EMDR Therapy Gold Coast
Conscious Mind Centre Gold Coast is now offering EMDR!.
EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy may sound confusing but there is science supporting the neurobiology and efficacy of this treatment in processing traumatic experiences.
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that was developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro. EMDR therapy helps the brain process traumatic memories that may be unprocessed thus impacting your day-to-day life. EMDR allows patients to heal from psychological trauma similarly to how the body recovers from physical injury.
EMDR is famous for its use of bilateral stimulation, typically eye movements, while holding a dual awareness. The idea behind this premise is to help the brain learn from negative experiences, reduce triggers, and integrate adaptive ways of thinking back into broader personal life.
Using EMDR for Trauma
EMDR therapy was originally developed for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but research has shown its effectiveness for many mental health concerns:
- Single incident trauma (accidents, assaults, natural disasters)
- Complex trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
- Anxiety and Depression
- Substance addiction
- Grief and loss
- Burnout
- Attachment ruptures
EMDR helps reduce intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and other trauma symptoms by addressing both the emotional distress, physical sensations, and negative beliefs that developed from traumatic experiences across the lifespan.
EMDR versus Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Both EMDR and Prolonged Exposure are effective therapy modalities for trauma treatment but they are not the same thing.
EMDR is famous for its bilateral stimulation but it requires patients to provide minimal information about the traumatic memories, it offers an integrative approach to working with thoughts and somatic sensations simultaneously, there is no home activities, and can work quicker.
Whereas, Prolonged Exposure involved extended and repeated telling of traumatic memories in detail, there is significant risk of re-traumatisation through this process if not handled appropriately. PE also requires patients to verbally recount traumatic experiences, there is typically a focus on anxiety, there is often between session exposure tasks to complete and may require more appointments to gain relief of symptoms.
Note. Individual responses may vary and some patients will not respond to EMDR, similarly to PE. Some patients are not suitable to EMDR due to other confounding factors. Your psychologist will discuss your suitability with you during session if you are interested in EMDR.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
EMDR may be particularly helpful if you:
- Find it difficult to talk in detail about traumatic experiences
- Experience strong physical reactions when recalling trauma
- Unable to recall large parts of a traumatic event
- Feel “stuck” despite previous therapy attempts (CBT, Schema, Prolonged Exposure)
- Notice that traumatic memories feel very present or “happening now”
EMDR while shown to be highly effective, it is deep therapeutic work that can feel overwhelming. Your psychologist will work with you to ensure you are feeling supported during this treatment. There are 8-phases to the EMDR protocol, it may take an extended period of time before your psychologist starts to do EMDR processing with you. See our EMDR session fees and Medicare rebates.
If you would like more information about EMDR Therapy Coomera, please contact our Administration Team today.
What happens at my first EMDR appointment?
Your first appointment focuses on understanding your concerns, relevant history, and what you would like help with. Your psychologist will discuss whether EMDR may be suitable for you and explain the treatment process. Assessment and preparation are part of EMDR, with memory reprocessing beginning when clinically appropriate.
Do I need to describe my traumatic experiences in detail?
EMDR does not require a detailed verbal retelling of your traumatic experiences. Your psychologist will need enough information to understand your difficulties and guide treatment appropriately. You can discuss any concerns about sharing your experiences with your psychologist.
How many EMDR sessions might I need?
There is no fixed number of sessions that suits everyone. Treatment length depends on your history, current circumstances, preparation needs, and response to therapy. Your psychologist will discuss a treatment plan with you and review your progress along the way.
Do I need a GP referral, and do Medicare rebates apply?
No you don’t need a GP referral, appointments are available through private funding.
Medicare rebates may be available if you meet eligibility requirements and have a valid referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan or another eligible referral pathway, such as a direct referral from a psychiatrist.
Rebate amount depends on the clinician you see and will only cover part of the session fee. Please see our Fees page for more information (https://consciousmindcentre.com.au/schedule-of-fees/) or contact our Administration Team to discuss appointment costs and referral requirements.
Can I access EMDR through telehealth?
Yes. Conscious Mind Centre offers EMDR for adults in person at our Coomera clinic on the Gold Coast and through telehealth across Australia. Your psychologist will assess whether telehealth EMDR is appropriate for your needs. Online and telehealth EMDR appointments require a private space, a reliable internet connection, working microphone, and a working camera.