EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing)
Several of our clinicians at Oracle Psychology are trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing) therapy. Prior to commencing EMDR, the treating Psychologist will conduct an assessment in the initial sessions, which will identify whether this approach is suitable for the individual.
EMDR treatment begins with psychoeducation and mapping out the client’s symptoms, support systems, resources, and self-regulation skills. EMDR is an effective and evidence-based therapy that helps people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are associated with adverse or traumatic life experiences.
Conditions associated with adverse or traumatic life events include Phobias, Depression, Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and sleep problems. When memories and feelings associated with a traumatic event are not processed effectively by the brain, they are stored in the limbic system and symptoms continue to be triggered in the present. This can have a distressing and disabling impact on an individual’s day to day life.
EMDR is different to “talk therapy”. It uses bilateral stimulation (alternating eye movements or hand-held vibrating objects) and targets memories along with the associated thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Bilateral stimulation facilitates communication across the two hemispheres of the brain to help process traumatic or adverse memories.
Peer reviewed research shows that a significant proportion of individuals can benefit from EMDR. Therapeutic outcomes include a substantial reduction in the intensity of the triggers, memories, images, emotions, and unhelpful thoughts related to the trauma. This can result in decreased distress, reduced symptoms severity, and improved well-being across different areas of a person’s life.
EMDR is endorsed by several national and international organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Phoenix Australia. and Medicare. However, it is important to consider the potential for adverse effects on future legal investigations (i.e., if an individual has received EMDR, witness statements can be called into question).
EMDR treatment begins with psychoeducation and mapping out the client’s symptoms, support systems, resources, and self-regulation skills. EMDR is an effective and evidence-based therapy that helps people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are associated with adverse or traumatic life experiences.
Conditions associated with adverse or traumatic life events include Phobias, Depression, Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Stress, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and sleep problems. When memories and feelings associated with a traumatic event are not processed effectively by the brain, they are stored in the limbic system and symptoms continue to be triggered in the present. This can have a distressing and disabling impact on an individual’s day to day life.
EMDR is different to “talk therapy”. It uses bilateral stimulation (alternating eye movements or hand-held vibrating objects) and targets memories along with the associated thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Bilateral stimulation facilitates communication across the two hemispheres of the brain to help process traumatic or adverse memories.
Peer reviewed research shows that a significant proportion of individuals can benefit from EMDR. Therapeutic outcomes include a substantial reduction in the intensity of the triggers, memories, images, emotions, and unhelpful thoughts related to the trauma. This can result in decreased distress, reduced symptoms severity, and improved well-being across different areas of a person’s life.
EMDR is endorsed by several national and international organisations including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Phoenix Australia. and Medicare. However, it is important to consider the potential for adverse effects on future legal investigations (i.e., if an individual has received EMDR, witness statements can be called into question).
