What Can EMDR Therapy Be Used For?

When you hear about EMDR therapy, you might associate it with trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While these are some of the most common reasons people seek EMDR, you may be surprised to learn that it can also be considered for other concerns.

Perhaps you're struggling with anxiety, a particular fear, difficulties with confidence or patterns in your life that seem difficult to change.

You might even recognise that certain experiences are in the past, yet still find yourself affected by the emotions/beliefs connected to them.

I'm Aphrodite Papageorgiou, a clinical psychologist and EMDR practitioner based at Strive Health Hub in McKinnon. I work with adults experiencing a range of psychological concerns. In this article, I'll explain what EMDR involves, some of the concerns it may help with and how we can decide whether it might be appropriate for you.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It's a psychological therapy that can help people work through difficult or distressing experiences, particularly when the emotions and beliefs connected to those experiences continue to affect them.

Sometimes, even when you know an experience is behind you, certain memories or situations can still bring up strong feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness or distress.

These experiences can also shape how you see yourself. You might find yourself thinking things like "I'm not good enough", "I'm not safe" or "I should have done something differently", even when you know, logically, that these thoughts aren't necessarily true.

EMDR works with both the emotional distress connected to these experiences and the negative beliefs that may have developed alongside them.

During EMDR, we work towards helping your brain process these experiences differently, so the memories may become less emotionally overwhelming and the beliefs attached to them may begin to shift.

One of the things that makes EMDR different from other forms of therapy is the use of guided eye movements during certain stages of treatment.

I may ask you to briefly bring an upsetting memory to mind while following my hand as it moves gently from side to side.

You might wonder how something as simple as moving your eyes could help.

One explanation researchers have explored is that focusing on a memory while also following eye movements places demands on your working memory. This may help the memory feel less vivid or emotionally intense, making it easier to work through the feelings and beliefs connected to it.

However, EMDR involves much more than eye movements. Before beginning this part of treatment, we'll spend time understanding your experiences, discussing what you'd like to support with and developing ways to manage difficult emotions.

The aim isn't to erase what happened or change your memories. Rather, it's to help those experiences feel less distressing and have less influence over how you feel about yourself and respond to situations today.

How do we decide whether EMDR is appropriate?

If you're interested in EMDR, you don't need to decide beforehand whether it's the right therapy for you.

The first step is simply understanding what has brought you to therapy and what you'd like to support with.

During our initial appointments, we'll talk about your concerns, relevant experiences and what you're hoping to work towards.

If EMDR seems appropriate, I'll explain how the process works, answer your questions and help you prepare before we begin working directly with distressing memories.

It's important to understand that everyone responds to therapy differently. Some people find EMDR particularly helpful for working through distressing memories, while others may benefit from a different approach or a combination of therapies.

Depending on your needs, I may also incorporate approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), schema therapy or mindfulness-based practices.

There's no expectation that every appointment will involve EMDR, and we can regularly review how you're feeling and how treatment is progressing.

My focus is on understanding you as an individual and working together to find an approach that is appropriate for your circumstances.

What concerns may be addressed with EMDR?

EMDR is particularly well established as a treatment for trauma and PTSD, but it may also be considered for other psychological concerns, depending on your individual needs.

Trauma and PTSD

Distressing experiences, such as accidents, violence or difficult relationships, can leave lasting emotional effects. EMDR can help you process these memories, reduce the distress associated with them and work through negative beliefs that may have developed.

Anxiety, Triggers and Fears

Sometimes, anxiety or strong emotional reactions can be connected to earlier experiences. EMDR may help you understand and work through these connections, particularly when certain memories or situations continue to trigger distress.

Future-Focused Fears and Performance Anxiety

Whether you're preparing for an important event or facing a situation you've previously found difficult, EMDR may help address underlying fears and beliefs, supporting greater confidence and emotional preparedness.

Confidence and Self-Esteem

Experiences of criticism, rejection or disappointment can sometimes leave us with beliefs such as "I'm not good enough." EMDR may help you process the experiences behind these beliefs and develop a more balanced view of yourself.

People-Pleasing, Perfectionism and Other Patterns

If you struggle with setting boundaries, fear disappointing others or feel pressure to be perfect, we can explore what may be contributing to these patterns. Where distressing experiences are involved, EMDR may be helpful.

Addictions and Substance Use

For some people, substance use or addictive behaviours are connected to difficult emotions or past experiences. EMDR may help address underlying distress as part of a broader treatment approach, alongside appropriate addiction-specific support.

Disordered Eating and Body Image

Negative experiences and beliefs about self-worth can sometimes contribute to difficulties with body image or eating. Where relevant, EMDR may be considered alongside specialised psychological, nutritional or medical support.

Ultimately, EMDR isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Together, we can explore your concerns and consider whether EMDR, alone or alongside other therapies, is appropriate for you.

EMDR therapy in McKinnon, across Melbourne and via telehealth

I provide psychological therapy for adults at Strive Health Hub, 251 Jasper Road, McKinnon, welcoming clients from across Melbourne. Telehealth appointments are also available Australia-wide.

I have more than 18 years of experience across public, private and forensic mental health settings and am trained in EMDR therapy.

If you've been considering EMDR, or you're simply looking for support with something that's been affecting you, you're welcome to get in touch.

An initial appointment gives us the opportunity to discuss your concerns, answer any questions you may have and consider what type of therapy might be most suitable for you.

To enquire about availability, fees or arranging an appointment:

Phone: 0411 487 321
Email: hello@aphroditeppsychology.com.au

You don't need to explain your whole history when you first contact me. We can begin with what feels comfortable for you and take things from there.

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This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual psychological assessment, diagnosis or treatment. Aphrodite P. Psychology does not provide an emergency or crisis service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.