EMDR Therapy Sydney
What is EDMR?
- It does not require talking in detail about the trauma
- It can be completed in fewer sessions than other therapies
- It can help to reduce the symptoms of PTSD and other mental health conditions
EMDR is theorised to work by stimulating the brain's natural information processing system, which can get jammed during traumatic experiences. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Targeting the Memory
You and your therapist identify a specific disturbing memory, along with the emotions, physical sensations, and negative beliefs associated with it.
Bilateral Stimulation
While focusing on the memory, you engage in bilateral stimulation techniques like following the therapist’s finger movements back and forth or listening to alternating tones in each ear. This is similar to the rapid eye movements (REM) that occur during sleep, which is thought to play a role in memory consolidation.
Reprocessing
As you focus on the memory and engage in bilateral stimulation, your brain may start to process the memory differently. You might notice new thoughts, feelings, or images come up. The therapist helps you observe these changes without judgment.
Integration
The therapist helps you integrate these new insights with more positive beliefs about yourself and the event. The goal is to replace negative beliefs like “I’m worthless” with more empowering ones like “I survived this, and I am strong”.
Evaluation
After each session, you and your therapist will evaluate your progress and how you’re feeling about the memory. The therapist will adjust the focus of subsequent sessions as needed.
Through this process, EMDR aims to reduce the emotional distress of the memory and create a more positive emotional response.
WATCH this short (2min) EMDR explanation video from VEN EMDR
Find a EMDR Therapist
Jono Derkenne
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Jono (He/Him) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker.
Annabel Igoe
Social Worker, Psychotherapist & Yoga
Annabel (She/Her) is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker (BSW, MSW), Psychotherapist & Yoga Teacher.
Brooke Smith
Registered Psychologist
Brooke is a Psychologist with a background in the not-for-profit mental health and LGBTIQ health sectors.
Carli McIntyre
Occupational Therapist
Carli is a registered Occupational Therapist with 22 years’ experience in community & hospital mental health.
Chauncey Sjostedt
Gestalt Therapist
Chauncey (She/Her) is a dedicated healthcare professional with over ten years of experience
Understanding EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a validated psychotherapeutic approach designed to diminish the long-term effects of distressing memories. This therapy is widely used to treat symptoms associated with traumatic experiences. It is endorsed for its effectiveness by prominent health organisations globally.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is aimed at individuals dealing with trauma and stress-related conditions, providing significant relief, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and other psychological stress conditions. The underlying principle of EMDR is similar to physical recovery processes. It helps the mind heal from psychological trauma by removing blocks that prevent emotional processing. Through specific, learned protocols in EMDR, clinicians guide clients to activate their natural healing processes, promoting mental health and recovery.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR therapy is conducted in eight phases, focusing on the past, present, and future aspects of a traumatic or distressing memory. The treatment process includes:
- History and Treatment Planning: This phase involves collecting detailed histories and identifying specific memories to target in the sessions.
- Preparation: The therapist establishes trust and explains the EMDR process, ensuring the client is well-informed and comfortable.
- Assessment: Identifies and accesses the traumatic memory in preparation for its processing.
- Desensitisation: The client focuses on disturbing memory while simultaneously engaging in EMDR processing, which involves bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements).
- Installation: Strengthens and installs positive beliefs about oneself related to the traumatic memory.
- Body Scan: After the desensitisation phase, the therapist checks for residual physical stress or tension related to the memory.
- Closure: This ensures that the client leaves the session feeling better than when they arrived, even if the memory processing is incomplete.
- Reevaluation: The therapist checks progress at the beginning of the next session and determines if more processing is needed.
Benefits of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy is an innovative and practical approach to psychological healing, especially in the management of trauma and stress-related disorders. This section explores the distinct advantages of undergoing EMDR therapy, focusing on its application within Sydney.
Why Choose EMDR in Sydney?
Sydney is home to numerous skilled mental health professionals trained in EMDR therapy. Opting for EMDR in this city ensures access to experienced Sydney therapists committed to facilitating recovery and promoting mental wellness.
Connecting Mental Health stands out by offering a supportive and understanding environment where clients are guided through their healing journey with utmost care. Our clinic features a team of professionals, including an EMDR psychologist in Sydney, who provide care that respects each individual’s unique path to recovery. Our expertise makes it an ideal place for those seeking comprehensive and compassionate treatment.
Manage Your Trauma
EMDR therapy serves as a formidable tool for trauma management, structured to help individuals effectively confront and process their past traumas. Key benefits of using EMDR to manage trauma include:
- Reducing the intensity of distressing memories, making them less overwhelming and easier to manage.
- Enhancing engagement with the present, helping individuals become more involved in their current activities and relationships without the intrusive influence of past traumas.
- Decreasing physiological arousal associated with traumatic memories, which often manifests as stress or anxiety, thereby aiding individuals in feeling calmer and more in control.
Long-Term Results and Lasting Change
One of the most significant advantages of EMDR therapy in Sydney is its potential to effect lasting change. Clients often experience substantial and enduring relief from the emotional impact of their traumatic experiences after completing their treatment. The process works by altering the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, which helps to:
- Permanently reduce the emotional distress linked to these memories.
- Promote emotional resilience, enabling individuals to handle future stresses more effectively.
- Foster an improved overall quality of life, as clients find themselves less hindered by past experiences and more capable of enjoying their daily lives.
Contact Us for EMDR in Sydney
For those interested in exploring EMDR therapy in Sydney, Connecting Mental Health offers a professional setting where you can safely address your psychological needs. Our clinic is staffed with experienced professionals dedicated to supporting your recovery journey. If you’re ready to begin or continue your therapy, contact us for more information on how we can assist you.
Connect with Connecting Mental Health Today
At Connecting Mental Health, we are ready to handle your inquiries and provide comprehensive support as you consider starting or continuing EMDR therapy. To make accessing our services as convenient as possible, we encourage you to book a session directly through our website or by contacting our office. This streamlined process ensures we can promptly address your needs and begin your personalised treatment plan.
