EMDR Therapy
Heal from trauma with EMDR therapy
Traumatic experiences can continue to affect the way we think, feel and respond long after the event has passed. They may contribute to anxiety, depression, panic attacks, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem or a persistent sense of being “stuck”.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories so they become less overwhelming. Rather than simply managing symptoms, EMDR aims to help people process traumatic experiences in a way that reduces their emotional impact and allows healing to occur.
At San Leenstra Therapeutic Services, EMDR is offered within a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that recognises every person’s experiences and healing journey are unique.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy developed to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences.
When something overwhelming happens, our brain’s normal way of processing memories can become disrupted. Rather than being stored as an ordinary memory, the experience may remain “stuck”, continuing to trigger distress long after the danger has passed.
During EMDR therapy, guided bilateral stimulation—such as eye movements, tapping or alternating sounds—is used while working with specific memories. This helps the brain reprocess those experiences so they can be remembered without causing the same level of emotional distress.
EMDR is recognised internationally as an effective treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and is increasingly used to help people experiencing anxiety, grief, phobias and other difficulties related to distressing life experiences.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR may be helpful for people experiencing:
Trauma and PTSD
Childhood trauma
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Grief and loss
Distressing memories
Low self-worth
Relationship difficulties linked to trauma
Medical trauma
Workplace trauma
Birth trauma
Other experiences that continue to affect daily life
Not everyone who seeks EMDR has experienced a single major traumatic event. Sometimes it is a series of smaller experiences over many years that continue to influence how we feel about ourselves and the world.
What happens during EMDR therapy?
Every person’s therapy is different.
Initially, sessions focus on understanding your experiences, current concerns and goals. Developing emotional safety and coping strategies is an important part of therapy before processing difficult memories begins.
Once you feel ready, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation while gently exploring specific memories or experiences. Throughout the process you remain fully aware and in control. The aim is not to erase memories, but to reduce the emotional intensity they continue to carry.
Many people find that memories become less distressing and that they are able to respond differently to situations that previously felt overwhelming.
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR is suitable for many people, but every individual is different.
The first appointment provides an opportunity to discuss your experiences, your goals and whether EMDR is likely to be the most appropriate approach for your circumstances.
Sometimes EMDR forms one part of therapy alongside other approaches, depending on your needs and readiness.
A trauma-informed approach
Healing from trauma is not about forcing yourself to revisit painful experiences before you are ready.
San provides EMDR within a trauma-informed framework that values safety, collaboration, choice and respect. Therapy progresses at a pace that feels manageable for you, recognising that healing is rarely a linear process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk about everything that happened?
No. While discussing your experiences can be helpful, EMDR does not require you to describe every detail of a traumatic event.
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No.
You remain awake, aware and in control throughout every session.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your circumstances.
Some people experience significant improvement after relatively few sessions, while others with more complex trauma benefit from longer-term therapy.
Is EMDR evidence-based?
Yes.
EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognised internationally as an effective treatment for trauma and PTSD.
Can EMDR help with childhood trauma?
Yes.
Many people seek EMDR to address experiences from childhood that continue to affect relationships, confidence, anxiety or emotional wellbeing in adulthood.
Are you accredited with the EMDRAA (Australian Association for EMDR)?
Yes, please view my profile on the EMDRAA site.
Begin your healing journey
If trauma or distressing life experiences continue to affect your daily life, support is available.
Whether you are seeking therapy for a recent event or experiences from many years ago, the first step is simply reaching out.