Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), is a Medicare approved focused psychological strategy.  EMDR is a specific psychotherapy approach that helps individuals process and recover from traumatic experiences or other forms of psychological distress.  EMDR is a complex, evidence-based therapeutic approach primarily used to treat trauma, PTSD, and other distressing life experiences. Because EMDR involves structured protocols and specific phases—including history taking, preparation, desensitisation, and reprocessing—it is critical that therapists are comprehensively trained to deliver the therapy safely and effectively.

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation that activates the central nervous system's innate adaptive information processing system.  

Rapid eye movements that mimic how our eye's behave in REM sleep are the preferred method of bilateral stimulation.  EMDR enables the brain to reprocess distressing memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing for healthier or more adaptive thinking patterns associated with the target memory. This method is particularly effective for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and can also benefit individuals dealing with anxiety, phobias, complex grief and other emotional disturbances by promoting adaptive healing and emotional resilience.  

Training approved through the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) ensures that a therapist meets national standards for competency, ethical practice, and clinical efficacy. EMDRAA-approved training programs adhere to internationally recognised protocols and require supervised application of EMDR techniques in real clinical settings. This ensures that therapists are not only proficient in the technique but also capable of managing the complexities that can arise during trauma-focused therapy. 

If you thinking about embarking in treatment and you're curious about EMDR, I would be delighted to discuss this with you to see if this is the right treatment pathway.  I have undergone EMDRAA approved training to implement EMDR.

Why do I use EMDR and not Hypnosis

While both hypnosis and EMDR can be used to address psychological distress, they are fundamentally different in approach and clinical application. Hypnosis typically involves guiding a client into a trance-like state to access subconscious material, often relying on suggestion to facilitate change. In contrast, EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals process and resolve traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, acoustic and tactile), without altering consciousness or using suggestion. EMDR empowers clients to reprocess distressing memories while remaining fully alert and in control. Its effectiveness in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions has been supported by extensive clinical research since the 1980s. Because of this strong evidence base, EMDR has been approved as a Focused Psychological Strategy under Medicare, ensuring that qualified practitioners can deliver this therapy within the Better Access initiative to improve accessibility to trauma-informed care across Australia.

Hypnosis is not listed by name among the approved Focused Psychological Strategies in the official government and health‑provider documents as a standalone, recognised FPS. The Better Access scheme explicitly names several strategies (psychoeducation; CBT, including behavioural and cognitive interventions; interpersonal therapy; relaxation methods; skills training; etc.).  Granted that EMDR is Medicare approved, this is my preferred modality. 

If you are recovering from trauma, I am in awe of your bravery and I would be delighted to treat you.

Anthony