What is EMDR?
A Trauma Therapy That Helps You Move Forward
What is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help the brain process distressing or traumatic experiences. When a memory hasn’t been fully processed—often because it was overwhelming at the time—it can stay “stuck” and continue to trigger emotional, physical, or identity-based distress.
EMDR supports the brain to complete this unfinished processing, allowing the memory to become less reactive and easier to live with. It is widely known for treating PTSD, but it is also effective for complex trauma, anxiety, grief, identity-related distress, performance issues, and difficulties linked to neurodivergence and minority stress.
At its core, EMDR helps the brain do what it naturally tries to do: heal.
How EMDR Works in the Brain
Most memories are stored and organised by the brain’s hippocampus, which acts like a librarian that files experiences in the right place. But during a traumatic or overwhelming event, the hippocampus can’t complete its job properly. Instead, the memory becomes “frozen” in its raw, unprocessed form.
These unprocessed memories can be easily activated in everyday life—through a sound, a feeling, a relationship dynamic, or even a shift in identity—leading to emotional flooding, shutdown, or patterns that feel out of your control.
EMDR helps these memories shift from “raw” to “integrated,” reducing their emotional weight and supporting more grounded responses in daily life.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
EMDR uses a process called bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds) while you gently bring a distressing memory, sensation, or belief to mind.
A typical EMDR session may include:
Identifying the distressing memory or experience
Pinpointing the most activating moment
Naming the negative belief connected to the memory
Noticing connected body sensations and emotions
Engaging in bilateral stimulation while holding the memory
Allowing your mind to notice whatever arises—without forcing or analysing
Repeating this process until the memory feels less charged
You remain completely aware and in control. EMDR is not hypnosis.
Many people describe feeling lighter, clearer, or more settled at the end of a session.
Why Bilateral Stimulation?
During EMDR, attention shifts rhythmically left to right. This bilateral movement enhances the brain’s ability to process memories and integrate emotional material.
There are several theories for why this works, but the most important part is comfort and safety—your therapist helps you find the method that feels right for you.
What EMDR Helps With
EMDR is strongly supported by international clinical guidelines for PTSD, and its use for other concerns continues to grow—particularly for experiences where distressing memories or internalised beliefs play a role.
EMDR may support you if you’re navigating:
PTSD or complex trauma
Anxiety, panic, or chronic overwhelm
Grief or ambiguous loss
Distress related to sexuality, gender, or identity
Minority stress and discrimination trauma
Neurodivergence-related emotional overload
Performance or self-worth blocks
Relationship trauma and attachment wounds
How Long Does EMDR Treatment Take?
Because of the depth of processing involved, EMDR sessions may run up to 90 minutes. Many people see significant benefit within 8–12 sessions for single-event trauma, while those with longer-term or complex trauma may benefit from more extended work.
At Liminal Clinic, treatment pacing is deeply collaborative. We tailor the process to your nervous system, your story, and what feels sustainable within your life.
EMDR Therapy at Liminal Clinic, Melbourne
EMDR at Liminal Clinic is offered within a warm, identity-affirming, trauma-informed therapeutic environment. Many of our clients come to us with trauma that is layered—shaped by identity, community, neurodivergence, systemic stressors, and lived experience.
Healing is personal.
EMDR is never rushed, never pushed, and never delivered in a way that disconnects you from your sense of agency.
We move at your pace, guided by consent, collaboration, and clarity every step of the way.
Is EMDR Right for You?
If you’re navigating trauma, identity shifts, neurodivergence, relationship stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life, EMDR may support you in feeling more regulated, grounded, and connected to yourself.
If you’re looking for EMDR therapy in Melbourne that is inclusive, affirming, and grounded in clinical experience and lived understanding, you’re in the right place.
