EMDR Therapy in Melbourne

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for trauma and PTSD. Originally developed by Dr Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR has since been validated by decades of research and is recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the treatment of PTSD.

EMDR works by using bilateral stimulation — typically eye movements, but also tapping or sound — to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories. When we experience trauma, memories can become "stuck" in the nervous system in a raw, unprocessed form, continuing to trigger distress as if the event were still happening. EMDR helps the brain complete the processing of these memories, so they can be stored as past events rather than present threats.

At Ādarśa, EMDR is integrated with somatic awareness, meaning we pay close attention to what is happening in the body during processing. This integration deepens the work and supports more complete healing.

Our approach to EMDR is somatic and relational. We don't use EMDR as a standalone technique — it is woven into a broader therapeutic relationship and integrated with somatic psychotherapy.

Before beginning EMDR processing, we spend time establishing safety and stabilisation. This means building your capacity to stay present with difficult material without becoming overwhelmed — a crucial foundation for effective trauma work.

EMDR processing sessions involve identifying a target memory or experience, activating it gently, and then using bilateral stimulation to support the brain's natural processing. We track both the cognitive and somatic dimensions of the experience, ensuring that the body is included in the healing process.

EMDR therapy typically involves several phases. The first phase focuses on history-taking and understanding your experiences. The second phase is preparation — building the inner resources and stability needed for processing. Phases three through eight involve the actual processing of traumatic memories and the installation of more adaptive beliefs.

The number of sessions required varies depending on the nature and complexity of the trauma. Single-incident trauma (such as a car accident or assault) may resolve in fewer sessions than complex or developmental trauma. We will discuss your individual situation and goals at the outset.

Many people find EMDR to be a powerful and relatively rapid approach to trauma resolution. It is not uncommon to experience significant shifts within a small number of sessions, though deeper healing often continues over time.

Sharna Arti is trained in EMDR and integrates it with her deep background in somatic psychotherapy. This combination means that EMDR at Ādarśa is not a mechanical technique but a deeply relational, body-inclusive process.

We work with both simple and complex trauma, and are experienced in adapting EMDR for clients with dissociation, complex PTSD, and developmental trauma histories. Our practice in Brunswick, Melbourne offers a safe, contained environment for this work.

EMDR sessions are $280 per session. Medicare rebates are available with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, providing up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. Private health insurance may also cover a portion of session costs — please check with your insurer.