EMDR
Therapy.
Sometimes an experience may be over, yet its emotional impact continues to affect the present.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy approach, particularly well established for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related difficulties.
At Smiling Hearts And Minds, EMDR therapy is approached with professional care, collaboration and respect for each person’s readiness, experiences and circumstances.
Your pace.
Thoughtful care.
Understanding the impact
of difficult experiences.
Working collaboratively
towards meaningful change.
When the past
affects the present.
Difficult or overwhelming experiences can sometimes continue to influence how we feel, think and respond, even when those events happened a long time ago.
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing . It is a structured psychotherapy approach developed to help people process distressing memories and associated emotional responses.
During EMDR processing, a therapist may guide you to notice aspects of a distressing memory while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, alternating sounds or tapping.
EMDR does not aim to erase a memory or change what happened. Instead, it aims to help the experience become less distressing and less disruptive to everyday life.
You remain awake and aware during EMDR therapy. The process is collaborative, and you can communicate your needs or request a pause at any time.
An important distinction: EMDR is more than eye movements. Assessment, preparation, stabilisation and review are essential parts of the therapeutic process. Trauma processing does not automatically begin during the first appointment.
Support for trauma
and difficult experiences.
EMDR has particularly strong evidence for PTSD. It may also be considered for other concerns connected with distressing experiences, following appropriate clinical assessment.
This list is not a statement that EMDR is suitable or proven equally effective for every concern. Not all emotional difficulties are trauma-related. Service suitability, scope of practice, safety and alternative treatments are considered through assessment.
Carefully paced.
Collaboratively guided.
People experience trauma differently. The pace and focus of therapy should reflect each person’s needs, current circumstances and capacity to engage safely in treatment.
EMDR at SHM includes professional assessment, careful preparation and ongoing review.
We seek to establish a respectful, collaborative therapeutic relationship where questions, concerns and personal boundaries can be discussed.
Before beginning memory processing, we consider your history, current symptoms, wellbeing, coping resources and treatment goals.
Some people need more time for stabilisation and emotional regulation before trauma processing. There is no expectation to rush.
We review the response to therapy and adjust the treatment approach according to your circumstances and needs.
The eight phases
of EMDR therapy.
EMDR follows an eight-phase therapeutic framework. These phases guide assessment, preparation, processing and review. They are not necessarily completed in eight sessions.
History & Treatment Planning
Your therapist seeks to understand your history, presenting concerns, current circumstances and treatment goals. Together, you consider whether EMDR is suitable and develop an appropriate plan.
Preparation
You learn about the EMDR process and develop grounding, emotional regulation and stabilisation strategies to support you during treatment.
Assessment
When appropriate, a relevant memory is identified alongside connected beliefs, emotions and physical sensations. The therapist helps assess the level of distress.
Desensitisation
The therapist guides memory processing using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, alternating sounds or taps, while monitoring your responses.
Installation
The work focuses on strengthening a more adaptive or helpful belief associated with the experience being processed.
Body Scan
Attention is given to physical sensations associated with the experience and whether further processing may be needed.
Closure
Sessions conclude with attention to grounding and stability, whether or not the processing of a particular memory has been completed.
Re-evaluation
At a following appointment, you and your therapist review progress, current responses and any further treatment priorities.
The time required for each phase varies between clients. Some phases may extend across several appointments, and multiple phases may be addressed within a single session.
Is EMDR therapy
right for you?
EMDR may be worth exploring if difficult memories or past experiences continue to affect your wellbeing. An individual assessment is important before beginning trauma processing.
You may be considering EMDR if…
- Certain memories remain emotionally distressing.
- You experience strong reactions to reminders of past events.
- You have intrusive memories or trauma-related nightmares.
- You want to explore trauma-focused psychotherapy.
- You would like to understand whether EMDR could be appropriate for your needs.
Assessment comes first.
Before trauma processing, it is important to consider your emotional stability, coping capacity, current safety, support systems and relevant physical or mental health concerns.
Some people may benefit from further preparation, stabilisation or another therapeutic approach before EMDR processing is considered.
Suitability and treatment planning are discussed collaboratively.
EMDR therapy
session fees.
EMDR appointments are available face-to-face and online where clinically appropriate and subject to availability. All fees are in Australian dollars.
Booking information: Full payment of $295 is required when booking an EMDR session. SHM does not accept deposits or partial payments. Each Book & Pay button opens the SHM Client Portal; please select the matching appointment type.
If you are new to EMDR or unsure whether this is the appropriate first appointment, please enquire before booking. Your first appointment may focus on assessment and preparation rather than memory processing.
A 10-session package.
SHM offers a 10% discount on the normal session fee when a package of 10 sessions is paid upfront in one payment.
Package sessions are 60 minutes each. The suitability of a package for EMDR therapy, its applicable total fee and specific conditions should be discussed before purchase.
Full payment of the agreed discounted package price is required in a single payment. Deposits and instalments are not available.
Care that considers
your circumstances.
The appropriate appointment format depends on your needs, current circumstances, clinical suitability and service availability.
Face-to-Face
EMDR appointments are offered by arrangement at 232 Main Road East, St Albans VIC 3021, subject to availability.
Online / Telehealth
EMDR may be offered online where clinically appropriate. A private, quiet environment and stable internet connection are important.
English & Vietnamese
You are welcome to enquire about EMDR therapy in English or Vietnamese. Please mention your language preference when contacting SHM.
A considered way
to begin.
You can ask questions about EMDR before booking. When you are ready, the next steps are clear.
Consider Your Needs
Review the EMDR service information and consider whether you would like to discuss trauma-focused therapy. If unsure, make an enquiry first.
Book & Pay in Full
Select an available EMDR appointment through the SHM Client Portal and complete payment of the full session fee. No deposit is accepted.
Assessment & Preparation
Your therapist will consider your history, current circumstances and readiness. The first session may involve assessment and preparation before EMDR processing.
Clear fees.
Clear arrangements.
Please review SHM’s payment, cancellation and rescheduling conditions before booking an EMDR appointment.
Before you book
Full payment of $295 is required when booking an EMDR session. SHM does not accept deposits or partial payments.
Individual appointments may be cancelled or rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice without a cancellation fee.
A cancellation fee of 50% ordinarily applies to individual appointments.
A cancellation fee of 100% ordinarily applies to individual appointments.
Cancellation charges and refunds are subject to SHM’s applicable policy, relevant circumstances and Australian Consumer Law.
Questions about
EMDR therapy?
You may have questions about the process, what to expect and whether EMDR is suitable for you. Those questions are welcome.
What does EMDR stand for?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a structured psychotherapy approach used particularly for PTSD and trauma-related difficulties.
Will I need to describe every detail of my trauma?
Not necessarily. EMDR does not require you to recount every detail of an experience aloud. Your therapist will still need enough relevant information to understand your needs and assess suitability and safety.
Does EMDR begin with trauma processing in the first session?
Not automatically. Initial sessions may focus on assessment, treatment planning, preparation and stabilisation. The timing of memory processing depends on individual readiness and clinical suitability.
Will I remain aware and in control during EMDR?
Yes. EMDR is not hypnosis. You remain awake and aware during the process. You can speak to your therapist, raise concerns or request a pause.
Can EMDR bring up difficult emotions?
Yes. Trauma-focused therapy can sometimes bring up distressing feelings, memories, physical sensations or changes in dreams between appointments. Assessment, preparation, monitoring and stabilisation strategies are important parts of EMDR treatment.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and complexity of the experiences, current circumstances, treatment goals and readiness. There is no fixed number of sessions or guaranteed outcome.
Can EMDR be provided online?
EMDR may be available through Telehealth when clinically appropriate. Your therapist will consider suitability, privacy, safety and practical arrangements before proceeding.
Can I attend EMDR in Vietnamese?
You are welcome to enquire about EMDR appointments in English or Vietnamese. Please mention your preferred language when contacting SHM.
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is generally not required for privately funded EMDR therapy. Some referral or funding arrangements may involve additional requirements.
How much does an EMDR appointment cost?
The listed EMDR Therapy session fee is $295 AUD for a 60–90 minute appointment. Full payment is required at booking.
Can I pay a deposit instead of the full fee?
No. SHM requires full payment of the session fee when booking. Deposits and partial payments are not accepted.
Is there a 10-session package?
SHM offers a 10% discount on the normal session fee when a package of 10 sessions is paid upfront in one payment. Please enquire about suitability, session duration, the total fee and package conditions before purchasing.
A thoughtful place
to begin.
If difficult memories or past experiences continue to affect your wellbeing, you are welcome to enquire about EMDR therapy. We can discuss your circumstances and whether this approach may be an appropriate option.
SHM is not an emergency or crisis response service. If you or another person is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.