EMDR Therapy

What Is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a unique, evidence-based treatment originally developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro over 30 years ago. It views emotional, psychological, and behavioural issues as symptoms of unprocessed memories. By safely identifying and processing these memories, EMDR aims to resolve the underlying disturbances.

How EMDR Therapy Works

Unlike traditional talk therapies, EMDR does not require in-depth verbal recounting of traumatic events. It uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements—to mimic REM sleep and facilitate memory reprocessing. After identifying specific memory components, the therapist instructs the client to recall them while performing rapid left-to-right eye movements. This process is repeated until the emotional disturbance diminishes.

Why It’s Effective

Though counterintuitive, EMDR Therapy is supported by over three decades of research. It’s especially effective for trauma but also beneficial for a range of emotional and psychological conditions. EMDR helps resolve painful memories that generate negative self-beliefs and emotional dysregulation.

EMDR Therapy Quick Facts

• Recognized by the World Health Organisation in 2013 as a first-choice trauma treatment.
• Classified as a Level I evidence-based intervention by the Australian Psychological Society in 2018.
• Endorsed in 2020 by Australia’s Medicare system under the Better Access Scheme.
• Proven safe and effective in online delivery across multiple peer-reviewed studies.

Learn More

• For a detailed breakdown of how EMDR Therapy heals trauma—along with its supporting research and clinical methodology—read the in-depth article: Healing Trauma with EMDR Therapy
• To learn more about Trauma—its symptoms, causes, and how trauma therapies like EMDR can help, see this overview.