When Talking About It Isn’t Quite Enough
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Sometimes you can understand something intellectually: why you react the way you do, where it comes from, what it's connected to. Yet, nothing really shifts. The same patterns and emotions keep showing up. The same memories still sting. The same situations still land harder than you’d expect.
That’s not a failure of insight. It’s a sign that the experience is stored somewhere that talking alone doesn’t always reach.
EMDR works differently.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing or overwhelming experiences that continue to affect them in the present. While it’s well known for trauma work, EMDR can also be helpful for anxiety, chronic stress, phobias, performance difficulties, and experiences that feel difficult to move past.
The aim of EMDR isn’t to erase memories, but to reduce their emotional charge so they no longer intrude on daily life or shape how you see yourself, others, or the world.
“EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing experiences so they lose their emotional charge and stop running the show in everyday life.”
How EMDR Works
EMDR is guided by the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that our brains are naturally equipped to process experiences and store them in a balanced, integrated way. When an experience is particularly overwhelming, this process can become disrupted, leaving memories feeling “stuck” with strong emotions, body sensations, or negative beliefs.
During EMDR, you briefly bring aspects of a memory to mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping). This process places demand on working memory, making the memory feel less vivid and less emotionally intense. This allows the brain to reprocess the experience more adaptively, often leading to new perspectives and a greater sense of emotional relief.
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Common Misconceptions
There are a few misunderstandings about EMDR that can make people hesitant:
“I’ll lose control or be overwhelmed.”
EMDR is carefully paced and collaborative. You remain present, aware, and in control throughout the process.“I have to relive the trauma in detail.”
You don’t need to describe every aspect of what happened. The focus is on internal experience, not retelling the story.“It’s hypnosis or mind control.”
EMDR is not hypnosis. You are fully conscious and able to stop or pause at any time.“It only works for major trauma.”
EMDR can be useful for a wide range of experiences, including smaller or repeated events that have had a lasting emotional impact.
What to Expect in EMDR
EMDR is a structured process that typically unfolds over several phases. Early sessions focus on building safety, understanding your history, and developing grounding strategies. This preparation is an important part of ensuring the work feels manageable and supportive.
When processing begins, sessions may feel different from traditional talk therapy. Some people notice shifts in emotions, thoughts, body sensations, or insights as memories are reprocessed. Others experience changes more gradually over time. Between sessions, it’s common to continue noticing reflections or emotional settling as the brain integrates the work.
Importantly, EMDR is always adapted to the individual. A skilled clinician will move at a pace that feels appropriate, ensuring the work is both effective and respectful of your capacity and needs.
“EMDR is a structured, paced therapy that builds safety first, then helps the brain process what’s been stuck at a speed that respects your capacity.”
Working Together
I offer in-person EMDR sessions in the inner Western suburbs Melbourne. I don’t offer EMDR sessions via telehealth.
If you're curious about whether EMDR might be right for you, I'd welcome the opportunity to talk it through. You're welcome to book a 15-minute consultation or ask any questions before committing to anything.
