EMDR therapy can look very different depending on where and how it is offered.
At Holding Space Clinical Psychology Services (HSCPS), EMDR is practised as a relational, trauma-informed psychotherapy, not a standalone technique. It is integrated with attachment awareness, parts-based understanding, and nervous system regulation, so that change happens in a way that feels safe, meaningful, and sustainable with care, precision, and deep respect for your pace, your parts, and your lived experience.
This page explains our approach to EMDR, how it is woven into therapy at HSCPS, and what you can expect when working with us.
If you are specifically interested in Telehealth, you may wish to visit Online EMDR Therapy at Holding Space.
EMDR can look very different depending on how it’s practised. At HSCPS, EMDR is not rushed and not imposed.
We understand symptoms, avoidance, and ambivalence as protective responses, not barriers to therapy. EMDR is offered only when your system is ready, and always with your consent.
Our approach is:
This means EMDR is used within a broader therapeutic relationship, rather than as a protocol applied in isolation.
This means we focus first on safety, stabilisation, and collaboration. You are never pushed faster than your system is ready to go into memory processing.
You can learn more about how EMDR works here: What Is EMDR?
EMDR at Holding Space is collaborative and transparent.
You are never expected to:
Instead, sessions involve:
We move with your nervous system, not ahead of it.
For an overview of the early stages of EMDR, see Your First EMDR Session.
Effective EMDR depends on preparation.
Before any memory processing begins, therapy focuses on:
This foundation supports safety during and between sessions, whether therapy is delivered in person or online.
You can read more about what supports good outcomes at What Helps EMDR Work Best.
At HSCPS, EMDR is not treated as a “one-off intervention”.
It is integrated into ongoing therapy, allowing space for:
This approach often suits people who:
If you are unsure whether EMDR is right for you, Is EMDR for Me? may help clarify fit.
Many of our clients are:
They often say:
Our EMDR work is designed for people who are outwardly functional but inwardly carrying a heavy load.
Rather than working against protective responses, therapy involves:
This approach helps EMDR feel more contained and respectful, particularly for clients who have learned to cope by staying in control or minimising their needs.
Faster is not better in trauma therapy. Effective EMDR depends on nervous system readiness.
We spend time building:
This creates more sustainable change and fewer overwhelm responses.
If part of you wants healing and another part feels scared, resistant, or sceptical, we welcome that.
We integrate parts-informed EMDR, which means:
This is especially important for complex trauma and attachment wounds.
EMDR is not only for single-incident trauma.
We regularly work with:
Care is taken to tailor EMDR to your unique history and nervous system.
If you’re looking for a therapist who will “just do EMDR quickly”, we may not be the right fit.
If you’re looking for depth, safety, and attunement, you’re in the right place.
You can read more about what to expect here: Your First EMDR Session
If you’re seeking trauma therapy that is:
We would be honoured to work with you.
You don’t need to be certain. You don’t need to be “ready enough”.
If something here resonates, that’s enough to start a conversation.
EMDR at Holding Space is available:
The same clinical care, structure, and pacing apply in both formats.
If you are considering online therapy specifically, please visit Online EMDR Therapy at Holding Space for detailed information about Telehealth EMDR, safety, and emotional presence.
If this approach resonates, you are welcome to explore starting therapy.
You can:
Online EMDR is not a compromise. For many clients, it’s an advantage.
Telehealth allows you to:
At Holding Space, we intentionally adapt EMDR protocols for online delivery, including bilateral stimulation methods that work effectively via Telehealth.
Learn more here: Online EMDR Therapy at Holding Space
Address: Suite 3, 6 Geils Court, Deakin, ACT 2600
Email: support@hscps.au
Phone: 02 5115 1159
Fax: 02 6188 7368
Copyright © 2025 Holding Space Clinical Psychology Services - All Rights Reserved.
Face-to-face (Thur): 2 months' wait
Telehealth (Mon, Wed, Thur): 1-2 weeks' wait