EMDR Therapy in Brisbane and Online
A structured, evidence-informed therapy for trauma and distressing memories.
EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) is a structured therapy that supports the brain to process distressing memories and experiences, without asking you to relive them. It is offered at Therapywell in person across Brisbane and online across Australia.
What is EMDR Therapy
EMDR, which stands for eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing, is a structured psychotherapy originally developed to help people work through traumatic memories. It is based on the idea that distressing experiences can sometimes be stored in the nervous system in an unprocessed way, so that they continue to feel present and raw. EMDR is designed to support the brain's natural capacity to process those memories, so they can settle into the past.
During EMDR, your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation — usually side-to-side eye movements, but sometimes gentle taps or tones — while you briefly bring a memory to mind. Rather than requiring you to talk through an experience in detail, EMDR works with how the memory is held, at a pace you set.
EMDR is recommended in major clinical guidelines for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, including by the World Health Organization and Australia's national guidelines for PTSD. As with any therapy, it is not the right fit for every person or situation, and a qualified therapist can talk through whether it suits you.
We also offer EMDR online Australia Wide- Click here to go to our Online EMDR page for more details:
How does EMDR Therapy Work?
Imagine the relief of regaining control over your emotions and memories.
TEMDR follows a structured, phased approach, and the early phases are all about preparation and safety before any processing begins.
Your therapist starts by getting to know you and your history, and by helping you build grounding and coping skills, so you have ways to stay steady during and between sessions. Only once that foundation is in place does the processing work begin: you bring a specific memory to mind while following sets of bilateral stimulation, and your therapist supports you to notice what arises — thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations — without pushing. Over time, the aim is for the memory to feel less charged and for more balanced beliefs about yourself to take its place. Later phases focus on closing each session safely and reviewing progress together.
Throughout, the pace is guided by what feels manageable for you. The intention is for the work to stay contained rather than overwhelming.
Are you ready to unlock the door to a happier future?
We're here to help you improve your overall mental health and well-being by resolving the past events that created the foundation for current psychological distress.
Book an appointment today and begin your journey with EMDR therapy. Together, we can unlock the door to a happier future.
Who is EMDR for?
EMDR is primarily used for trauma, and may support a range of related difficulties.
EMDR can help with:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
EMDR therapy is widely recognised as an effective treatment for PTSD. It can help individuals who have experienced traumatic events such as accidents, natural disasters, physical or sexual assault, combat, or witnessing violence.Anxiety disorders
EMDR therapy can be beneficial for individuals with different types of anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and panic disorder. It helps reduce anxiety symptoms and the distress associated with triggering situations or objects.Depression
EMDR therapy can be used as an adjunctive treatment for depression. Addressing underlying traumatic experiences or distressing memories can help alleviate depressive symptoms and promote a more positive outlook.Substance abuse and addiction
EMDR therapy can be integrated into the treatment of substance abuse and addiction. It can help individuals process underlying trauma that may have contributed to their addictive behaviours, reduce cravings, and support relapse prevention.
Dissociative disorders
EMDR therapy can be helpful for individuals with dissociative disorders, such as dissociative identity disorder (DID) or dissociative amnesia. It can assist in integrating and processing fragmented or disconnected memories and experiences.Phobias and fears
EMDR therapy has been effective in treating specific phobias and irrational fears. It helps individuals desensitise to the feared object or situation and reprocess the associated distressing memories or beliefs.Grief and loss
EMDR therapy can support individuals who are experiencing grief and loss. It can help process the emotions, memories, and unresolved issues related to the loss, facilitating the healing process.Performance anxiety
EMDR therapy can be beneficial for individuals who struggle with performance anxiety in areas such as public speaking, sports, or artistic performances. It helps reduce anxiety and enhance self-confidence.
It's important to note that while EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective for many clients and conditions, it may not be appropriate or recommended for everyone. Each individual's situation is unique, and it's crucial to consult with a qualified mental health professional who can assess your specific needs and determine if EMDR therapy is suitable for you.
What EMDR therapy can support
Helping you to find freedom
The primary goal of EMDR therapy is to facilitate the adaptive processing of traumatic memories or distressing experiences. It aims to alleviate emotional distress, decrease negative beliefs, and promote the development of healthier, more adaptive perspectives and behaviours. Here are some potential benefits of EMDR therapy for clients:
Trauma resolution
EMDR therapy has been particularly effective in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It helps individuals process traumatic memories, reducing the emotional intensity and associated symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.Reduced distress
EMDR therapy can help clients reduce distress related to a wide range of issues, including phobias, anxiety disorders, panic attacks, depression, grief, and low self-esteem. It targets the underlying causes of distress and helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.Cognitive restructuring
EMDR therapy can assist in identifying and modifying negative beliefs and self-perceptions that developed as a result of traumatic experiences. By processing these beliefs in the context of the traumatic memory, clients can develop more positive and adaptive self-concepts.Enhanced emotional regulation
EMDR therapy helps individuals develop better emotional regulation skills. By processing traumatic memories, clients can reduce their intense emotional reactions and gain greater control over their emotional responses.Improved self-awareness
EMDR therapy can help clients understand how their past experiences impact their present thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. This increased self-awareness allows for a more comprehensive healing process and the potential for personal growth.
Working toward a steadier relationship with the past.
Depending on your goals, EMDR may support you to process distressing memories so they hold less power in the present, to reduce the intensity of the emotions and physical responses connected to them, to develop more balanced beliefs about yourself, and to build grounding and coping skills along the way. Outcomes are different for everyone, and EMDR is not suitable or recommended for everyone. What the work looks like is always shaped around you.
EMDR 2.0
EMDR 2.0 is a more recent development that builds on standard EMDR. It places additional demand on working memory during recall, using extra tasks alongside the bilateral stimulation. It is an emerging approach and research is ongoing. At Therapywell, EMDR 2.0 is offered by Ania Harnden.
EMDR online, across Australia
EMDR can also be provided via telehealth, over secure video, which can suit you if you live regionally, have a demanding schedule, or feel more comfortable working from home. Suitability for online EMDR is discussed individually. You can read more on our Online EMDR page.
Frequently asked questions
Is EMDR evidence-based?
EMDR is recommended in major clinical guidelines for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, including by the World Health Organization and Australia's national guidelines for PTSD.
What happens in an EMDR session?
After preparation work in earlier sessions, you briefly bring a memory to mind while your therapist guides you through sets of bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movements. You notice what arises at your own pace, with your therapist's support.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies from person to person. Work focused on a single event may be shorter, while complex trauma usually takes longer. Your therapist will discuss what to expect with you.
Can EMDR be done online?
EMDR can be provided via telehealth for many people. Whether it suits you is discussed individually. See our Online EMDR page.
Is EMDR right for me?
EMDR is not suitable or recommended for everyone. A qualified therapist can talk through your situation and help you decide.
Meet Your EMDR Therapists
We are excited to introduce ourselves and put faces to names. Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to speak to any of us about therapy or referrals.
Hello, I’m Brooke. I am a senior psychotherapist and Mental Health Social Worker specialising in trauma and attachment, child and youth mental health, perinatal mental health, family therapy, and Equine Facilitated Therapy.
Meet Brooke Shakspeare, Mental Health Social Worker and Senior Psychotherapist
Meet Rebecca Clerehan, Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Hi, I’m Rebecca. I’m an Occupational Therapist of 20 years and a Mum of two. I love working with children, youth, and families with complex needs to help increase their understanding of themselves and others.
Meet Dr Sabrina Chan, Clinical Psychologist
Hi, I’m Sabrina, and I’m a Clinical Psychologist. I work with people of all ages with various needs, offering my skills in Mental Health and sharing my interests in attachment, developing Self and Personality, psychological assessments, and relationships across their lifespan.
Meet Jack Gorman, Registered Psychologist
Hi, I’m Jack, I’m a Registered Psychologist, passionate about working people across the lifespan. I facilitate our Therapeutically Applied Dungeons & Dragons (TA-DnD) groups, provide assessments and I’m passionate about making therapy creative, collaborative, and tailored to each young person.
Hello, I’m Karen. I am an Occupational Therapist with 29 years of experience and passion for mental health care. I am dedicated to supporting individuals to feel safe in their environment, connected with their community, motivated to reach their potential in daily activities, and improve their quality of life.
Meet Karen Lochran, Mental Health Occupational Therapist
Meet Ania Harnden, Mental Health Social Worker
Hi, I’m Ania! I’m an an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and EMDR Practitioner, passionate about helping people process and heal from some of the most painful experiences of their lives and reconnect with themselves. This commitment is at the heart of my work.
Are you ready to feel seen, heard and supported?
We’re here to hold hope when you can’t hold it yourself.
Not sure which therapy is right for you - no worries! Our team is here to support you, from identifying what support you need to getting your appointments organised.
Can’t make it into the clinic?
We’ve got you covered with telehealth support. Want to meet somewhere else more comfortable? We’re more than happy to meet you there too!
Our clinics are conveniently located in Auchenflower and Upper Mount Gravatt.
37 Bangalla St,
Auchenflower 4066
21 Mount Gravatt-Capalaba Rd, Mount Gravatt 4122
07 3521 4034
info@therapywell.com.au
