EMDR Therapy

Struggling to overcome trauma, stress, anxiety or depression?

EMDR therapy from A&U Psychology may be an avenue to support your general wellbeing and recovery.

This style of therapy is designed to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain by allowing the brain to resume its natural healing process.

One of the biggest benefits is that this style of therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue that is affecting you.

What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured therapy that encourages you to focus briefly on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing what is referred to as bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements). This activity is associated with a reduction in the vivid memories and emotion associated with the trauma.

EMDR therapy is an extensively researched psychotherapy method that has been proven to help people recover from the symptoms of trauma and PTSD.

Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes that show EMDR therapy is a helpful treatment for disorders like anxiety, depression, addictions and other distressing life experiences. A report published by the National Library of Medicine noted that seven of 10 studies found EMDR therapy is more rapid and/or more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy.

Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?

EMDR therapy is internationally recognised as one of the most effective treatments for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it can also benefit people struggling with:

Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and low self-esteem
Grief and loss
Sleep disturbances
Phobias and fears
Chronic pain and medically unexplained symptoms
Addictions and compulsive behaviours

You do not need to have experienced a single major traumatic event for EMDR to be helpful. Many clients seek support for difficulties linked to stress, childhood experiences, relationship challenges or overwhelming life events.

Outcomes of EMDR

While every client’s journey is unique, EMDR therapy can lead to:

Relief from disturbing memories and flashbacks
Feeling calmer and less reactive to triggers
Greater ability to live in the present
Improved sleep and concentration
Increased sense of safety, resilience, and self-worth

The goal of working with an EMDR therapist is not to erase memories but to reduce their emotional charge, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Work With an Accredited EMDRAA Consultant

At A&U Psychology, EMDR is more than a treatment we provide; it is a clinical focus and area of expertise.

Our co-director, Dr Ursula Oertel, is a Clinical Psychologist and Accredited EMDR Consultant with EMDRAA (EMDR Association of Australia). She is also a member of the EMDRAA Accreditation and Standards Committee, helping shape EMDR practice across Australia.

Choosing A&U Psychology means you will benefit from:

Therapy for trauma and other conditions that is grounded in the latest research and clinical standards
A compassionate and client-centred approach that prioritises your pace and safety/sense of wellbeing
The flexibility of both in-person and online EMDR sessions
Access to an EMDR consultant who also trains and supports other therapists across Australia

If you are searching for an EMDR therapist in the Brisbane suburb of Windsor, choose A&U Psychology for clinical expertise and genuine care.

The EMDR Therapy Process

Your treatment follows a structured process:

Assessment

We explore your history, current challenges and therapy goals.

Preparation

You learn coping skills and strategies to ensure you feel safe and supported.

Targeting memories

Your therapist will help you identify past and present experiences that continue to affect you.

Reprocessing

Using bilateral stimulation (eye movements or tapping), your therapist helps your brain reprocess and release distress.

Each session is completed in a way that leaves you grounded and able to return to daily life, and progress is regularly reviewed to ensure your treatment needs are met. Your sessions are paced according to your comfort, as therapy encompasses the past, present and future. This means resolving old experiences, managing current triggers and building resilience for what lies ahead.

Fees and Funding

The cost of a therapy session (usually around 50 minutes) is $230.00.

Medicare rebates for psychology sessions are available for eligible individuals with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from a GP or Psychiatrist, with up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year.

The Medicare rebate per session is $145.25.

Individuals can also use private health insurance to fund psychology sessions, with no GP referral required. This is a convenient option for accessing additional support after Medicare-subsidised sessions are used.

Take the Next Step

Struggling to overcome trauma, depression or anxiety? At A&U Psychology, we are committed to helping you feel safe, supported and empowered to move forward.

Make an enquiry today to explore how EMDR therapy can help you.

Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR Therapy

Is EMDR like hypnosis?

EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain fully awake and in control during sessions. The process uses bilateral stimulation such as eye movements or tapping, to help your brain reprocess distressing memories safely.

Can EMDR therapy be done online?

Yes. EMDR can be effectively delivered through secure telehealth. Bilateral stimulation can be guided using visual, auditory, or tapping techniques, allowing you to benefit from therapy wherever you are.

How many sessions of EMDR therapy will I need?

The number of sessions depends on your goals and history. Some clients experience noticeable change in a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term therapy, particularly if addressing complex trauma.

Do I need to share every detail of my past during EMDR therapy?

Not at all. Many people appreciate that EMDR does not require going into every detail of painful experiences. The focus is on reprocessing the memory in a way that reduces distress, without retraumatising you.

Is EMDR therapy evidence-based?

Yes. EMDR is backed by extensive international research and is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Psychological Society as a gold-standard treatment for trauma and PTSD.

Do I need a GP referral to see an EMDR therapist?

A GP referral is not required for EMDR therapy, although many clients do choose to access Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. You are also welcome to self-refer or access EMDR therapy through private health insurance, NDIS, WorkCover, Open Arms, DVA, or Victim Services. Contact us to find out more.

How effective is EMDR therapy in treating trauma?

A substantial body of research shows that EMDR therapy is highly effective in treating emotional trauma and adverse life experiences. Twenty-four randomised controlled trials (RCTs) support its positive effects, with many studies reporting significant symptom reduction after as few as three to six sessions. EMDR has been shown to rapidly reduce negative emotions and the vividness of disturbing images, making it a proven and efficient approach for trauma recovery.

EMDR vs CBT: How does EMDR compare with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)?

Both EMDR and trauma-focused CBT are considered highly effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, studies found that EMDR can work more rapidly and/or be more effective than CBT. Unlike CBT, EMDR does not require detailed descriptions of traumatic events, extended exposure, homework assignments or direct challenges to beliefs. This often makes EMDR a more efficient option for clients who may find those aspects of CBT distressing or burdensome.

Can EMDR help with physical symptoms as well as psychological ones?

Research shows that EMDR can benefit both psychological and physiological symptoms linked to adverse life experiences. By targeting unprocessed traumatic memories, EMDR has been found to relieve stress-related physical disorders and medically unexplained symptoms. This dual impact makes it especially valuable in medical practice, where trauma may underlie both mental health challenges and physical complaints.