EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. It is an effective treatment for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Here is a great little video created and owned by EMDRAA, the Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Association of Australia, that explains beautifully what EMDR is and how it works.

Please visit their website for more information on emdraa.org

How does EMDR work?

Through EMDR, individuals can safely reprocess traumatic information until it is no longer psychologically disruptive to their lives. There are 8 phases of treatment and in the Rapid Eye Movement phase, the individual focuses on a disruptive memory and identifies the belief they hold about themselves. If it is connected to this negative memory. For example, in dealing with abuse, the person may believe, “I’m not good enough” or “I am weak”. The individual then works on identifying a positive belief that they would like to have, for example, “I am worthwhile” or “I am strong”. All sensations and emotions that go along with the memory are identified. The individual then reviews the memory while focusing on an external stimulus, Bilateral Eye Movement. Typically, this is done by watching the therapist move two fingers left to right repeatedly for repeated sets. After each set of bilateral movements, the individual is asked what they notice. This process continues until the memory is no longer disturbing to the individual. The individual is processing the trauma. The selected positive belief is then installed, via bilateral movement, to replace the negative belief.

Sessions typically last for an hour. During EMDR, individuals process the distressing thoughts and emotions, blending them with new positive thoughts and emotions; embodied awareness allows frozen sensations in the body to resolve through healing movements.

Phases:

Phase 1: History and treatment planning

• Your therapist will first review your history and decide where you are in the treatment process. This evaluation phase also includes talking about your trauma and identifying potential traumatic memories to treat specifically.

Phase 2: Preparation

• Your therapist will then help you learn several different ways to cope with the emotional or psychological stress you are experiencing.
• Stress management techniques such as deep breathing and mindfulness may be used.

Phase 3: Assessment

• During the third phase of EMDR treatment, your therapist will identify the specific memories that will be targeted and all the associated components (such as the physical sensations that are stimulated when you concentrate on an event) for each target memory.

Phases 4-7: Treatment

• Your therapist will then begin using EMDR therapy techniques to treat your targeted memories. During these sessions, you will be asked to focus on a negative thought, memory, or image.
• Your therapist will simultaneously have you do specific eye movements. The bilateral stimulation may also include taps or other movements mixed in, depending on your case.
• After the bilateral stimulation, your therapist will ask you to notice the thoughts and feelings you are spontaneously having. After you identify these thoughts, your therapist may have you refocus on the memory and continue a further set of bilateral stimulation.
• If you become distressed, your therapist will help bring you back to the present before moving on to another traumatic memory. Over time, the distress over thoughts, images, or memories should start to fade.

Phase 8: Evaluation

• In the final phase, you will be asked to evaluate your progress after these sessions. Your therapist will do the same.

Attachment Informed EMDR

Attachment-informed EMDR is a specialised and advanced approach to EMDR therapy that recognises the profound impact early relationships and attachment experiences can have on emotional wellbeing, identity, and nervous system regulation.
This approach integrates traditional EMDR with an understanding of developmental and relational trauma. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who have experienced childhood trauma, neglect, inconsistent caregiving, family violence, or ongoing relational wounds that continue to affect their sense of safety, connection, and self-worth.
Attachment-informed EMDR focuses not only on processing traumatic memories, but also on building internal safety, emotional regulation, and secure attachment experiences within therapy. Treatment is carefully paced and tailored to the individual, ensuring clients feel supported and emotionally resourced throughout the process.

Therapy may help individuals to:

• Complex PTSD or long-standing trauma experiences
• Childhood trauma or neglect
• Low self-worth or shame
• Feel safer and more emotionally regulated
• Reduce shame, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm
• Develop healthier coping patterns and boundaries

By combining trauma processing with attachment-focused healing, this approach supports deeper and more sustainable emotional recovery.

Relational Integrated EMDR

Relationally Integrated EMDR is an attachment-focused and relational approach to EMDR therapy that recognises healing occurs not only through processing traumatic memories, but also through safe, attuned therapeutic connection.
This approach integrates EMDR with relational and attachment-based therapy principles, placing importance on the therapeutic relationship as part of the healing process. It is particularly beneficial for individuals impacted by complex trauma, childhood neglect, family violence, attachment wounds, or long-standing relational difficulties.
Relationally Integrated EMDR also incorporates aspects of parts work, recognising that different “parts” of a person may hold emotions, protective responses, memories, or unmet needs shaped by past experiences. Therapy works closely with all parts of a person — including protective, wounded, vulnerable, or disconnected parts — with compassion, curiosity, and respect. Rather than trying to remove or fight against these parts, the approach aims to understand their role, reduce internal conflict, and support greater emotional integration and safety.

The approach focuses on:

• Creating emotional safety and therapeutic trust
• Supporting nervous system regulation
• Processing trauma within a paced and attuned framework
• Understanding attachment and relational patterns
• Working closely with all parts of self
• Strengthening self-awareness, self-compassion, and emotional integration
• Developing healthier ways of relating to self and others

By combining EMDR, attachment theory, relational therapy, and parts work, this approach supports deeper healing and integration, helping individuals feel more connected, regulated, and secure within themselves and in relationships.

What kind of problems can EMDR treat?

Scientific research has established EMDR as effective for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinicians have also successfully used EMDR as a treatment component in the management of:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Personality disorders
• Complicated grief
• Dissociative disorders
• Pain disorders
• Body dysmorphic disorders
• Eating disorders
• Sexual or Physical abuse
• Performance anxiety
• Stress reduction
• Disturbing memories
• Phobia

How long does EMDR treatment take?

One or more sessions are required for the therapist to understand the nature of the problem and to decide whether EMDR is an appropriate treatment. The therapist will also discuss EMDR with you more fully and give you an opportunity to ask questions. The typical EMDR session lasts from 60-90 minutes. The type of problem, life circumstances and the amount of previous trauma will determine how many treatment sessions are necessary. In cases of relational trauma such as childhood traumas (sexual assault, abuse or neglect), it may take some time before the reprocessing is appropriate, other therapies may be used in conjunction with EMDR. Some traumatic memories are completed in 3 – 4 sessions.

Possible side effects

As with any form of psychotherapy, there may be a temporary increase in distress.

1. Distressing and unresolved memories may emerge
2. Some clients may experience reactions during a treatment session that neither they nor the administering clinician may have anticipated, including a high level of emotion or physical sensations
3. You will be asked to keep a record of any emerging memories, distress, changes you experience between sessions that may inform further treatments and healing.

Websites: emdraa.org