Belinda is an accredited member through the EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA).
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach designed to help people recover from the emotional impact and symptoms caused by difficult or traumatic experiences.
Research has repeatedly shown that EMDR can produce the kinds of improvements that traditional talk therapy often takes much longer to achieve. Many people assume that deep emotional wounds require years to heal, but EMDR demonstrates that the mind can recover from psychological trauma in much the same way the body heals from a physical injury. When you cut your hand, your body naturally works to repair it—unless something keeps irritating the wound. Remove the irritation, and healing continues.
EMDR suggests that the brain functions in a similar way. Our internal information‑processing system is built to move us toward mental well‑being. When a disturbing event disrupts or overwhelms that system, the emotional injury can linger and cause significant distress. Once the blockage is addressed, the mind can resume its natural healing process.
Through structured methods and protocols taught in EMDR training, therapists guide clients in activating this innate ability to process and resolve painful experiences.
Who is EMDR for?
Suitable from age 6 years, EMDR is widely recognized as an effective treatment for post‑traumatic stress disorder and other trauma‑based difficulties.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR therapy follows an eight‑stage approach.
During one portion of the process, the therapist uses eye movements or another form of bilateral stimulation.
After identifying the first memory to work on, the clinician asks the client to focus on specific elements of that experience while visually tracking the therapist’s hand as it moves side to side.
As this occurs, the brain begins forming new internal connections—something researchers believe is related to the same biological processes involved in REM sleep. These associations help the client start to reprocess the memory and the distress tied to it.
When EMDR is effective, the emotional meaning of painful experiences shifts in a way that supports healing.
