EMDR Therapy | Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

South Melbourne Psychologists

At Boutique Psychology, we offer Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as an evidence-based approach to support individuals experiencing distress related to past traumatic experiences.

EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related difficulties.

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a structured, integrative psychological therapy designed to help the brain process distressing memories.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR involves a guided process where the individual recalls difficult experiences while engaging in bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues.

This technique helps to reduce the emotional intensity of past memories, allowing the brain to reprocess them in a more adaptive way.

Over time, EMDR can help reduce distress associated with past experiences, improve emotional regulation, and support overall psychological wellbeing.

Who Can Benefit from EMDR?

EMDR therapy has been found to be effective for a range of concerns, including:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression and mood-related difficulties
Phobias and fears
Grief and loss
Distressing memories or past experiences
Self-esteem and confidence issues

It is important to note that the suitability of EMDR is determined on an individual basis. Our trained psychologists will work with you to assess whether EMDR is the right approach for your needs.

What to Expect in an EMDR Session

EMDR therapy follows a structured process, which typically includes:

History and Assessment – Your psychologist will discuss your concerns, history, and goals for therapy to determine if EMDR is suitable.

Preparation – You will be guided through relaxation techniques to help you manage distress and feel safe throughout the process.

Processing Traumatic Memories – During EMDR sessions, you will recall a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping). This helps the brain process and integrate the memory in a less distressing way.

Reevaluation and Integration – Over time, distress associated with the memory is reduced, and new, more adaptive beliefs are reinforced.

Each person’s experience with EMDR is unique, and therapy is tailored to your individual needs

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you are experiencing distress related to past events and are looking for a structured, evidence-based approach, EMDR may be beneficial for you. At Boutique Psychology, our psychologists are trained in EMDR and provide a safe, supportive space to help you process difficult experiences at a pace that feels right for you.