Understanding EMDR: How Your Brain Can Heal From Trauma
What Is EMDR?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a type of therapy that helps people who have experienced trauma. If you’ve ever found it hard to move past something upsetting that happened to you, EMDR may be helpful. It’s not about forgetting the memory — it’s about helping your brain and body feel less overwhelmed by it.
EMDR is different from traditional talk therapy. Instead of just talking through a problem, EMDR helps your brain reprocess distressing memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. It’s a structured therapy used by trained psychologists, including those at Synergy Clinical Services in Broadmeadow.
How Does EMDR Work?
EMDR uses a process called bilateral stimulation. This means that both sides of your brain are activated. This is usually done with guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds that go from left to right.
This process is similar to what happens naturally during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep — the part of sleep when we dream. REM sleep helps our brain process emotions and experiences. EMDR mimics this natural function to help you "file away" distressing memories in a healthier way.
Over time, EMDR can help the emotional sting of a memory fade. You may still remember the event, but it no longer causes the same level of distress.
Who Might EMDR Help?
EMDR is used to support people dealing with many types of emotional challenges, including:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Childhood trauma
Anxiety
Panic attacks
Phobias
Grief and loss
Emotional distress after accidents or medical issues
At our Broadmeadow clinic, we often see people who have experienced difficult events but never had the chance to process them properly. EMDR offers a safe, evidence-based method to start that healing journey.
What Happens in an EMDR Session?
An EMDR session usually involves eight stages. These are not rushed — your psychologist will move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you.
History taking – Your psychologist will learn more about your background and the challenges you're facing.
Preparation – You’ll learn strategies to manage distress and stay grounded during therapy.
Assessment – You and your psychologist will identify a specific memory to work on.
Desensitisation – This is where the bilateral stimulation begins while you focus on the memory.
Installation – Positive beliefs are paired with the memory to reduce its emotional weight.
Body scan – You’ll check for any leftover tension in the body.
Closure – Each session ends in a calm, grounded state.
Re-evaluation – At your next session, you’ll check in on progress and plan the next step.
Each EMDR journey is unique. Some people may see progress in a few sessions, while others may need more time depending on the complexity of the trauma.
Why EMDR Is Different
Many therapies focus on changing thoughts. EMDR focuses on the experience stored in the body and brain. Sometimes, even if we know something is no longer a threat, our body may still react with anxiety, fear, or panic.
EMDR helps the brain and nervous system update that information. For example, instead of reacting to a loud noise like it’s a danger, your body can learn to recognise that it’s just a sound — not a threat.
This makes EMDR especially helpful for trauma that’s been "locked in" or not fully processed.
Is EMDR Safe?
Yes. EMDR is widely recognised as a safe and effective treatment for trauma. It is supported by research and recommended by organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
At Synergy Clinical Services in Broadmeadow, our clinical psychologists are trained in EMDR and provide a calm, confidential environment for this work.
It’s important to note that EMDR can sometimes bring up strong emotions or memories. That’s why it’s always delivered by a qualified therapist who knows how to guide the process gently and safely.
How to Start EMDR Therapy in Broadmeadow
If you’re in Broadmeadow, Newcastle or the surrounding areas and are looking for EMDR therapy, Synergy Clinical Services can help.
We offer personalised treatment tailored to your needs. You don’t need a mental health diagnosis to benefit from EMDR — just a willingness to work with a trained therapist toward emotional healing.
Final Thoughts
Trauma doesn’t have to define you. If you’ve been feeling stuck or overwhelmed by past events, EMDR is one of the most researched and respected therapies available.
At Synergy Clinical Services, we’re here to support you with compassion and care every step of the way.
To learn more or book an initial consultation, visit our contact page or call us directly at (02) 4072 1868. (EMDR can be provided via Telehealth for clients not local to Broadmeadow/Newcastle.)
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical or psychological condition. If you are in crisis or need urgent help, please contact emergency services or a mental health support service in your area.
