EMDR Trauma Therapy
Available in Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula and Mount Gambier regions
Trauma Therapy with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapeutic approach that enables people to heal from disturbing memories and emotional pain resulting from lived life experiences that were disturbing, traumatic or distressing.
Unlike traditional methods, EMDR demonstrates that mental trauma, much like physical trauma, can be efficiently addressed. By removing blocks and utilizing learned protocols, clinicians guide clients in activating their natural healing processes, providing relief from emotional distress that may have previously taken years to alleviate.
EMDR therapy boasts a robust body of research, with over 30 positive controlled outcome studies validating its efficacy. Noteworthy statistics indicate that 84%-90% of single-trauma victims no longer meet PTSD criteria after just three 90-minute sessions. Another study reported a remarkable 100% recovery for single-trauma victims and 77% for multiple-trauma victims after only six 50-minute sessions.
Combat veterans, too, experienced significant relief, with 77% PTSD-free after 12 sessions. Recognised by esteemed organizations like the American Psychiatric Association, World Health Organization, and the US Department of Defense, EMDR is acknowledged globally as a potent treatment for trauma. With over 100,000 clinicians and millions of successfully treated individuals worldwide in the past 33 years, its effectiveness extends beyond trauma to address diverse issues, from low self-esteem to pervasive problems that lead individuals to seek therapy.
Some ways that EMDR therapy had worked
How Does EMDR Work?
During EMDR trauma therapy sessions, our expert psychotherapist will guide you through a structured eight-phase process.
History & Treatment Planning
Phase 1Discuss client’s history and develop a treatment plan with attention to traumatic events to reprocess. Assess client’s internal and external resources.
Preparation
Phase 2Explain EMDR therapy process and set expectations. Address any concerns and questions. Prepare client with specific techniques to cope with emotional disturbances that may arise.
Assessment
Phase 3Identify the event to reprocess including physical sensations, images, feelings and beliefs. Before reprocessing, establish initial measures as baselines such as Subjective Units of Distress and Validity of Cognitive.
Desensitization
Phase 4Begin eye movements, taps or other dual attention Bilateral Stimulations while client thinks about the traumatic event. Focus on descreasing client’s SUD until it has dropped significantly which allows new thoughts, images, feelings and sensations to emerge.
Installation
Phase 5Strengthen a positive belief that the client wants to associate with the target event until it feels completely true.
Body Scan
Phase 6The client is asked to hold in mind both the target event and the positive belief while mentally scan the body from head to toe. Process any lingering disturbance from the body with Bilateral Stimulations.
Closure
Phase 7Help the client to return to a state of calm in the present moment. Reprocessing of an event is complete when the client feels neutral about it, the positive belief feels completely true, and the body is completely clear of disturbance.
Reevaluation
Phase 8At the start of each new session, therapist and client discuss recently processed memories to ensure that distress is still low and positive cognition is strong. Future targets and directions for continued treatment are determined.
Benefits from EMDR Therapy
Effective Trauma Resolution
EMDR has shown remarkable success in resolving trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and other trauma-related conditions.
Accelerated Healing
EMDR trauma therapy often achieves results more rapidly than traditional talk therapy, offering a more efficient path to recovery.
Holistic Well-Being
By addressing the root of trauma, EMDR supports overall mental and emotional well-being, fostering resilience and empowerment.
Private Health Fund Rebate, Return to Work and NDIS Support Available!
Dr Timothy Hsi
Dr Tim has more than 2 decades of experience as a psychotherapist specialising in working with clients presenting with traumatic pasts or memories. He utilises EMDR therapy as the main treatment protocol to assist clients to heal and recover from the traumatic incidents.
To read more about Dr Tim, click here.
To read more about EMDR, click here
