What is EMDR?

EMDR therapy targets unprocessed memories that are often at the root of emotional and psychological difficulties. By recalling the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, the brain reduces its emotional intensity, helping individuals gain perspective and feel relief. This process mimics natural memory processing that occurs during REM sleep. The therapy's structured phases ensure safety, exploration, and integration throughout treatment.

EMDR is an integrative therapy, meaning it combines elements of various therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based strategies. This allows EMDR to be highly flexible, addressing a wide range of issues and adapting to different therapeutic needs. The goal of EMDR is to help individuals process unprocessed memories and emotional experiences, integrating them in a way that reduces distress and promotes healing. By working with both the mind and body, EMDR facilitates not only emotional regulation but also physical relaxation, helping to promote overall well-being.

One of the strengths of EMDR is that it is transdiagnostic, meaning it is effective across various mental health conditions and is not limited to treating one specific diagnosis, e.g., PTSD. This quality makes EMDR a versatile tool in treating a broad spectrum of psychological issues, from trauma to anxiety, depression, OCD, and beyond. The transdiagnostic nature of EMDR means it focuses on the underlying emotional and cognitive processes—such as how we store and process memories—rather than focusing solely on a specific diagnosis. This allows for a more individualised and holistic approach to therapy, which can be particularly beneficial when addressing complex, overlapping, or co-occurring conditions.

This transdiagnostic aspect helps EMDR be useful for people who may not have a clear-cut diagnosis or may be experiencing a mix of challenges that don’t fall neatly into traditional diagnostic categories. It offers flexibility and adaptability, focusing on the emotional experiences at the heart of an individual’s struggles, rather than the labels of specific mental health conditions.

EMDR has proven effective for adults, adolescents, and children. While best known for treating PTSD, it also addresses difficulties stemming from adverse experiences such as abuse, accidents, or grief, and supports individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.

The length of EMDR therapy depends on individual needs, the complexity of presenting concerns, and personal therapy goals. Some clients experience noticeable progress in a shorter timeframe when focusing on specific events or challenges, while others may require a more extended process to address multiple interconnected experiences. The therapy typically progresses through phases, including preparation, processing, and integration, ensuring safety and stability at every step.

EMDR is designed to be flexible, adapting to the client's unique pace and circumstances. This approach ensures that both immediate distress and broader patterns contributing to current difficulties are addressed, supporting meaningful and lasting change

Yes, EMDR can be conducted via telehealth platforms, using digital adaptations of bilateral stimulation. Research supports its effectiveness in both in-person and virtual formats. Importantly, Lavender Psychology does provide online therapy services. This allows us to support individuals who prefer remote sessions due to convenience, distance, or other personal reasons. Online sessions are conducted in a secure and confidential environment, ensuring the same level of care and professionalism as in-person sessions.

EMDR therapy is widely considered safe and effective, but it can involve some risks and side effects, especially as individuals process challenging memories. Here are some key points about the potential risks of EMDR:

1. Emotional Discomfort: Clients may experience intense emotions or physical sensations, such as muscle tension or tearfulness, during or after sessions. This can include vivid dreams or increased emotional sensitivity as memories are processed. While these responses are often temporary, they are an integral part of the therapeutic process and help move toward resolution.
2. Surfacing of Memories: EMDR can sometimes uncover previously repressed or forgotten memories, which may be distressing. Processing these effectively with a trained therapist is essential.
3. Fatigue or Headaches: Physical sensations like fatigue or headaches may occur after sessions due to the emotional and mental effort involved.
4. Risk of Overwhelm: If traumatic memories are processed too early or quickly, clients might feel overwhelmed. This highlights the importance of a structured approach where readiness is carefully assessed.
5. Specific Considerations for Dissociation: For clients with dissociative disorders, EMDR may carry additional risks if not approached cautiously, as it can exacerbate symptoms or destabilise the individual if boundaries are pushed too soon.

To mitigate these risks, working with a trained and experienced EMDR therapist is critical. Open communication throughout therapy ensures that any emerging challenges are addressed appropriately

No, EMDR is not hypnosis. It is a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help process and reframe distressing memories while you remain fully conscious and in control.

Yes, EMDR is transdiagnostic and can help with anxiety, depression, OCD, phobias, grief, chronic pain, and other concerns. It focuses on resolving past experiences that influence current patterns and supporting future resilience.

EMDR does not require detailed memory recall. You can work with emotions, physical sensations, or a general sense of distress, allowing the therapy to adapt to your unique experience.

No, EMDR does not require sharing detailed accounts of trauma. The focus is on internal processing, not verbal recounting.

No, EMDR does not implant memories. It works with existing memories and emotional experiences. It is facilitated in a way that respects the client’s autonomy and avoids suggestion.

After a session, clients may feel tired or reflective. Some experience vivid dreams or emotional shifts. These are normal parts of processing and usually settle with time. Open communication with your therapist helps navigate this.

For more information about EMDR, feel free to contact us directly, or visit the official EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) website at EMDRAA. We’re here to support you on your journey and can provide further resources and details tailored to your needs.