EMDR Therapy: Healing Trauma at the Root

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is not just another therapy method. It's a transformative, evidence-based approach that helps individuals process distressing memories and heal from emotional wounds. At Balance Centre for Mental Health, we offer EMDR therapy as a path toward lasting relief for people impacted by trauma, anxiety, and other challenging life experiences.

How EMDR Works

Imagine cutting your hand. Your body naturally begins to heal. But if the wound keeps getting irritated or something gets stuck in it, healing slows. Once the block is removed, your body continues the healing process.

EMDR operates on a similar principle. Our brains are wired to process and heal from emotional wounds. When we experience trauma or disturbing events, that natural process can become blocked. EMDR helps remove these blocks so the mind can continue healing.

Using detailed protocols, EMDR-trained therapists guide clients through an eight-phase process. This helps the brain reprocess disturbing memories and link them to more adaptive thoughts and feelings.

What Happens During an EMDR Session?

EMDR therapy involves briefly recalling emotionally charged memories while focusing on a form of bilateral stimulation, often eye movements. Other forms may include hand tapping or auditory cues. These actions help activate the brain's natural healing system, allowing clients to reprocess trauma in a safe and structured way.

Clients are not required to talk in detail about their trauma. Instead, they are encouraged to focus on sensations, thoughts, and feelings that arise, allowing natural associations and insights to unfold. The result? A memory that once caused distress becomes less powerful, and clients begin to feel more in control.

The Science Behind EMDR

Francine Shapiro, the founder of EMDR, developed a model called Adaptive Information Processing. It suggests that traumatic experiences can remain unprocessed and stored in the brain in a way that continues to cause pain. EMDR helps process those memories, reducing emotional distress and leading to healthier beliefs and emotional states.

Research backs this up. In studies, 84%–90% of single-trauma participants no longer met the criteria for PTSD after just three 90-minute sessions. Another study found that 77% of combat veterans were PTSD-free after 12 sessions. That’s powerful evidence for real change.

The Eight Phases of EMDR Therapy

1. History & Treatment Planning

Therapists begin by understanding the client’s background and identifying distressing memories or patterns that will be the focus of treatment.

2. Preparation

Clients learn techniques to manage emotional distress. This ensures they feel safe and stable during and between sessions.

3–6. Assessment & Processing

The core of EMDR therapy begins. Clients identify the disturbing memory, negative beliefs about themselves, physical sensations, and emotional responses. Simultaneously, they focus on these while engaging in bilateral stimulation. Over time, distress decreases and positive beliefs are strengthened.

7. Closure

Clients log any related thoughts or feelings that arise between sessions, reinforcing the tools they've learned to stay grounded.

8. Re-evaluation

At the next session, progress is reviewed. If needed, therapists may return to unresolved material or begin working on new targets.

Why EMDR Feels Different

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t require deep verbal recounting of traumatic events. Clients often report profound insights and relief that feel organic and empowering. It shifts the focus from "what happened to me" to "how can I heal."

With EMDR, the meaning of past events is transformed. Survivors of trauma often move from a place of shame or helplessness to one of resilience. They leave therapy sessions feeling empowered, grounded, and reconnected with their inner strength.

EMDR Therapy for Neurodivergent Individuals

Trauma can show up differently for neurodivergent individuals. At Balance Centre, we understand that people with autism or ADHD may experience the world—and its challenges—through a different lens. That’s why EMDR therapy can be so meaningful for neurodiverse people.

Social difficulties, misunderstood behaviours, and overwhelming sensory experiences can make neurodivergent people more vulnerable to chronic stress or trauma. EMDR helps unpack those experiences gently, without requiring clients to relive painful memories in detail. The structured and predictable eight-phase approach offers a safe and affirming space to process trauma at a comfortable pace.

For autistic folks, EMDR can support emotional regulation, improve confidence, and help ease distress around social interactions. For ADHD'ers, the ability to target and process specific stress-related memories supports better focus, self-esteem, and mood regulation. Bilateral stimulation is tailored to each individual—whether that’s visual, auditory, or tactile—so sessions are as accessible as they are impactful.

As trauma is processed, people begin to shift away from feelings of shame, powerlessness, or anxiety. Instead, they move toward a renewed sense of self, one that embraces their strengths and supports their growth.

Is EMDR Right for You?

Whether you’re struggling with the aftermath of a specific event, feeling stuck in negative thought patterns, or navigating the world as a neurodivergent person, EMDR can help. It has been used successfully to treat PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and many other challenges that stem from unresolved emotional experiences.

At Balance Centre for Mental Health, our compassionate therapist, Tracey Rehe, is trained to guide you through this gentle yet effective process. Healing is possible—and it doesn’t have to take years.

Book a session with Tracey using the link below or call her on 0416957231 or email: tracey@balancecentreformentalhealth.com.au