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EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing

What is EMDR?

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a treatment method that uses rapid eye movements to help the brain to process negative feelings and traumatic events.

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The mind usually heals itself naturally in the same way the body does. Much of our natural coping mechanisms occur during sleep, in particular during Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. EMDR was developed in 1987 by Dr Francine Shapiro, utilising this natural process to treat PTSD.

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When we experience disturbing events, they often stay with us in our memories and we feel distressed when we think about them. The brain isn't able to process traumatic or upsetting events in the same way as normal memories, so these memories can become 'frozen in time'. Because the images and feelings haven't changed, remembering the event can feel as distressing as going through it the first time. This is why talking therapies are sometimes limited in their effectiveness, because they cause people to relive the experience, which can re-traumatise. 

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EMDR allows the brain to process negative memories in a way that is not as damaging. Following an EMDR session, people no longer relive the trauma or feel disturbed when they think about it. Flashbacks and nightmares cease. They still recall what happened, but it is not as upsetting. 

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What conditions can EMDR treat?

EMDR is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults and children. EMDR can also be used for:

  • Stress

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Panic attacks

  • Sexual or physical abuse

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Pain disorders 

  • Body dysmorphic disorders

  • Eating disorders

  • Personality disorders

  • Performance anxiety

  • Disturbing memories

  • Complicated grief

Endorsements

Supported by a wealth of research (with clinical studies dating back to 1989), EMDR has been endorsed by:

  • The World Health Organisation (2013)

  • The Australian Psychological Society (2010)

  • The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (2009)

  • The National Health and Medical Research Council (2007)

  • UK National Guidelines for Clinical Excellence (NICE 2005)

  • Americal Psychiatric Association (2004)

  • Dutch Guidelines on Mental Health Care (2003)

  • Israel National Council for Mental Health (2002)

  • Clinical Division of the American Psychological Association (1998)

  • How long are your appointments?
    My appointments are 55 minutes, which includes time to process payments and book in future appointments.
  • How can I book an appointment?
    You can contact me by email or phone to book in an appointment, see the Contact page for details. If there are specific things you wish to ask me before booking, I am happy to have a brief phone conversation before you decide whether to proceed.
  • What are the fees and how can I pay?
    Because my fees are subject to occasional changes, this can be discussed during the initial phone or email contact. I accept cash or card.
  • What are your cancelation fees?
    If you cancel your appointment with less than 24 hours notice, a cancelation fee will apply. With more than 24 hours notice, there will be no cancelation fee.
  • Will I be able to get a rebate through Medicare?
    Rebates on my fee are available through the Medicare Better Access Mental Health Care initiative; this requires that clients obtain a Mental Health Care Plan from a doctor (General Practitioner or psychiatrist) and enables a client to obtain a $84.80 rebate on up to 10 psychology sessions in a calendar year.
  • Will I be able to get a Private Health Insurance rebate?
    If you have private health insurance that covers Psychology, you will be able to get a rebate on my fees through your Private cover. The amount of the rebate depends on the details of the type of cover you have.
  • Funded programs
    I am registered to provide services funded under: the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), Workcover, TAC, and VOCAT (Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal) and Veteran Affairs.
  • Will I need a mental health care plan to make an appointment?
    No referral is required to initiate treatment, however, a referral on a Mental Health Care Plan makes treatment more affordable for clients who meet the criteria for eligibility. I am happy to discuss this with you prior to booking to determine whether you qualify.
  • How do I get a mental health care plan?
    Simply make an appointment with a doctor. Check with the Medical Practice first whether a longer consultation is required at that practice for Mental health Care Plans. The doctor will need to make and assessment based on interview and a questionnaire, and will also need my name and address in order to lodge a plan with Medicare. You then bring the Mental Health Care Plan to the appointment with me, and I process your rebate at the time of payment.
  • If I have already had a Mental Health Care Plan done, and have used some sessions with another psychologist, do I need to get another plan?"
    Provided that you have not used all 10 sessions in that calendar year, you can use the same plan with me (until the tenth is used), but will need to bring a paper copy of the plan to me so that I can process your rebate.
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