EMDR Therapy in Brisbane

EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people process distressing memories and reduce the ongoing effects of trauma, without needing to talk through every detail.

Over 10 psychologists offering EMDR

Online EMDR available where clinically suitable

Medicare rebates available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan

HICAPS private health rebates available for eligible clients

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What EMDR involves

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It’s a structured therapy developed specifically to help the brain process memories that have become “stuck” and continue to trigger distress long after the original event.

When something distressing happens, the brain doesn’t always file the memory away the way it does with ordinary experiences. Instead, the memory can stay easily triggered, so reminders, certain places, or even unrelated moments can bring back the same intensity of feeling. EMDR uses a structured set of steps, including guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, to help the brain finish processing these memories so they carry less charge.

You remain awake, alert and in control throughout every session. Your psychologist guides the process, but you decide the pace and how much detail you share at each step.

HOW BILATERAL STIMULATION WORKS

Backed by clinical guidelines

EMDR is recognised in Australia’s national clinical guidelines for the treatment of PTSD.  Alongside other trauma-focused therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Prolonged Exposure and Trauma-Focused CBT, EMDR is recommended for adults experiencing PTSD.

Your psychologist will discuss with you whether EMDR, another trauma-focused therapy, or a combination of approaches is the best fit for your circumstances. This decision is made collaboratively, based on your history, your current symptoms and what feels manageable to you.

When EMDR may be considered

People come to EMDR through many different paths. Your psychologist may consider it if you’re experiencing:

  • Intrusive memories, images or flashbacks connected to a distressing event
  • A strong urge to avoid places, people or reminders connected to what happened
  • Heightened alertness, difficulty relaxing, or feeling constantly on edge
  • Strong emotional or physical reactions to specific triggers or reminders
  • The lasting effects of a single distressing event, such as an accident, assault or medical trauma
  • The effects of repeated or early-life experiences
  • A specific phobia connected to a past experience.

A formal diagnosis isn’t required to start a conversation about whether EMDR is right for you. Your psychologist will begin with an assessment to understand your history and current experience, and some people begin with a period of stabilisation and coping-skills work before any processing takes place.

What to expect

EMDR follows a structured process. While every person’s pace is different, treatment generally moves through four stages.

  • Step 1: Assessment and history

    Your first appointment focuses on understanding your history, your current symptoms and what you’d like to work towards. Your psychologist will explain how EMDR works in more detail and answer any questions before treatment begins.

  • Step 2: Preparation

    Before processing begins, your psychologist will help you build coping strategies and a sense of stability, so you have resources to draw on both during and between sessions.

  • Step 3: Processing

    Using guided eye movements or another form of bilateral stimulation, your psychologist supports you to process the targeted memory. You remain in control throughout, and sessions are paced to what feels manageable for you.

  • Step 4: Review and closure

    Your psychologist checks in regularly on your progress and works with you to review whether the memory has lost its charge, and whether further sessions or additional targets are needed.

Session details

Sessions typically run 50–90 minutes, depending on the psychologist. The number of sessions varies significantly from person to person. Some people notice a shift after their first few sessions, while more complex or long-standing experiences can take longer to process. Your psychologist will give you a clearer sense of this after your initial assessment.

Between-sessions note

It’s common to notice thoughts, dreams or feelings connected to the memory continuing to surface between sessions, particularly early in treatment. This is a normal part of the brain’s processing, and your psychologist will check in with you about it at your next appointment.

Our EMDR psychologists

EMDR is offered by a number of psychologists at Brisbane City Psychologists, each with their own background, training and areas of practice. When you request an appointment, our intake team will help match you with a psychologist suited to your circumstances, based on your history and what you’re hoping to work through.

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Frequently asked questions

Your psychologist guides you through recalling a specific memory while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. You remain awake and in control throughout, and your psychologist checks in with you regularly. Sessions are paced to what feels manageable for you.

This varies significantly from person to person. Some people notice a shift after their first few sessions, while more complex or long-standing experiences can take longer to process. Your psychologist will give you a clearer sense of this after your initial assessment.

EMDR is recommended in Australia’s national clinical guidelines for adults with PTSD, and your psychologist may also consider it for other trauma-related experiences, such as the effects of a single distressing event or specific phobias. An assessment with your psychologist will clarify whether it’s a good fit for what you’re experiencing.

No. A formal diagnosis isn’t required to have an initial conversation about whether EMDR is right for you. Your psychologist begins with an assessment of your history and current experience.

Both are recommended trauma-focused therapies in Australia’s clinical guidelines. CBT-based approaches generally involve more discussion of thoughts and beliefs connected to the memory, while EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to support the brain’s processing of the memory itself. Your psychologist can talk you through which approach, or combination, suits you.

You share only as much detail as you and your psychologist agree is needed to work with the memory. You’re in control of the pace and the depth throughout.

No, a referral isn’t required to book an appointment. A referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP are needed if you’d like to access a Medicare rebate.

For GPs and referring health professionals

We welcome referrals for patients who may benefit from EMDR, and we’re happy to discuss suitability with you beforehand if that’s helpful.

Send your referral as you normally would, including a Mental Health Treatment Plan where one has been prepared. There’s no particular format required.

How to send a referral:

  • Secure messaging: Medical Objects
  • Fax: 07 3172 4605

Visit our Referrals page for more information >

Request an appointment

Send a request to an EMDR psychologist in Brisbane by completing the form below.

EMDR resources

Introducing Adjunct EMDR Therapy

The Science Behind EMDR Therapy: How Eye Movements Facilitate Healing

EMDR Therapy: Bilateral Stimulation Types Options

Brisbane City Psychologists - PTSD and Trauma

Understanding and Recovering from PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

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