EMDR Therapy

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is an evidence-based psychological treatment originally developed by Dr Francine Shapiro over 30 years ago. It views emotional, psychological, and behavioural difficulties as linked to unprocessed memories. By identifying and processing these memories, EMDR aims to reduce the associated distress.

How EMDR Therapy Works

Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of traumatic events. It uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—to support memory reprocessing. This process is thought to engage natural information processing systems similar to those active during REM sleep.

After identifying specific memory components, the therapist guides the client through brief sets of eye movements while recalling aspects of the memory. This is repeated until the emotional intensity associated with the memory reduces.

Why It’s Effective

EMDR Therapy is supported by over three decades of research and is widely recognised as an effective treatment for trauma. It can also be helpful for a range of emotional and psychological difficulties linked to distressing life experiences.

It works by reducing the emotional charge of traumatic memories and supporting more adaptive beliefs and responses.

Clinical Regognition

• Recognised by the World Health Organisation (2013) as a first-line trauma treatment
• Classified as a Level I evidence-based intervention by the Australian Psychological Society (2018)
• Endorsed under Australia’s Medicare Better Access framework
• Supported by extensive peer-reviewed evidence for effective online delivery

Learn More

• For a detailed breakdown of EMDR Therapy and its supporting research, see: Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy
• For an overview of trauma symptoms and treatment pathways, see the trauma information page.