EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR Therapy

Imagine your mind has a natural way of healing from intense experiences, much like your body heals a wound. Sometimes though, a deeply distressing event can overwhelm this natural process, leaving memories feeling raw, vivid, and deeply upsetting, almost like they’re “stuck” in time. These “stuck” memories can keep impacting your daily life, long after the event itself is over. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help these stuck feelings, thoughts, and memories. It’s a highly respected and evidence-based approach, backed by over 30 years of solid research, that helps your brain reprocess these challenging memories. This process can significantly reduce the distress, vividness, and emotional intensity connected to disturbing memories. Think of it as giving your brain the helping hand it needs to integrate those experiences, allowing you to heal and move forward.

What Can EMDR Therapy Help With

While renowned for its effectiveness in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR therapy is also highly effective for a wide range of psychological challenges rooted in distressing life experiences. This includes:

Trauma-Related Conditions

• PTSD from single-incident trauma (e.g., accidents, assaults)
• Complex Trauma (from ongoing abuse or neglect)
• Disturbing memories (from childhood or adult experiences)
• Complicated Grief
  
  

Anxiety & Stress Disorders

• Generalised Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Phobias (e.g., fear of flying, public speaking)
• Performance Anxiety
• Chronic Stress & Burnout
  
  

Other Applications

• Depression (especially when linked to unresolved past events)
• Dissociative Disorders
• Pain Disorders (helping to process the emotional component of pain)
• Self-Esteem Issues
  
  

What to Expect in EMDR Therapy with Bexology

Starting therapy, especially with a new approach like EMDR, often comes with questions. I believe in transparency and providing you with understanding every step of the way. EMDR therapy is a comprehensive approach, grounded in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This model suggests that when distressing or traumatic events occur, the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate these memories can get overwhelmed. As a result, these memories can become “stuck,” maintaining their original disturbing emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations, impacting your present life. EMDR therapy helps to unlock and reprocess these memories, allowing your brain to naturally move towards healing and integration. The EMDR process itself is structured yet flexible, adapting to your unique needs and pace. It typically unfolds in a clear, three-pronged approach across eight phases:

The Three Prongs of EMDR Therapy:

Past

We identify and target specific distressing memories from your past that are contributing to your current difficulties. This is where the core reprocessing work often occurs.

Present

We address current triggers and situations that evoke distress, helping you to build coping skills and reduce present-day reactivity.

Future

We focus on developing and strengthening positive beliefs and desired behaviors, preparing you to respond differently and more adaptively to future challenges.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy:

Each of these three phases (Past, Present, Future) is achieved by moving through the following eight distinct phases of EMDR therapy:

1 - History Taking

We start by discussing your history and identifying the specific memories or issues you want to work on. This helps us understand your experiences and set clear goals for therapy.

2 - Preparation

This crucial phase is all about equipping you with tools and resources. We’ll explore grounding techniques and coping strategies you can use to manage any emotional intensity during the processing phases, ensuring you feel safe and in control.

3 - Assessment

We choose a target memory, often the most distressing image, negative belief about yourself, and associated emotions and body sensations. This sets the stage for reprocessing.

4 - Desensitization

This is where the bilateral stimulation (like eye movements, taps, or sounds) comes in. While focusing on the target memory, your brain begins to process and desensitize the disturbing material. You’ll simply notice whatever comes to mind, without judgment.

5 - Installation

Once the distress related to the memory has significantly decreased, we focus on strengthening a positive belief about yourself that you’d rather hold (e.g., “I am safe now,” “I am capable”).

6 - Body Scan

Even if the memory feels less distressing, sometimes residual tension can remain in the body. We’ll do a mental scan to ensure any remaining physical sensations related to the memory are resolved.

7 - Closure

Each session ends with carefully ensuring you feel grounded and calm. We’ll use relaxation techniques and discuss strategies for between-session coping.

8 - Reevaluation

At the beginning of subsequent sessions, we’ll re-assess previously processed memories to ensure that the distress has remained low and that the positive shifts are enduring. This ensures comprehensive healing.

You’re in control throughout the entire process. We’ll always go at a pace that feels comfortable for you, ensuring a safe and effective healing journey.

Why Choose Bexology for Your Healing Journey with EMDR

Choosing a therapist is a truly personal decision, and my approach to EMDR therapy at Bexology is built on a foundation of support, understanding, and tailored care. Here’s what makes the experience with me unique:

Your Pace, Your Path

While EMDR is a powerful, structured approach, your comfort and readiness are always my top priority. Whether you prefer a faster, targeted intervention or a slower, more gradual pace, we’ll work together to ensure your healing journey unfolds exactly as you need it to. I believe in meeting you where you are.

A Holistic & Empowering Approach

My commitment goes beyond just the EMDR protocol. I believe in empowering you with a deeper understanding of your own experiences. That’s why I integrate education on:

Trauma Responses - To help you understand how your brain and body instinctively react to stress.

Attachment Theory - To explore how early relationships might shape your present patterns.

Somatic Work - To help you connect with and gently process experiences held within your body (non touching).

Regulation & Resourcing - Equipping you with practical tools and coping strategies to manage distress, not just during therapy, but in your daily life.

Less Talk, More Processing

Many people worry about having to recount painful details repeatedly. With EMDR, you do not need to describe your trauma in lengthy detail. The therapy focuses on facilitating your brain’s natural healing, making it a powerful option if extensive verbal recounting feels overwhelming.

Committed to Excellence, Right Here in Regional NSW

As a dedicated EMDR therapist, I’m a full member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and am actively working towards the next level of accreditation. This reflects my commitment to upholding the highest standards of practice. Whether you’re in regional NSW looking for in-person support, or prefer the convenience and accessibility of telehealth from anywhere in Australia, I’m here to support your journey.

Your Questions About EMDR Therapy

Here are some common questions people have when considering EMDR therapy. If you have more, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

• How long does EMDR therapy take?
  
  

The length of your healing journey with EMDR is as unique as you are. Some people may experience significant relief and positive shifts in a relatively short period, sometimes within 6 to 12 sessions, especially for single, less complex traumas. For others, particularly when addressing more complex or long-standing experiences, therapy may involve a longer-term, phased approach. We’ll always work at your pace, focusing on your individual needs and goals to determine the most beneficial path forward.

• Is EMDR therapy safe?
  
  

Yes, when conducted by a trained and experienced professional like myself, EMDR therapy is considered very safe and highly effective. Your comfort and safety are paramount throughout the entire process. While it’s normal for some temporary emotional intensity or a brief increase in awareness of distressing memories to occur as part of the brain’s healing process, we’ll always ensure you feel resourced and grounded. We’ll equip you with coping strategies and you’ll always have control to pause or stop at any point if needed.

• Do I need to talk in detail about my trauma?
  
  

This is a common and understandable concern, and it’s one of the unique benefits of EMDR therapy. While some general discussion about your experiences is helpful for me to understand your history and goals, EMDR does not require you to recount or relive your trauma in extensive detail, over and over again. The focus is less on verbal description and more on facilitating your brain’s natural processing through the bilateral stimulation, which many clients find to be a significant relief.

• Will I forget what happened to me?
  
  

No, EMDR therapy does not erase memories or make you forget what happened. Instead, it helps to transform how those memories impact you. The distressing emotional intensity, vividness, and physical sensations associated with the memory will significantly reduce, allowing it to be stored in your brain in a much healthier, more integrated way. You’ll still recall the event, but it will feel like a memory from the past, rather than a raw, painful experience continually impacting your present

Certifications

• EMDR Introductory workshop
• EMDR Advanced workshop
• EMDR Enhancing the Protocol for Children and Adolescents

Further Information & Trusted Resources

To learn more about EMDR therapy and its benefits, please visit these reputable organisations:

• EMDRAA (EMDR Association of Australia): https://emdraa.org/emdr-faq/ (Excellent for Australian-specific FAQs)
• EMDRIA (EMDR International Association): https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/ (Comprehensive global information on EMDR research and practice)"