EMDR Therapy
We offer EMDR therapy both face-to-face in our offices and online via video telehealth.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals process and heal from trauma, emotional distress, and other psychological challenges.
While it is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and trauma-related issues, EMDR has also proven to be a powerful and accessible treatment for neurodivergent individuals, including Autistic individuals and those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
If you're looking for an alternative to traditional talk therapy, EMDR may be the solution for you.
Unlike traditional talk therapies, which often require verbal processing of emotions and memories, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain process and integrate distressing memories.
This approach can be especially helpful for neurodivergent individuals who may find verbal processing or narrative-based therapies challenging.
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EMDR therapy can benefit anyone, but it is particularly effective for neurodivergent individuals dealing with:
Trauma and PTSD: Individuals with a history of trauma may find EMDR an effective way to process memories and reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and panic.
Anxiety and Depression: EMDR can help alleviate anxiety and depression, which are common co-occurring conditions for neurodivergent individuals.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): EMDR helps individuals on the spectrum process overwhelming emotions, trauma, and sensory sensitivities in a way that feels safe and manageable.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): For those with ADHD, EMDR can improve emotional regulation, focus, and attention, while reducing distressing symptoms and promoting clarity.
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For neurodivergent individuals, traditional talk therapies can sometimes be difficult or overwhelming, especially when it comes to discussing and processing complex emotions or trauma. EMDR offers a dynamic alternative that engages the brain in a way that is less reliant on verbal communication and more focused on sensory input and bilateral stimulation to facilitate healing.
EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories that are "stuck," often due to trauma or overwhelming emotions, and helps integrate those memories in a healthier way. The structured, eight-phase process involves:
History-taking & Assessment – Your therapist will learn about your experiences, including any trauma or emotional struggles you wish to address, and determine where to focus during treatment.
Preparation – The therapist will ensure that you feel comfortable and supported, creating a safe and secure space for the work to begin.
Desensitization – Bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping) is used to help you process distressing memories and reduce their emotional intensity.
Installation – The therapist helps you replace negative beliefs related to trauma with more positive, adaptive beliefs.
Body Scan – This phase helps identify and release any physical tension related to unresolved trauma.
Closure – The therapist ensures you leave each session feeling grounded and emotionally balanced.
Re-evaluation – Follow-up sessions revisit previous memories and check for any remaining emotional distress.
For neurodivergent individuals, EMDR’s sensory-based approach may feel less confrontational or overwhelming than traditional talk therapy, providing a more accessible and effective way to process difficult emotions and memories.
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For many neurodivergent individuals, traditional talk therapies can be challenging due to sensory sensitivities, difficulty with verbal expression, or challenges with processing and organizing complex emotions. EMDR therapy is a unique, trauma-informed approach that does not require extensive verbal processing, making it a valuable alternative for neurodivergent individuals.
Other benefits include:
Less Verbal Processing Required: EMDR focuses on sensory experiences and bilateral stimulation rather than verbal processing, making it a more accessible treatment for those who find traditional talk therapy difficult or draining.
Effective for Emotional Regulation: Many neurodivergent individuals may struggle with emotional regulation. EMDR helps to process and integrate overwhelming emotions, leading to better emotional balance and reduced distress.
Improved Focus and Attention: For individuals with ADHD, EMDR can improve concentration by helping to reprocess memories and reduce cognitive overload. The structured, goal-oriented nature of EMDR also appeals to individuals with ADHD, who may benefit from clear and direct steps in the therapeutic process.
Increased Self-Awareness and Self-Worth: For Autistic individuals, EMDR can help reframe negative self-beliefs, such as feelings of inadequacy or social isolation, and replace them with healthier self-perceptions. For individuals with ADHD, it can help reduce feelings of frustration and promote a greater sense of control and empowerment.
Gentle Yet Effective Trauma Healing: Neurodivergent individuals with a history of trauma may find traditional trauma therapies to be overwhelming. EMDR provides a gentler approach to healing that works through sensory and motor pathways, offering trauma relief without verbal or emotional exhaustion.
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We offer EMDR appointments from $260 with a $96.65 Medicare rebate available with GP referral and a mental health care plan.
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At Blackbird Psychology, we specialize in supporting neurodivergent individuals. Our therapists are trained in EMDR therapy and have extensive experience working with clients who need a sensory-sensitive and trauma-informed approach. We understand the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and tailor our therapy to suit each person’s specific needs and preferences.
Our clinic offers a safe, supportive, and inclusive space, where individuals can process difficult emotions and experiences at their own pace, with a therapist who understands and respects their neurodivergent traits.
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If you or a loved one are considering EMDR therapy, here’s what you can expect during your sessions:
First Session: Your therapist will get to know you and your needs. This will include discussing your background, any trauma or emotional struggles, and goals for therapy. The therapist will explain the EMDR process and how it can work for you.
During Sessions: You will be guided through specific memories or emotions, while the therapist uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds). This method helps the brain process the memories and emotions, reducing their intensity.
After Sessions: You may feel emotionally drained after an EMDR session as your brain processes and re-organizes the memories. However, many clients report feeling lighter and less overwhelmed by their emotions after completing a few sessions.
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At Blackbird Psychology we offer EMDR therapy via telehealth video sessions, allowing you to receive therapy from the comfort of your home. This online format is designed to be convenient, flexible, and effective, while still maintaining the high standards of care you would receive in an in-person session.
To participate in your EMDR telehealth session, please ensure that you are using a laptop or desktop computer (PC or Mac). Sessions cannot be conducted via mobile phone due to the need for stable video and interactive capabilities during the therapy process.
Here’s how it works:
Accessing Your Session: You will receive a link to join your session, which you can open in any web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) or via the Zoom application. You do not need to download any software – simply click the link at the time of your scheduled appointment.
Technical Requirements: Ensure you are using a laptop or desktop computer. For optimal performance, we recommend using headphones and having a stable internet connection. Please check your camera and microphone settings before the session to ensure a smooth experience.
Bilateral Stimulation: During the session, your therapist will guide you through the reprocessing of memories while using bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tapping, or sounds). This method works just as effectively via video as it does in person, as long as you have access to the necessary technology.
This telehealth option is ideal for individuals who may prefer or require remote access to therapy, and it is particularly convenient for those who are neurodivergent and may find an at-home setting more comfortable. The flexibility of telehealth allows you to engage in your healing process without the need to travel or adjust to a physical clinic environment.