like these. Thinkahead is a Sydney psychology practice with clinics in Frenchs Forest and Meadowbank, and we can talk through what suits your situation when you get in touch.

To be clear, EMDR is not hypnosis, and it does not erase memories. The aim is for a memory to feel less vivid and less overwhelming, so it takes up less room in everyday life.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a structured therapy designed to help people work through distressing memories that remain "stuck". During processing, you briefly bring a memory to mind while following a form of bilateral stimulation — most often guided side-to-side eye movements, though alternating taps or tones may also be used. Put simply, this appears to help the brain file the memory away so it carries less emotional charge.

Unlike some talk therapies, EMDR does not require you to describe a traumatic event in detail or go over it again and again. Research into exactly how it works is still developing, and outcomes can vary depending on the individual and the experiences involved.

EMDR is one of several approaches used in trauma care, alongside others such as trauma-focused CBT and stabilisation and grounding work. Our trauma counselling page explains more.

Who EMDR May Help

EMDR is most closely associated with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may be worth discussing if you are living with:

Flashbacks, nightmares or unwanted memories that intrude on your day
Feeling constantly on edge, or avoiding people and places connected to what happened
Distress following an accident, assault, medical trauma or sudden injury
The lasting effects of childhood abuse, neglect or complex trauma
Trauma linked to work, including first-responder roles

EMDR is not the right fit for everyone, or for every stage of recovery — whether it suits you is something to decide with a psychologist after a careful initial assessment, and you stay in control throughout.

The EMDR Process

EMDR is delivered in phases, and your psychologist will explain each one before it begins.

Assessment and history. Your psychologist learns about your current difficulties, background and goals, and you consider together whether EMDR is suitable — without needing to go into the details of the trauma.

Preparation and stabilisation. Before any memory work, you build grounding and emotional regulation strategies so you have reliable ways to settle distress, both in session and at home. This stage is never rushed.

Processing. Focusing on one memory at a time, you notice the images, beliefs and body sensations linked to it while completing short sets of bilateral stimulation, with regular pauses to check in.

Strengthening and closing. A more helpful belief about yourself is reinforced, any lingering tension in the body is attended to, and each session ends with you settled enough to leave.

Review. Later sessions start by reviewing what has shifted and agreeing on the next focus.

EMDR is not the only option, and other approaches can be discussed when you get in touch.

Getting Started

No referral is needed to book an appointment, though a GP referral under a Mental Health Care Plan may make you eligible for Medicare rebates, and private health insurance may cover part of the fee.

Our team can talk through fees and funding with you — and you do not need to share details of what happened when you first call. Read more on fees and rebates and making a referral.

If you are in crisis or need urgent support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No. One of the reasons some people choose EMDR is that it does not depend on a detailed spoken account of what happened. You share only what you feel comfortable sharing, and the early sessions focus on understanding you and building safety rather than revisiting the event.

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

It varies. A single distressing memory may need relatively few processing sessions, while complex or long-standing trauma usually calls for a longer course, with more time spent on preparation. Your psychologist will review progress with you as you go.

What does EMDR feel like, and is it safe?

During processing, distress can rise for a short time before it eases, and some people notice vivid dreams or stirred-up emotions between sessions. Your psychologist monitors how you are going throughout, you can pause at any point, and you will leave with strategies and resources to manage difficult feelings until your next appointment.

Is EMDR the same as trauma counselling?

Not quite. EMDR is one method that may be used within trauma counselling, alongside others such as trauma-focused CBT. Not everyone who has trauma counselling will have EMDR — the approach is chosen to suit the person.

Will EMDR erase my memories?

No. EMDR is not hypnosis, and it does not erase memories. The aim is for a distressing memory to feel less vivid and less overwhelming, so it takes up less room in everyday life — though outcomes can vary depending on the individual and the experiences involved.