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  2. Services

EMDR Therapy

At The Rosewood Centre, we offer EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) as part of our trauma-informed, evidence-based services. Delivered by trained clinicians, EMDR is a structured and powerful therapeutic approach that has helped countless individuals process trauma and find relief from emotional distress.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is designed to help people process and recover from traumatic experiences and other emotionally overwhelming memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, sounds, or taps, to help the brain reprocess stuck or distressing memories and store them in a more adaptive way.

Originally developed for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR is now widely used to support healing from a range of psychological concerns, including anxiety, grief, and adverse life events.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

  • Reduces distress and emotional reactivity tied to past experiences
  • Helps reframe and shift negative core beliefs
  • Often leads to quicker resolution than some traditional therapies
  • Does not require detailed recounting of the trauma
  • Backed by a strong evidence base and recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Australian Psychological Society (APS)

Why we offer EMDR at The Rosewood Centre

At The Rosewood Centre, we are dedicated to offering high-quality, personalised care to support clients in building healthier, more resilient lives. EMDR fits seamlessly within our trauma-informed approach and is one of the many tools our clinicians use to support emotional healing and recovery.

All EMDR Therapy at The Rosewood Centre is delivered by qualified EMDR practitioners, who have completed recognised training and receive ongoing professional development and supervision. We ensure each client receives safe, ethical, and effective care.

Who is EMDR suitable for?

EMDR may be an effective therapy for individuals who have experienced:

  • Trauma or PTSD
  • Childhood neglect or abuse
  • Anxiety or panic attacks
  • Phobias or performance anxiety
  • Complicated grief
  • Low self-worth or persistent negative self-beliefs
  • First Responder work

It can be suitable for adults and adolescents, depending on the nature of the concern and individual goals. One of our trained clinicians will work with you to determine whether EMDR is a good fit for your therapy journey.

EMDR Therapy – Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that EMDR can feel a little unfamiliar, especially if you’re new to therapy or have only experienced talk-based approaches. Below are some of the most common questions we get asked about EMDR.

What happens in an EMDR session?

In an EMDR session, your clinician will guide you to focus briefly on a distressing memory while using bilateral stimulation—often through eye movements, tapping, or sound. This helps your brain reprocess the memory, making it less intense, less emotionally charged, and easier to live with.

Before any reprocessing work begins, your clinician will spend time helping you feel safe, grounded, and well-resourced. This phase is known as stabilisation, and it’s an important part of the process. You’ll learn calming strategies, build emotional regulation skills, and work with your clinician to ensure you feel comfortable and in control before moving into any memory work.

EMDR is a flexible approach and always goes at your pace—you won't be pushed into anything before you're ready.

Read a step-by-step explanation of EMDR therapy from EMDRIA (US-based but globally recognised) https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/

Is EMDR safe?

Yes, EMDR is a safe and evidence-based therapy. It is widely used around the world and has been endorsed by leading organisations such as:

  • World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Australian Psychological Society (APS)
  • Phoenix Australia – Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health

As with any therapeutic approach, it’s important that EMDR is provided by a specifically trained practitioner, which is the standard at The Rosewood Centre.

Link - World Health organisation: protocol and guidelines to enable effective mental health care for adults and children exposed to trauma and loss: WHO releases guidance on mental health care after trauma

How many sessions will I need?

This can vary depending on your goals, the nature of your concerns, and your history. Some people experience noticeable shifts within just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer treatment plan. Your clinician will work with you to create a tailored approach and check in regularly about your progress.

Will I have to talk in detail about my trauma?

Not necessarily. One of the key strengths of EMDR is that it doesn’t require you to retell or re-live traumatic experiences in detail. You’ll be guided to focus on internal thoughts, emotions, and body sensations in a way that feels manageable and contained.

Can EMDR be used alongside other therapies?

Yes, EMDR is often used alongside other therapeutic approaches. Your clinician will help determine the best combination for your needs and goals.

Is EMDR suitable for children or teens?

EMDR can be very effective for children and adolescents when adapted by a clinician with experience in working with younger clients. It can help with trauma, anxiety, attachment issues, and more.

Where can I learn more about EMDR therapy?

We recommend the following reputable resources if you’d like to explore more: