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What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful psychological treatment used to relieve psychological stress. It has been used effectively for over 30 years in a variety of international settings. It is primarily used to treat trauma & PTSD but is also effective for:
- Panic attacks
- Complicated grief
- Dissociative disorders
- Pain disorders
- Body dysmorphic disorders
- Eating disorders
- Sexual or Physical abuse
- Performance anxiety
- Stress reduction
- Disturbing & distressing memories
- Phobias
Why EMDR?
Often disturbing events happen in our lives that stay with us. The brain cannot process information as it ordinarily does. One moment can become ‘frozen in time’ and remembering the trauma may feel as bad as going through it for the first time. This is because the images, sounds, smells and feelings still seem to be there – they haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way that they relate to other people.
EMDR has a positive effect on how the brain processes information. Following an EMDR session, the person no longer relives the trauma. They still recall that an incident happened, but it no longer feels upsetting.
How does EMDR work?
During EMDR therapy sessions, you gently re-engage with previously traumatic or triggering experiences in brief doses while the therapist directs your eye movements.
EMDR is thought to be effective because recalling distressing events is often less emotionally upsetting when your attention is diverted. This allows you to be exposed to the memories or thoughts without having a strong psychological response. Over time, this technique is believed to lessen the impact that the memories or thoughts have on you.
What are the advantages of EMDR?
EMDR Therapy goes beyond treating symptoms and addresses the underlying core issues
‘beneath the tip of the iceberg’. This results in significant, long term results. Because EMDR changes the way that the brain processes information and experiences, once an issue has been fully resolved, it is unlikely to re-emerge in the future. EMDR therapy is often referred to as an accelerated form of therapy, meaning that what other therapeutic approaches may accomplish in many sessions, EMDR can accomplish in significantly fewer sessions.
It is also a type of therapy that doesn’t require talking about the details of the actual trauma; rather, participants are asked to think of the trauma and describe what they experience when they think about it.
How much does it cost?
EMDR therapy is provided by several psychologists who consult at Neurocentrix, and more information on their fees can be found here. EMDR is recommended as a preferred psychological therapy by Medicare, and as such is eligible for a Medicare rebate when conducted under a valid Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
How do I get seen?
Anyone can book an appointment with one of the psychologists who consults with Neurocentrix, however if you attend your local GP and obtain a referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates of up to 10 sessions per year. These rebates will partially offset the cost of your sessions. Please direct your GP to email referrals and Mental Health Care Plans to our clinic.