We specialise in EMDR Therapy which has been endorsed by both the American Psychological Association, the Australian Psychological Society and most recently the World Health Organisation (WHO) has formally approved EMDR therapy for use with adults, adolescents and children.
Whether you are dealing with post-traumatic stress, childhood abuse, grief, anxiety, or complex trauma, EMDR can help unlock your brain’s natural capacity to heal.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is based on the theory that psychological difficulties are often the result of unprocessed traumatic memories. When distressing events occur, they may become “stuck” in the nervous system with the original images, sounds, thoughts, and feelings — leading to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, low self-worth, and emotional overwhelm.
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, taps, or tones) while focusing on specific memories, thoughts, or sensations. This helps the brain reprocess the memory in a more adaptive way — reducing emotional intensity and helping the memory integrate more healthily.
How EMDR Works (Simplified Steps)
History & Preparation:
Your therapist helps you identify key issues and ensures you have the skills to stay grounded and safe during processing.
Targeting the Memory:
You focus on a disturbing memory, along with the negative beliefs, emotions, and body sensations associated with it.
Bilateral Stimulation:
You follow eye movements or receive taps/sounds that activate both sides of the brain while remaining aware of your experience.
Processing & Integration:
The memory becomes less distressing, new insights may arise, and the negative self-beliefs begin to shift.
What Can EMDR Help With?
EMDR was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but is now used for a wide range of issues, including:
- Childhood trauma
- Complex trauma and dissociation
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Phobias and irrational fears
- Grief and loss
- Depression and low self-worth
- Performance anxiety and perfectionism
- Relationship wounds and attachment issues
- Chronic shame, guilt, or inner criticism
- Addiction including gambling, drugs and alcohol, and sex.
EMDR and Complex Trauma
Complex trauma refers to prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, often beginning in childhood. These may include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; exposure to family violence; or growing up with caregivers who were controlling, rejecting, or emotionally unavailable.
Unlike single-event trauma, complex trauma affects a person’s identity, sense of safety, relationships, and nervous system. People with complex trauma may experience:
- Dissociation or feeling “not real”
- Chronic emotional dysregulation
- Trust and attachment difficulties
- Internal conflict or “parts” of self
- Deep-rooted feelings of shame or being “broken”
Why EMDR Is Ideal for Complex Trauma
EMDR is well-suited for treating complex trauma because it:
- Does not require detailed retelling of trauma to be effective
- Works with both mind and body, supporting nervous system regulation
- Allows for processing at your pace, with breaks for stabilisation and integration
- Can be used with parts work, helping different “inner voices” or states feel safer and more connected
- Helps rewire unhelpful beliefs like “I’m not safe,” “I’m unlovable,” or “It was my fault” into healthier, compassionate truths
At Reflections Psychology Services, we combine EMDR with approaches like Structural Dissociation, Expressive Arts, Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness to provide a deeply attuned, trauma-informed experience.
Is EMDR Right for Me?
If you find yourself stuck in patterns that don’t respond to talk therapy…
If you’ve tried to “just move on” but still feel triggered…
If part of you remembers and part of you goes numb…
EMDR might be the next step in your healing.
Our therapists are trained and accredited through EMDRAA (EMDR Association of Australia) and are experienced in working with complex presentations. We create a safe, supportive space individually tailored to your pace and needs.
Recognition of EMDR in Australia
EMDR is recognised as an effective treatment by:
- Phoenix Australia: Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- EMDRAA (EMDR Association of Australia)
- Medicare
- Private Health Care
Begin Your Healing Journey
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting the past — it means freeing yourself from its grip and helping you feel lighter like you have lifted that backpack off your shoulders and its now on the floor. It takes away the debilitating nightmares, flashbacks, fear of living in the now, dissociating to escape the now by intoxication, escaping in how we know how (people with trauma knows how to work this well), creating alters that are separate (head mates, parts,
selves).
If you’re ready to feel in the here and now, more grounded, and connected to yourself, we invite you to explore EMDR therapy and parts work with us.