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.

EMDR therapy can be delivered securely online through platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Psychology Today. In my practice, I use Bilateral Stimulation IO, a specialised application designed to facilitate EMDR remotely. This application provides guided bilateral stimulation through visual cues on your screen - rapid eye movement as well as auditory stimulation, helping to support effective trauma reprocessing in a confidential, safe, supportive and controlled online environment.

EMDR therapy is specialised and should only be administered by a properly trained and accredited clinician. It is not recommended for self-administration or for use by therapists who have not completed approved EMDR training. In Australia, professional standards and training pathways are guided by EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA), which sets rigorous requirements for competency and ethical practice. These standards align with international guidelines established by organisations such as EMDR International Association, ensuring safe and effective delivery of EMDR therapy worldwide.  Clinical preparations for EMDR are important in the eight phase protocol.  In phase four, there is an element of memory activation immediatley before bilateral stimulationn, we can come across blocker beliefs or feeder memories, a trained therapist will be able to kickstart reprocessing with the right techniques.

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.