EMDR Therapy

multicolored wall in shallow focus photography
multicolored wall in shallow focus photography

Trauma doesn't just live in your memory; it lives in your body, your nervous system, and your daily reactions. Whether you're navigating the pressures of a creative career, processing complex identity experiences, or simply trying to find peace in a chaotic world, traditional talk therapy sometimes hits a ceiling.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is different. It’s an evidence-based, fast-track approach that helps your brain process stuck memories so they stop dictating your present.

Stop surviving. Start living.

Why EMDR? Unlike talk therapy, which focuses on telling the story, EMDR focuses on processing the memory. By using bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones), we help your brain unlock and reprocess traumatic or distressing events.

The result?

  • Reduced emotional charge from past events.

  • Clearer thinking and reduced anxiety.

  • A shift from "I am broken" to "I survived, and I am okay."

  • Faster results than traditional therapy for many clients.

How It Works (The Solution)

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A Direct Path to Processing & Relief

EMDR isn't about retelling your story forever. It's about reprocessing it. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy that helps your brain unlock and process traumatic or distressing memories that are "stuck." Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can sometimes keep you stuck in the narrative, EMDR targets the root of the distress to reduce its emotional charge and help you move forward.
Our Process: Flexible, Safe, and Efficient We don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Whether you need a gentle introduction or a deep dive, we tailor the pace to your nervous system and your goals.

Step 1: Preparation & Safety Before we touch the difficult material, we assess if it's safe to begin. We ensure you have the coping strategies, grounding techniques, self-care strategies needed to stay safe and regulated throughout the process, and after. This phase is crucial—we never rush into the deep end without a life jacket. We may also integrate a variety of therapies before, during, and after the actual EMDR processing - it's tailored to your needs.

Step 2: Choosing Your Session Length We offer three distinct formats to match your needs and lifestyle:

  • The 50-Minute Session: Perfect for a gentle trial, spaced-out processing, or ongoing maintenance. Ideal if you want to test the waters or prefer a slower, more manageable pace.

  • The 75-Minute Session: Our recommended starting point for most clients. The extra time allows for a deeper assessment, stronger rapport, and more substantial processing in a single sitting. Great for those ready to move faster.

  • The 2-Hour Intensive: Designed for deep work. If you are visiting Melbourne, have a busy schedule, or want to tackle a significant block in one go, this allows for extended processing windows and faster integration of insights.

Step 3: Processing Once we identify the target memory, we use bilateral stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones) to help your brain do what it naturally does: digest and heal. You stay in control the entire time. If it gets too intense, we pause. We go at your speed. You can always stop, come back, or change your mind.

Step 4: Integration After processing, we debrief and ensure you leave the session feeling stable and grounded. We discuss how to integrate these new insights into your daily life.

The Goal: To help you shift from "I am broken" to "I survived, and I am okay."

View through a cave opening to a rocky beach and ocean.
View through a cave opening to a rocky beach and ocean.

Session Options (The Choice)

🌱 The 50-Minute Session
$195


Best for: Trial runs, maintenance, and spaced-out processing. Ideal if you are new to EMDR, want to test the waters, or prefer a gentler, slower pace. This is perfect for ongoing support where you want to build momentum without overwhelming your schedule.

  • Frequency: Weekly or bi-weekly.

  • Best for: Building safety and steady progress.

🚀 The 75-Minute Session
$295


Best for: Initial consultations and accelerated progress. The sweet spot for starting your journey. The extra 25 minutes allows us to deepen the assessment, establish a strong therapeutic alliance, and begin processing sooner in the same session.

  • Frequency: Weekly.

  • Best for: Clients ready to dive in and maximize every appointment.

⚡ The 2-Hour Intensive
$520


Best for: Deep work, visiting clients, and rapid transformation. Jump straight into the heart of the matter. These extended sessions are designed for those who want to process significant material in one sitting, reduce the number of weeks spent in therapy, or are visiting Melbourne and want to see me in person.

  • Frequency: As needed (often 1–3 sessions can achieve what takes months elsewhere).

  • Best for: Busy professionals, creatives, travelers, and those seeking fast-track healing.

  • A follow up session is highly recommend.

Once the assessment is complete and treatment begins, we offer flexible formats to match your needs.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail? Not necessarily. One of the biggest misconceptions about EMDR is that you need to relive the trauma in graphic detail. While we need to identify the memory, the processing happens largely in your brain, not through endless storytelling. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. We focus on the feeling and the belief, not just the narrative.

How do I know which session length is right for me? If you are new to EMDR or feel anxious about the process, start with the 50-minute session to build safety. If you are ready to dive in and want to maximize your time, the 75-minute session is ideal. If you have a specific, heavy target you want to clear quickly, or you are traveling to see me, the 2-hour intensive is the most efficient route. We can discuss this during your free consultation.

Is EMDR safe? Will it make me feel worse? EMDR is safe when done by a trained therapist. It can bring up difficult emotions temporarily as the memory is processed, but we always ensure you have grounding tools before we start and before you leave the session. If at any point you feel overwhelmed, we stop. Your safety and regulation are our top priorities.

How many sessions will I need? It varies. Some single-trauma events can be resolved in 1–3 sessions. Complex trauma or long-standing patterns may take longer. The 2-hour intensives are specifically designed to accelerate this process, often achieving in a few hours what might take weeks in standard sessions. We will assess your progress after every session and adjust the plan accordingly.

Can I do EMDR online? Yes. EMDR is highly effective via secure video platforms. We use digital eye-movement tools, audio taps, physical tapping or a combination, that work perfectly remotely. Whether you are in Melbourne or anywhere in the world, you get the same quality of care.

What if I have a history of dissociation or complex trauma? This is where the preparation phase is critical. We will take extra time to ensure you are stable and have strong coping mechanisms before we begin processing. EMDR can be adapted for complex trauma, but we move slowly and carefully to ensure you don't become overwhelmed.

Do you work with LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent clients? Absolutely. As a queer, Hakka therapist, I bring a culturally informed, affirmative perspective to EMDR. I understand how minority stress, identity, and neurodivergence can impact trauma. We adapt the bilateral stimulation and pacing to suit your sensory needs and identity. You don't have to explain your background to me; you just have to show up.

Does it work with other issues? Absolutely. It doesn't have to feel like Trauma, with a capital T. It can address relational wounds, addiction, limiting beliefs, and unhelpful behaviors. We often use it in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches. We'll assess if, when, and how it’s appropriate for your specific needs.

Comon Questions

Frequently asked questions about EMDR Therapy