Our brains naturally process experiences every day. Most memories are stored in a way that allows us to recognise they happened in the past. However, when an experience feels overwhelming, frightening, or too much for us to cope with at the time, the brain's natural processing system can become disrupted.

Instead of being stored as a memory from the past, parts of the experience can remain "stuck" with the original emotions, body sensations, beliefs, and survival responses attached. This is why certain situations, people, places, or feelings can trigger a strong reaction, even years later.

You might logically know that you are safe, yet your body reacts with anxiety, panic, shame, anger, numbness, or overwhelm. EMDR helps the brain revisit these experiences in a safe and structured way, allowing them to be processed and integrated. Many people describe it as finally being able to remember what happened without feeling as though they are reliving it.

EMDR is a structured therapy that follows eight phases designed to help you process distressing experiences safely and effectively. While the process follows a framework, therapy is always tailored to your individual needs, goals, and readiness.

Before any memory processing begins, we spend time getting to know you, understanding your experiences, building coping skills, and developing resources to support you throughout the process.

The eight phases include:

History Taking and Preparation – Understanding your story, identifying goals, and building safety and stability.

Assessment – Identifying the thoughts, emotions, body sensations, and beliefs connected to a memory or experience.

Processing and Integration – Using bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds, to help the brain process and integrate unresolved experiences.

Body Scan and Closure – Checking for any remaining activation in the body and ensuring you feel grounded before the session ends.

Re-evaluation – Reviewing progress and identifying the next steps in your therapy journey.

EMDR is not always a linear process. Sometimes we spend longer building resources and stability, while at other times new memories or experiences emerge that need attention. We move at a pace that feels safe, collaborative, and sustainable for you.

During EMDR, you'll briefly bring aspects of a memory, feeling, belief, or experience into awareness while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This may involve following movements with your eyes, holding handheld EMDR tappers (sometimes called buzzers) that alternate gentle vibrations between your left and right hands, receiving alternating taps, or listening to bilateral sounds through headphones that move from one side to the other.

This gentle left-right stimulation appears to support the brain's natural ability to process information and make new connections. Through a process known as dual awareness, you remain connected to the present while briefly revisiting experiences from the past, allowing memories to be processed in a way that feels safe and manageable.

As processing occurs, many people notice changes in how they think, feel, and respond to the experience. What once felt overwhelming can begin to feel more distant, manageable, and resolved.

Throughout the process, you remain awake, aware, and in control. We work together at a pace that feels safe, supportive, and manageable for you.

Will EMDR make me forget what happened?

No. EMDR does not erase memories. Most people continue to remember what happened, but the memory often feels less distressing, overwhelming, or emotionally charged.

Can EMDR create false memories?

No. EMDR is not designed to uncover hidden memories or suggest experiences that may not have occurred. The focus is on processing the memories, emotions, beliefs, and body sensations that you already experience.

Will I have to relive my trauma?

No. While EMDR involves bringing aspects of difficult experiences into awareness, the goal is not to relive them. Instead, we help your brain process these experiences while remaining connected to the present and aware that you are safe.

Will I lose control during EMDR?

No. You remain fully awake, aware, and in control throughout the entire process. You can pause, slow down, ask questions, or stop at any time.

EMDR has a strong evidence base supporting its effectiveness and safety and is recognised internationally as a treatment for trauma, PTSD, and other trauma-related difficulties. More importantly, it can help people move beyond surviving and towards living with greater freedom, connection, and choice.

Sessions will vary depending on each individual's needs.

My fees are:

For EMDR:

50 mins session - $200 inc. GST

90mins session - $280 inc. GST

For WorkCover Counselling:

60 mins session - $250 GST not inc.

Please refer to current guide: WorkCover
QLD Mental Health Services Table of Costs

I don’t take Mental Health Care Plans or offer Medicare rebates. My practice is structured to provide ongoing therapy, without the restrictions or session limits that come with rebate schemes. This allows us to work together at a pace that feels right for you, without the pressure to fit progress or to "get it all done" within a set number of sessions.

As a registered psychotherapist, you don’t need a referral to work with me. Our sessions remain completely confidential and nothing is shared on your medical record. If you ever need a progress letter for your GP, we can discuss and arrange that together.

I offer in-person therapy in Brisbane and online therapy across Australia and internationally. No matter where you are, we can work together.

Imagine your mind is like a library.

Every experience you've had is stored somewhere on its shelves. Most memories are catalogued, organised, and connected to the rest of your life story.

But sometimes, when something overwhelming happens, the brain doesn't get the opportunity to properly file that experience away.

Instead, it remains sitting open on the librarian's desk.