EMDR Therapy
EMDR Therapy in Brisbane and by Telehealth
I'm an Accredited EMDR Practitioner seeing clients in New Farm, Brisbane, and by telehealth across Australia.
The Approach
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy for working through distressing memories. The World Health Organization recommends it for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
When something overwhelming happens, the memory can stay stuck, so that thinking about it brings back the same images, feelings and body sensations as if it were happening again. In EMDR, you briefly focus on the memory while following bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, alternating sounds or tapping. The aim is for the memory to become less distressing and easier to live with. You are awake, alert and in control throughout.
If you would like to read more first, my complete guide to EMDR therapy covers how it works and what the research says in detail.
Who It's For
How EMDR May Help
EMDR was developed for trauma and has the strongest research support for PTSD. I use it with clients who are living with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Complex trauma, including difficult experiences in childhood
- Distressing memories of events such as accidents, assaults or a traumatic birth
- Trauma related to military service, including for DVA clients
EMDR isn't the right fit for everyone or at every point in time. We'll talk about whether it suits you before we begin, and it can be combined with other approaches such as CBT and ACT.
I'm trained in attachment-informed EMDR, an approach I have a particular interest in, which pays close attention to the effects of early relationships.
Where
In Person or by Telehealth
In Person in New Farm
Sessions take place in my rooms at the New Farm Wellness Centre, 187 James Street, New Farm, a short trip from the Brisbane CBD.
Telehealth Across Australia
I offer EMDR by video to clients anywhere in Australia, using Bilateral Base, an online platform for delivering EMDR's bilateral stimulation. Before starting online, I'll assess whether telehealth is a good fit for you, as some people are better supported in person.
The Process
What to Expect
EMDR follows eight phases. Most sessions are 50 minutes, the same as a standard session, and occasionally a longer session is arranged. For a detailed walk-through, see what to expect in an EMDR session.
History Taking
Understanding why you're coming in for treatment, how trauma is currently affecting you and what your goals are for a successful outcome.
Resourcing
Also known as the Preparation stage / stabilisation.
Target Assessment
Quickly preparing the memory to be worked on.
Reprocessing
This is the part when you are doing eye movements or tapping.
Installation
Reinforcing the "good stuff", such as new positive thoughts about the memory.
Body Scan
Making sure there is no leftover tension in the body.
Closure
This happens at the end of every session, even if we're not done working on that memory, so you can leave my office feeling calm and collected.
Reevaluation
This happens at the beginning of every session, so we can see what has processed in between sessions and where we need to pick up.
Fees & Rebates
Fees and Rebates
Medicare rebates apply to EMDR therapy, in person or by telehealth, with a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP. Private health funds, WorkCover and DVA funding can also apply. You'll find current fees on my services page.
For Referrers
For GPs and Other Practitioners
GPs
Please address a Mental Health Treatment Plan referral to Kate Bartlett and fax it to (07) 3358 1311, or ask your patient to get in touch through my contact form or on (07) 3358 2982.
Psychologists and Counsellors
I often work alongside other therapists, providing EMDR for their clients while they continue their usual therapy. If you would like to refer a client for EMDR, please get in touch.
You can also find me in the EMDR Association of Australia therapist directory.
The Evidence
Is there scientific evidence supporting EMDR?
EMDR Therapy is one of the most well-researched trauma treatment models. In 2010 the Australian Psychological Society (APS) noted it as a Level 1 treatment for PTSD, the highest rating that can be applied to a specific therapeutic approach.
Endorsed by
- The World Health Organisation (2013)
- The Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (2013)
- The Australian Psychological Society (2010)
- The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (2009)
- The National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia (NHMRC, 2007)
- UK National Guidelines for Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2005)
- American Psychiatric Association (2004)
- Dutch Guidelines on Mental Health Care (2003)
- Israel National Council for Mental Health (2002)
- Clinical Division of the American Psychological Association (1998)
Source emdraa.org/why-emdr-therapy-2 — Graeme Taylor.
Download EMDR fact sheetQuestions
Common Questions
Do I need a referral?
No, you can contact me directly. To claim Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan or Chronic Condition Management Plan from your GP.
Can I have EMDR while seeing another therapist?
Yes. I often provide EMDR for clients who continue seeing their usual psychologist or counsellor, and with your consent I can keep in touch with them about how things are going.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes, for many people. I deliver EMDR by video using Bilateral Base, and I will first assess whether working online suits you.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your history and what you would like to work on. A single distressing event may need fewer sessions than long-standing or complex trauma. We will review how things are going together as we work.
How long is a session?
Most sessions are 50 minutes. Occasionally a longer session is arranged.
Getting Started
Appointments are available on weekdays and selected Saturdays. If you'd like to find out whether EMDR could suit you, get in touch.
Enquire about EMDR "EMDR is based on the idea that negative thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and behaviours are the result of unprocessed memories."
~ Laurel Parnell