In addition to specialising in EMDR therapy, EMDR Brisbane provides a range of therapies. These include cognitive behaviour therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, schema therapy and many others.
EMDR therapy is an evidence-based trauma therapy designed to alleviate distress associated with past traumas and traumatic memories. This therapy involves the client being able to process past traumas by utilising bilateral stimulation (usually through the use of eye movements) to reduce the intensity and distress associated with past events and traumas. It can be used across many psychological diagnoses.
EMDR therapy works by utilising the brain’s own ability to integrate and process memories. The bilateral stimulation process is understood to be similar to those utilised in REM sleep and through the activation of working memory. As a result of engaging with EMDR, clients report a significant reduction in the severity and intensity of the traumatic memories.
EMDR has been extensively studied for use with a variety of conditions including PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, phobias, and several other common psychological conditions.
Currently, there is a roughly 1-2 week wait time for appointments. Urgent appointments are available upon request.
Yes, EMDR Brisbane is able to offer both of these options for clients wishing to engage in psychological therapy.
Yes, EMDR has been included in the list of Medicare approved therapies accessible via a mental health care plan.
No, you do not need a referral in order to book in for an appointment.
Yes, EMDR Brisbane is able to offer appointments to clients of the NDIS and those who are currently on WorkCover.
There are many phases to EMDR therapy. During the initial phases, the therapist will work with the client around getting a full clinical history and further understanding the client’s individual presentation. Additionally, stabilisation is also an integral part of the therapeutic process. During later sessions, the therapist will assist the client to process a memory whilst engaging in sets of eye movements to be able to reduce the distress associated with the target memory.
The duration of EMDR therapy can vary depending on the complexity of the issues that are being presented to therapy. In general, EMDR is able to produce effects more rapidly when compared with conventional cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
There have been multiple studies indicating that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD and many other mental health conditions. Typically, individuals experience significant relief from their symptoms following on from engaging with EMDR.
Typically, stabilisation work is completed in the earlier stages of therapy in order to minimise the likelihood of side effects of EMDR. There can be some side effects including increased emotional sensitivity and vivid dreams following on from a processing session. Your therapist will work with you around grounding exercises and stabilisation techniques in order to reduce the risk and severity of any side effects.
EMDR specifically works to target the traumatic memories that may be causing distress for the client. It is somewhat unique in that it does not require the client to talk through their trauma. Typically, this results in faster processing of traumatic memories compared to other forms of therapy.
Whilst there is some discussion around traumatic memories, EMDR does not require detailed descriptions of the trauma. The therapy aims to focus on the emotions and sensations associated with the memory rather than the narrative itself.
Yes, EMDR is often combined with other therapeutic approaches such as CBT, medication, etc. Often, other modalities are utilised in order to better prepare the client for engaging in the processing phases of EMDR.
Yes, EMDR can be adapted for working with children. This can help through working through emotional issues, past traumas and anxiety conditions. Techniques used in session can be adapted and age-appropriate strategies can help children engage with EMDR.
Yes, EMDR can be completed using telehealth. Virtual EMDR sessions can be employed via video for clients who may not be able to attend in clinic or who may prefer to engage through telehealth.
In the first session, the therapist typically conducts an intake assessment to understand your history, current issues, and therapy goals. They will explain the EMDR process and may start with relaxation and grounding techniques before beginning the actual EMDR processing.
Indicators that EMDR therapy is working include reduced distress related to past memories, increased calm in response to everyday triggers and events, increased sense of control over thoughts and emotions, and improvements in functioning and well-being.
Yes, EMDR has been demonstrated to be effective across a wide array of diagnoses which are not directly related to trauma. These include anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, and social anxiety. The therapy helps to improve thoughts and emotions and reduce underlying distress associated with these conditions.
There have been multiple meta-analyses that have demonstrated EMDR to be an effective treatment for PTSD, complex trauma and other conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders. It is recognised as an effective treatment by organisations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).
EMDR therapy works with the client to process specific memories and their associated emotions rather than talking through and reliving the events themselves. It also utilises bilateral stimulation in order to facilitate the reprocessing of the distressing memories.
If you'd like to find out more information or would like to enquire about an appointment, please submit an online enquiry or email contact@emdr-brisbane.com.au and one of our team will be in touch to follow up on your request.
Alternatively, you can visit our "Book an Appointment" page for more information.
Thank you kindly.
EMDR Brisbane is predominantly focused on providing support to clients via telehealth.
For those who wish to see someone in person, our clinic is able to offer these services out of our Bowen Hills clinic.
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