Understanding EMDR
EMDR Therapy: What to Expect and Why It Works
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy designed to help people process distressing or traumatic memories so they no longer feel as overwhelming in the present.
Since its development in the late 1980s, EMDR has been extensively researched. Today, it is recognised as an effective treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by the World Health Organisation (2013), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE, 2018), and the American Psychological Association (APA, 2025). Beyond PTSD, EMDR is also showing benefit for conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even in older adults with complex life histories.
How EMDR Works
EMDR is based on the idea that our brains can get “stuck” when processing overwhelming experiences. Instead of integrating these memories into our life story, they remain raw -linked to the same distressing emotions, thoughts, and body sensations as when the event first happened.
Through EMDR, the therapist helps you recall difficult memories in a safe, structured way while guiding your attention with bilateral stimulation (often side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds). This allows the brain to reprocess the memory, reducing its emotional charge and helping you develop healthier, more balanced beliefs about yourself.
What Happens in EMDR Sessions?
EMDR is not a single technique but an eight-phase process:
History & assessment - understanding your background, strengths, and goals.
Preparation - building trust and learning strategies to stay grounded.
Targeting memories - identifying key events and the negative beliefs, feelings, and body sensations connected to them.
Desensitisation - recalling the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation.
Installing positive beliefs - strengthening new, balanced perspectives.
Body scan - noticing and clearing any remaining tension.
Closure - ensuring you leave each session grounded and safe.
Re-evaluation - checking progress and adjusting treatment as needed.
Typical Course of Therapy
EMDR is usually offered as weekly or fortnightly sessions over about 6 weeks, though the number of sessions can vary depending on the complexity of your history and goals. Some people experience noticeable relief after just a few sessions; others may need longer to work through layers of trauma or long-standing patterns.
Importantly, EMDR is not about reliving trauma - it’s about processing it so that it no longer dominates your present life.
Evidence of Support
APA Guidelines (2025): EMDR is recommended as a treatment for PTSD, with consistent evidence of benefit.
WHO & NICE: Both recognise EMDR as a frontline treatment for trauma.
Older Adults: Research shows EMDR is safe and effective for older people, including those in aged care or with health conditions. Adaptations can be made for those with memory or sensory difficulties.
Broader mental health: Studies suggest EMDR can also help with depression, anxiety, and stress linked to adverse life experiences.
Final Reflection
EMDR offers more than symptom relief. Many clients describe feeling lighter, freer, and more in control of their lives. By processing old wounds, EMDR helps people reconnect with who they are today - beyond the trauma of yesterday.
At EmbedPsych (www.embedpsych.com.au), we provide EMDR therapy as part of our commitment to evidence-based, compassionate care. Sessions are tailored to your pace and needs, with the aim of helping you find clarity, balance, and a renewed sense of self.