What is EMDR Therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy was developed by Francine Shapiro during the late 1980s. EMDR has now been used effectively for over 30 years worldwide. Shapiro found that traumatic memories were processed differently to other memories, and through using EMDR she was able to kickstart the brain’s natural healing process, reducing the emotional and physical reactions she used to have when recalling the same memories.

How Does EMDR work?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) involves targeting a memory with your therapist and determining any associated thoughts and emotions. Your psychologist will guide you through a process of eight phases. These eight stages include history taking, preparation and assessment, desensitisation, installation of positive beliefs, and re-evaluation.

You will then use bilateral movements (generally eye movements), to make the memory more distant and less easy to recall. This works similarly to the eye movements experienced in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which plays a large role in memory processing. You may also use other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as the butterfly hug (tapping on your chest).

What is EMDR used for?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is most often used for the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is also effective for treating anxiety, phobias and OCD, depression, complex grief, chronic pain, addiction, and recent trauma. It is used for children, adolescents and adults.

While EMDR can be of benefit to many, like all therapies it may not work for everyone, and you should discuss your suitability with your EMDRAA accredited therapist prior to beginning.

There are two ways Sellick Psychology supports Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Therapists: EMDR Consultation and Supervision to support therapists

Patients: EMDR therapy

EMDR Consultation and Supervision

The team at Sellick Psychology in Ivanhoe are EMDRA Accredited Consultants. We offer EMDR supervision and consultation to therapists in Melbourne and across Australia. This supervision delivers a safe space for therapists to review their clinical work. Sellick Psychology supports therapists with the professional insights that only an experienced practitioner of EMDR can provide.

When a therapist engages Sellick Psychology for EMDR consultation, they are supported to explore the different client challenges that can be presented. This professional training builds a therapists skill to find better outcomes for situations that might happen during a therapy session.

Danielle Sellick is passionate about EMDR Therapy and is highly supportive of practitioners bringing EMDR into their clinical practice. The EMDR supervision and consultation sessions are available to practitioners via telehealth and also face to face in our Ivanhoe practice. Flexibility for consultation is provided with EMDR practitioners able to access Sellick Psychology on an as-needs basis or more structured format with regular consultations(fortnightly or monthly).

EMDR Therapy

As a patient, EMDR therapy begins with an initial consultation where we assess your history, current concerns and goals for therapy. Our psychologists will determine whether EMDR is the right approach for you. If EMDR therapy is appropriate, we will guide you through each of the therapy’s phases in a safe and supportive environment.

The key benefits of EMDR therapy for patients can include reduced emotional intensity of traumatic memories and improved self-esteem and belief systems. Our clients can experience fewer flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. EMDR is a non-invasive treatment that does not require extensive retelling of trauma. Studies have shown that EMDR delivers faster results than many traditional therapy methods for trauma. With decades of clinical research, EMDR is recommended as an effective treatment for trauma.

All psychologists at Sellick Psychology are EMDR trained. Contact us to book your appointment.

Sellick Psychology is a member of the EMDRA Association, which is the governing body for EMDRA therapy in Australia. Find out more about EMDR therapy with this link https://emdraa.org/