EMDR Therapy – Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing
Supporting healing from trauma and distress
At Enlightened Mind, we offer EMDR therapy as one of our evidence-based approaches to support clients in processing traumatic experiences and reducing emotional distress. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps people recover from the impact of psychological trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is a trauma-informed, integrative psychotherapy approach that enables people to heal from symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. While it is best known for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR is also effective for a wide range of issues, such as:
- Anxiety and panic
- Phobias
- Grief and loss
- Low self-worth
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Childhood abuse or neglect
Unlike some forms of therapy that focus heavily on talking through problems, EMDR aims to change the way distressing memories are stored in the brain—so they no longer feel as disturbing or overwhelming.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones, while the client briefly recalls distressing memories. This process activates the brain’s natural ability to process and resolve emotional experiences. Over time, the memory becomes less emotionally charged, and healthier, more adaptive beliefs can emerge.
Understanding the AIP Model
EMDR is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that our brains have a natural system for processing life experiences and memories.
When events are not traumatic, the brain typically processes them adaptively—meaning we learn from the experience and move on without being emotionally overwhelmed.
However, when we go through trauma or intense stress, the brain’s processing system can become overwhelmed or blocked. These unprocessed memories—along with the emotions, thoughts, body sensations, and beliefs tied to them—get “frozen” in their original state. As a result, a person might:
- Re-experience the event through flashbacks or nightmares
- React emotionally or physically when reminded of the event
- Feel stuck in negative beliefs like “I’m not safe” or “I’m powerless”
The AIP model helps us understand why someone might feel as though they’re reliving the past rather than remembering it.
EMDR helps “unlock” these frozen memories and supports the brain in reprocessing them in a more adaptive way. After successful EMDR treatment, the memory still exists—but it no longer feels as upsetting, and new, healthier beliefs (like “I survived” or “I am in control now”) can take root.
The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy
- History and Treatment Planning
- Preparation and Resourcing
- Assessment of Target Memory
- Desensitisation (using bilateral stimulation)
- Installation of Positive Beliefs
- Body Scan
- Closure
- Re-evaluation
This phased approach ensures safety and stability throughout the therapeutic process, especially when working with complex trauma.
Benefits of EMDR
Clients often report feeling relief after a relatively short number of sessions. Some of the key benefits include:
- Less emotional reactivity and distress
- Reduction in trauma symptoms (e.g. flashbacks, panic attacks)
- Improved sense of control and personal safety
- Positive shifts in self-esteem and emotional well-being
- No need to re-tell the trauma story in detail
EMDR is endorsed by international bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Australian Psychological Society (APS) as a leading treatment for trauma.
Learn More or Book a Consultation
At Enlightened Mind, our accredited EMDR practitioner is trained in working with both simple and complex trauma presentations. If you’re wondering whether EMDR is right for you, we invite you to book a free 15-minute consultation to explore your options.
For more in-depth information about EMDR, visit the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) website: