Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
A different approach to healing from trauma
At Pine Rivers Private Hospital, we understand that difficult life experiences can continue to affect how you feel, think and respond long after the event has passed.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy designed to help people process and recover from traumatic experiences, distressing memories, anxiety and other emotional challenges.
Rather than focusing solely on talking about the past, EMDR helps the brain reprocess difficult memories so they become less overwhelming and emotionally distressing.
Who can EMDR help?
EMDR may be helpful for people experiencing:
- Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Childhood trauma
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Workplace or first responder trauma
- Medical trauma
- Relationship difficulties
- Phobias and performance anxiety
Your treating psychiatrist will discuss whether EMDR may be an appropriate part of your treatment plan.
What does EMDR look like at Pine Rivers Private Hospital?
Many people are unsure what to expect from EMDR therapy.
At Pine Rivers Private Hospital, EMDR is delivered by trained clinicians in a safe, supportive and structured environment as part of your broader treatment program.
EMDR is part of our specialised inpatient programs and patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 weeks for the treatment depending on your clinician.
During EMDR sessions, you will work with your clinician to:
- Identify specific memories, experiences or situations causing distress.
- Learn strategies to help you feel calm, grounded and emotionally safe.
- Focus briefly on the memory while participating in guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or sounds.
- Allow the brain to process the experience in a different way, reducing the emotional intensity associated with it.
- Build healthier beliefs, coping strategies and confidence moving forward.
You remain fully awake, aware and in control throughout the process. EMDR is not hypnosis, and you can stop at any time.Many people describe feeling lighter, less emotionally overwhelmed, or better able to think about past experiences without the same level of distress.
EMDR as part of your care
EMDR may be offered as part of an individualised treatment plan alongside other therapies available at Pine Rivers Private Hospital, including:
- Inpatient mental health treatment
- Group therapy
- Psychiatric care
- Psychology services
- Trauma-focused treatment programs
Our multidisciplinary team works collaboratively to ensure your treatment is personalised to your needs and recovery goals.
Taking the first step
Seeking support can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone.
If you would like to learn more about EMDR or discuss treatment options at Pine Rivers Private Hospital, our team is here to help.
Contact us today to speak with our admissions team or discuss a referral with your General Practitioner or Psychiatrist.
Pine Rivers EMDR Program Referral
E: Pinerivers.referrals@healthscope.com.au
Ph: 07 3881 7291
FAQs
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people process traumatic or distressing experiences. EMDR supports the brain to reprocess difficult memories so they become less emotionally overwhelming and disruptive in daily life.
EMDR may be helpful for people experiencing:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Childhood trauma
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Grief and loss
- Stress related to work or relationships
- Medical trauma
- Phobias
- Low self-esteem linked to past experiences
Your treating psychiatrist or therapist will discuss whether EMDR is suitable for your individual circumstances.
EMDR sessions involve working with a trained clinician to identify distressing memories, thoughts, emotions or physical sensations that may be contributing to your current difficulties.
During treatment, your clinician may guide your eye movements or use gentle tapping techniques. These methods help the brain process difficult memories in a different way.
The clinician will guide you through the process at a pace that feels safe and manageable.
Not necessarily. Unlike some traditional therapies, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly describe every detail of a traumatic experience. Your clinician will help you process the memory safely while maintaining focus on your wellbeing and comfort.
No. EMDR is not hypnosis.
Throughout the session you remain awake, aware and in control. You can pause, ask questions or stop the process at any time.
EMDR is considered a safe and effective therapy when delivered by appropriately trained clinicians. Your clinician will first ensure you have coping and grounding strategies in place before processing difficult memories.
The number of sessions varies from person to person.
Factors such as the nature of your concerns, the complexity of your experiences and your treatment goals will influence the length of therapy. Your treating clinician will discuss a personalised treatment plan with you.
At Pine Rivers Private Hospital, EMDR is provided within a supportive multidisciplinary mental health setting.
EMDR is part of our specialised inpatient programs and patients stay in the hospital for 2-3 weeks for the treatment depending on your clinician
EMDR is provided as part of your treatment plan, alongside group therapy.
Our focus is on providing a safe environment where you can work towards healing and recovery with the support of experienced mental health professionals.
Unlike community-based therapy, Pine Rivers Private Hospital offers EMDR within a specialised inpatient mental health program.
This allows patients to receive:
- Daily therapeutic support
- Psychiatric oversight throughout treatment
- Structured group therapy programs
- Psychology support
- A safe and supportive environment away from day-to-day stressors
- Comprehensive care from a multidisciplinary team
For many people experiencing significant trauma symptoms, this intensive approach can provide the time, support and therapeutic structure needed to focus on recovery.
Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual; however, patients undertaking EMDR at Pine Rivers Private Hospital typically participate in:
- Discharge planning and ongoing care recommendations
- Comprehensive assessment
- Individual EMDR sessions
- Trauma-informed group therapy
- Psychiatric reviews
- Recovery and wellbeing activities
Some people notice strong emotions, new insights or vivid dreams as they begin processing difficult memories. This is often a normal part of the therapeutic process.
Your clinician will provide support and coping strategies to help you manage any discomfort and ensure treatment progresses at a pace that feels right for you.
YES, EMDR is provided within our specialised inpatient program at Pine Rivers Private Hospital.
Please speak with our admissions team or your treating doctor to discuss available treatment options.
The best way to determine whether EMDR is appropriate is through an assessment with a mental health professional.
Our team can help you understand your options and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and recovery goals.
Patients can be referred by:
- Their Psychiatrist
- Their General Practitioner (GP)
- Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Our admissions team can assist with the referral process and eligibility requirements.