EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people process traumatic memories and distressing life experiences. It works by using bilateral stimulation, most commonly guided eye movements, while the person briefly focuses on the traumatic memory. This process appears to help the brain reprocess the memory so that it is stored in a way that no longer triggers intense emotional or physical reactions. EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organisation, the American Psychological Association, and the Australian Psychological Society as an effective treatment for PTSD, and research increasingly supports its use for anxiety, phobias, grief, and other conditions.
How EMDR Works (In Plain Language)
When something traumatic happens, the brain sometimes fails to process the experience in the normal way. Ordinarily our brains store daily experiences as regular memories we can recall without being overwhelmed. But traumatic experiences can get stuck — the sights, sounds, emotions and body sensations remain vivid and easily triggered, as though the event is happening right now. EMDR appears to help by activating the brain’s natural information processing system: you briefly focus on a distressing memory while following the therapist’s fingers back and forth. This dual-attention task reduces the emotional intensity of the memory and allows the brain to reprocess it. The most supported theory is that EMDR engages a process similar to REM sleep, giving the stuck memory another opportunity to be processed and filed away properly.
What Happens in an EMDR Session
EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol: (1) History taking and treatment planning; (2) Preparation — learning grounding and emotional-regulation skills before any processing; (3) Assessment — identifying the target memory, the negative belief, the preferred positive belief, and the distress level; (4) Desensitisation — the core processing phase using sets of bilateral stimulation until distress drops; (5) Installation — strengthening the positive belief; (6) Body scan — clearing residual physical tension; (7) Closure — returning to a stable state each session; and (8) Re-evaluation — checking how processed memories are sitting at the next session.
What EMDR Treats
- PTSD: single-event trauma and complex trauma
- Anxiety disorders: generalised anxiety, panic, social anxiety, phobias
- Grief and loss, particularly complicated grief with traumatic circumstances
- Childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences
- Performance anxiety and phobias linked to a specific triggering event
- Depression rooted in unprocessed past experiences
EMDR for Children and Adolescents
EMDR is well-suited to children and teenagers. Children do not always have the verbal skills to talk through experiences the way traditional talk therapy requires; EMDR’s focus on the memory, the emotion and the body means children can process traumatic experiences without narrating every detail. For younger children the protocol is adapted with tapping or a light bar, and art, drawing and storytelling can be incorporated. We have used EMDR with children as young as 4 and have seen remarkable results, particularly with children who have experienced medical trauma, car accidents, bullying, family violence, or the sudden loss of a parent.
How Many EMDR Sessions Will I Need?
- Single-event trauma in adults: often 3 to 6 processing sessions plus preparation and closure
- Complex or childhood trauma: typically 12 to 20 sessions or more
- Children: often respond faster, sometimes only 2 to 4 sessions for single-event trauma
Sessions are typically 60 to 90 minutes, with weekly sessions recommended during active processing.
Where to Access EMDR Therapy in Sydney
Anna Cohen and Co offers EMDR therapy at the Balmain location:
- Inner West: 397 Darling Street, Balmain NSW 2041
Medicare rebates apply with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan (up to 10 sessions per year with a clinical psychologist at $145.25 per session).
Book a consultation: Call 02 9555 1168 or visit annacohenandco.com.au/contact
About the Author
Dr Anna Cohen is a Senior Clinical Psychologist (AHPRA PSY1176554, Doc.Clin.Psych) with over 30 years of experience. She is the founder of Anna Cohen and Co and co-founder of Kids and Co Clinical Psychology, offering trauma therapy, EMDR, and child and family psychology across three Sydney locations.
