Online EMDR Therapy available across Australia and beyond
Online EMDR Therapy available across Australia and beyond
It’s completely natural to have questions before beginning EMDR therapy.
Below you’ll find clear, compassionate answers to the most common questions clients ask.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It’s a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain process and heal from distressing experiences. Through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps your brain reprocess memories so they feel less overwhelming and more integrated.
While traditional talk therapy focuses on insight and reflection, EMDR works directly with how memories are stored in the brain and body.
You don’t have to retell every detail of your story. Instead, we focus on helping your nervous system safely digest the experiences that still feel “stuck.”
It’s often less about what you think and more about what your body still remembers.
No — EMDR is not about reliving painful events.
You’ll stay grounded in the present while gently connecting with memories at a manageable distance. We’ll guide you to notice what comes up and help you return to calm whenever needed.
You remain fully in control throughout the process, and we’ll move at a pace that feels safe.
EMDR follows an eight-phase model, including history-taking, preparation, and reprocessing.
In reprocessing, you’ll briefly bring a memory to mind while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or tones).
Your mind naturally begins to link and release stored material — much like what happens during REM sleep — until the memory loses its emotional intensity.
You can learn more about this on the What Does EMDR Therapy Look Like? page.
The number of sessions varies.
Some people experience noticeable relief within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term work — especially if there’s complex trauma, grief, or attachment wounds.
In your first few appointments, we’ll discuss a personalised plan based on your goals, history, and readiness.
Yes. Research has shown that online EMDR is just as effective as in-person EMDR for most clients.
Many people even find online sessions more comfortable and grounded, as they can remain in their own familiar space.
You can read more about this on the Online EMDR Therapy page.
You don’t need to do much — just come as you are.
That said, it helps to:
For more details, visit Preparing for Your First EMDR Session.
That’s completely okay — and very common.
Your emotional responses are part of the healing process. We’ll help you stay grounded, regulate your body, and pause whenever needed.
You’ll also learn self-soothing tools you can use between sessions.
Absolutely.
EMDR isn’t only for trauma — it can help with anxiety, low self-esteem, shame, perfectionism, grief, and blocked creativity.
If there’s an emotion or belief that feels “stuck,” EMDR can often help release it.
Most people can benefit, but EMDR may not be appropriate during acute crises or when someone is highly dissociative or unsafe in daily life.
In those cases, we’ll begin with stabilisation and parts work before moving to trauma reprocessing.
That’s completely fine.
In your first session, we’ll explore your background, needs, and goals together — and decide collaboratively whether EMDR feels like a good fit right now.
You’ll always have choice and agency in the process.
If something here hasn’t been answered or you’d like to talk it through, you’re warmly invited to have a chat with us to explore whether EMDR therapy feels right for you.
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.
We’ll be introducing a new fee structure (effective 1 Nov 2025) while maintaining our commitment to accessible therapy for all.
A two-month grace period (until 31 December 2025) applies only to the new session fees for active clients - those who has attended at least one session between 1 September and 31 October 2025, or who has completed the booking process on or before 31 October for an upcoming appointment.
Concession rates and surcharges will take effect immediately for all clients.
Thank you for your understanding and continued trust. We deeply value the space we create together.