EMDR uses a structured eight-phase protocol that includes history taking, preparation, desensitisation, and reprocessing. A key feature of EMDR is bilateral stimulation, which may involve eye movements, rhythmic tapping, or auditory tones. This process activates the brain’s natural adaptive information processing system, allowing distressing memories to be reprocessed and integrated more effectively.

During EMDR, rapid eye movements mimic those that occur during REM sleep, supporting the brain’s natural capacity for healing. Many people find that the emotional intensity of traumatic or distressing memories decreases significantly, leading to improved wellbeing and emotional resilience.

EMDR has been shown to be highly effective for:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety and panic

• Phobias

• Complex grief

• Distressing life experiences

• Low self-esteem or shame related to past trauma

EMDR therapists must complete comprehensive, EMDRAA-approved training (EMDR Association of Australia). This ensures the highest standards of competency, ethics, and clinical safety. EMDRAA-approved programs meet internationally recognised guidelines and include supervised clinical practice to ensure safe and effective delivery of EMDR therapy.

For more information about EMDR, you can visit the EMDR Association of Australia website.

If you’re curious about whether EMDR might help you, I would be happy to discuss this and determine whether it’s the right approach for your situation. As an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, I have completed EMDRAA-approved training and integrate EMDR therapy into trauma-informed psychological counselling sessions.

Medicare rebates are available under the Better Access Initiative with a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan.

While both EMDR and hypnosis aim to reduce psychological distress, they differ significantly in method and scientific foundation.

Hypnosis typically involves guiding a client into a trance-like state and using suggestion to promote change. By contrast, EMDR is a structured, research-based therapy that supports the reprocessing of traumatic memories without altering consciousness or using suggestion. Clients remain fully alert and in control throughout the process.

Extensive clinical research since the 1980s has shown EMDR to be highly effective in treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and related conditions. Because of this strong evidence base, EMDR has been recognised as a Focused Psychological Strategy under Medicare, allowing qualified practitioners to deliver this therapy with a rebate through the Better Access program.

Hypnosis, while sometimes used therapeutically, is not listed as an approved Focused Psychological Strategy in Medicare’s Better Access documentation. Given EMDR’s proven outcomes and Medicare approval, it is my preferred approach to trauma recovery.