Understanding EMDR Therapy for PTSD in Australia
Introduction: EMDR for PTSD in Australia
Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, manifesting through distressing symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, emotional numbness, and heightened states of alertness. For many Australians living with PTSD, finding effective treatment approaches is essential for recovery. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has emerged as a leading evidence‐based treatment specifically developed to address trauma symptoms.
This structured therapeutic approach, now widely available across Australia, helps individuals process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. EMDR therapy works with the brain's natural healing capabilities to transform how traumatic memories are stored, ultimately reducing their ability to cause ongoing distress.
Key points about EMDR for PTSD in Australia include:
EMDR is an evidence‐based therapy recognised by major health organisations worldwide for treating trauma.
The approach is widely available throughout Australia from appropriately trained mental health professionals.
EMDR focuses on processing traumatic memories rather than just managing symptoms.
Research consistently demonstrates EMDR's effectiveness for various types of trauma, including both single‐incident and more complex experiences.
In this educational article, we'll explore how EMDR therapy works, its overall effectiveness for trauma recovery in Australia, and what to consider when seeking treatment.
SANE Australia - PTSD Resources
Understanding PTSD and Trauma in Australia
Overview of PTSD
Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. PTSD involves a range of symptoms—including intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and hyperarousal—that can severely disrupt daily life.
While PTSD affects many Australians, it is important to note that traumatic experiences vary. PTSD can also result from adult‐onset events such as accidents, violence, or natural disasters. Recognising the diversity in trauma sources is crucial when considering treatment options.
Key Facts about PTSD in Australia
Approximately two‐thirds of Australians will experience at least one potentially traumatic event in their lifetime.
Women are more likely than men to develop PTSD after trauma exposure.
PTSD often co‐occurs with conditions like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Without appropriate treatment, PTSD symptoms can persist for years or even decades.
Childhood trauma increases the risk of developing PTSD, but it’s just one of several contributing factors.
Understanding these points emphasizes the importance of early, evidence‐based interventions such as EMDR therapy.
Understanding EMDR Therapy
EMDR for PTSD in Australia
EMDR therapy is a structured psychotherapy technique specifically designed to help people recover from traumatic experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation—typically guided eye movements, alternating taps, or tones—while the client briefly focuses on traumatic memories. This process helps the brain reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional intensity and changing how they are stored.
Developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR was introduced after she observed that certain eye movements could reduce the distress related to traumatic memories. Her work led to the Adaptive Information Processing model, which asserts that trauma disrupts normal memory processing. EMDR works to restore that system so that distressing memories can be processed similarly to non‐traumatic ones.
Key Aspects of EMDR Therapy
Does not require detailed descriptions of the traumatic event.
Focuses on altering how memories are stored rather than merely changing thoughts about them.
Progress may occur more rapidly than with traditional talk therapies.
The client remains in control throughout the process.
Follows a standardised eight‐phase protocol.
In Australia, EMDR therapy is practised by specially trained mental health professionals and social workers, and the Australian Psychological Society recognises EMDR as an empirically supported treatment for PTSD. For more information, see the Australian Psychological Society - EMDR.
Cleveland Clinic - EMDR Therapy
How EMDR Helps Process Traumatic Memories
Mechanisms of EMDR
The effectiveness of EMDR therapy lies in its ability to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. Trauma can cause memories to be stored with the associated distress, physical sensations, and negative beliefs. Over time, EMDR reprocesses these memories so that, when recalled, they no longer trigger an emotional response that is as intense.
EMDR follows an eight‐phase protocol:
History‐taking: Collecting background information and identifying treatment targets.
Preparation: Teaching self‐regulation techniques and establishing a safe environment.
Assessment: Identifying key elements of the traumatic memory (images, beliefs, emotions, sensations).
Desensitisation: Using bilateral stimulation to help process the memory.
Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs to replace negative ones.
Body scan: Checking for and processing residual tension.
Closure: Ensuring the client returns to a stable emotional state.
Reevaluation: Assessing progress at subsequent sessions.
Key Processing Benefits
Bilateral stimulation activates brain mechanisms similar to those during REM sleep.
Helps "unstick" traumatic memories from their emotional charge.
Facilitates integration of adaptive information with the traumatic memory.
The goal is to reduce the emotional impact rather than erase the memory.
Research consistently shows that EMDR can reduce PTSD symptoms in fewer sessions compared to many conventional therapies. For additional insights, see PMC - EMDR Overview.
Effectiveness of EMDR Across Trauma Types
Broad Applicability and Outcomes
Numerous studies support the use of EMDR for a range of traumatic experiences—from single‐incident trauma (such as accidents or assaults) to complex trauma that often involves prolonged exposure to adverse experiences -such as during childhood. EMDR has demonstrated particularly robust results for single‐incident trauma, with 84–90% of patients no longer meeting PTSD criteria after three 90‐minute sessions. For complex trauma, including cases involving childhood adversity, modified EMDR protocols have also shown positive outcomes.
Reduction in flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.
Diminished hyperarousal symptoms like irritability and startle responses.
Improved avoidance behaviours and negative self‐perceptions.
Long‐term maintenance of treatment gains.
For further reading, see the de Jongh et al. 2019 Study on EMDR.
Complex Trauma Therapy in Australia
Integrative Approaches for Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
Complex trauma often results from prolonged or multiple traumatic experiences, such as childhood abuse or domestic violence. Its treatment requires specialised approaches that address not only PTSD symptoms but also the deep‐rooted effects on emotional regulation, relationships, and self‐identity.
In Australia, practitioners offer an integrative approach that may combine EMDR with other evidence‐based methods such as Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF‐CBT), Schema Therapy, or Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). While EMDR has shown positive results even in cases of complex trauma, its protocols are often modified to suit the unique needs of these clients.
Specialised treatment plans are developed for complex trauma.
Focus on both symptom relief and deeper emotional healing.
Services are available in both public and private sectors.
For more information on complex trauma treatment, visit the Black Dog Institute.
CU Anschutz News - Complex Trauma Treatments
Finding Support for PTSD and Trauma Recovery
Navigating Trauma‐Informed Care in Australia
Finding appropriate professional support is critical for recovery from PTSD and trauma. In Australia, trauma‐informed care is accessible through various pathways. When seeking help, it is important to choose a mental health professional - such as a registered psychologist, with training in EMDR and other trauma treatments.
Key considerations when selecting a practitioner include:
Verifying registration with the Psychology Board of Australia via AHPRA.
Ensuring the clinician has training in trauma treatments.
Experience in addressing both adult and childhood trauma where applicable.
A trauma‐informed approach that emphasises safety, collaboration, and client empowerment.
For further resources, organisations such as Blue Knot Foundation, The Butterfly Foundation, and SANE Australia offer valuable guidance.
SANE Australia - PTSD Resources
Conclusion
EMDR for PTSD Australia
EMDR therapy represents a significant advancement in treating PTSD and trauma‐related conditions in Australia. Its structured, evidence‐based approach—with bilateral stimulation and a systematic protocol—helps the brain process traumatic memories so their emotional impact is reduced while preserving the essential details.
The article has covered how EMDR works across different trauma types, including both single‐incident and complex trauma. While childhood trauma is an important area of focus for many, the overall approach is applicable across a broad range of traumatic experiences.
Key takeaways include:
EMDR is a structured, evidence‐based approach specifically designed for trauma processing.
It is widely practised across Australia by trained mental health professionals.
EMDR can be effective for both single‐incident and complex trauma cases.
Treatment is tailored to the individual's needs and may be integrated with other therapies.
Choosing a mental health professional with EMDR training for effective treatment with EMDR.
While EMDR offers a powerful option for trauma recovery, it is important to remember that treatment is highly individual. For anyone experiencing PTSD or trauma‐related distress, consulting with a qualified, trauma‐informed psychologist or equivalent mental health professional is a crucial first step.
If you would like more information about EMDR therapy for PTSD, please contact Salt & Earth Psychology to speak with a registered psychologist who can provide further guidance.
References
Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. (2013). Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. ACPMH, Melbourne.
Cleveland Clinic. (2022). EMDR Therapy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy
de Jongh, A., Amann, B. L., Hofmann, A., Farrell, D., & Lee, C. W. (2019). The status of EMDR therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder 30 years after its introduction. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 261–269. Link
EMDR International Association. (2022). Research on EMDR. https://www.emdria.org/blog/emdr-therapy-for-ptsd/
Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. (2020). Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex PTSD.
RACGP. (2021). PTSD: An update for general practitioners. Link
SANE Australia. (2022). Post‐traumatic stress disorder. Link
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
