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About EMDR

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, is a widely researched psychotherapy intervention. EMDR therapy helps individuals reprocess and resolve past traumatic memories, lessening their negative impact.  Proven effective for PTSD and various other disorders including anxiety, depression, and addiction.

EMDR therapy is used for a wide range of challenges

  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Phobia's

  • Depression

  • Childhood Trauma and Attachment trauma

  • Acute Stress Disorder

  •  Grief and Loss

  • Sexual, Physical, Emotional and/or verbal abuse.​​

  • Dissociative Disorders​

  • Relationship repair

  • Eating disorders​​

The effects of EMDR on the brain and body:

Our brains are naturally equipped to heal from traumatic memories and experiences. This healing process involves interaction among the amygdala (which detects stress signals), the hippocampus (which plays a role in learning, including memories related to safety and danger), and the prefrontal cortex (which evaluates and regulates emotions and behavior). While many traumatic incidents can sometimes be dealt with and resolved on their own, assistance may be necessary for proper processing. 

 

Stress responses are part of our innate fight, flight, or freeze reactions. When the distress from a traumatic event lingers, the distressing images, thoughts, and feelings can create an overwhelming sensation of reliving that moment or feeling "stuck in time." EMDR therapy aids the brain in processing these memories, allowing the natural healing process to continue. The experience remains in memory, but the fight, flight, or freeze response associated with the original event is alleviated.

Why is EMDR different from other trauma therapies?

EMDR therapy does not require a detailed conversation about the distressing issue. Instead of aiming to alter the emotions, thoughts, or behaviours stemming from the distressing issue, EMDR therapy facilitates the brain's return to its natural healing process.

EMDR is meant to resolve unprocessed traumatic memories in the brain. 

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“When a disturbing event occurs, it can get locked in the brain with the original picture, sounds, thoughts, feelings and body sensations. EMDR procedures seem to stimulate the information and allow the brain to reprocess the experience. That may be what is happening in REM or dream sleep. The eye movements help reprocess the memory and other associated experiences. It is your own brain that will be doing the healing and you are the one in control.” - EMDRIA-

Contact

Get in Touch

If you have any enquiries or would like to schedule an appointment, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. 

Port Douglas, Queensland

6-10 Mowbray Street
info@fnqfamilytherapy.com

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Cairns, Queensland

120 Hoare Street

reception@cairnspsychologygroup.com.au

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From Kuku Yalanji country, I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. I pay my respects to their elders past and present and emerging. 

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