Unlocking Trauma Healing: How does EMDR therapy work?

Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy for resolving trauma.

As a clinical psychosexual therapist and mental health social worker, many of the people I work with have experienced trauma in various forms. Trauma isn’t always a visible wound. It can be the deep emotional scars left behind after events like sexual assault, domestic violence, car accidents, natural disasters, or emotional abuse. Even witnessing a distressing event or feeling helpless in a threatening situation can have long-lasting psychological impacts.

So, what makes trauma different from other memories?

We can think of the memory of a traumatic event as consisting of three components: the sensory memory, the emotional memory, and its meaning. When someone experiences a traumatic event, the brain stores the memory differently—almost like it's frozen in time. The sights, sounds, smells, and emotions can remain vivid and intense, often resurfacing through flashbacks, nightmares, or overwhelming emotional responses. Unlike regular memories that fade and settle into the past, traumatic memories can feel like they're happening all over again.

That’s where EMDR comes in.

EMDR therapy works by helping the brain reprocess these "stuck" memories so they can be stored more like regular ones—without the intense emotional charge. During a session, clients are supported to gently bring a distressing memory to mind while using bilateral stimulation (often eye movements, tapping, or sound). This helps the brain process the memory and integrate it in a healthier way.

I feel incredibly grateful to offer EMDR as part of my therapeutic toolkit. It aligns with my values of trauma-informed, client-centred care and provides another pathway for healing and growth.

If you're curious about how EMDR might help you or someone you care about, feel free to reach out at connect@twooceans.com.au