What Is EMDR Therapy? Stages, Side Effects, Tools, and Use in Trauma Therapy

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a type of psychotherapy used to help people recover from trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. But what is EMDR exactly, and how does it work? This post answers common questions about EMDR therapy, including its stages, potential side effects, benefits for complex trauma and depression, and how it compares to other modalities like TRTP.

TL;DR

  • EMDR therapy is a structured approach designed to help the brain reprocess distressing memories.

  • There are 8 stages of EMDR therapy, starting with history taking and ending with reevaluation.

  • Side effects of EMDR can include vivid dreams, fatigue, or emotional intensity between sessions.

  • EMDR can be effective for complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

  • EMDR uses bilateral stimulation during processing memories such as eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones.

  • TRTP vs EMDR: TRTP is a scripted process, while EMDR is a flexible, phase-based model.

  • How long EMDR takes to work varies, but improvements are often noticed within a few sessions.


What Is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a trauma-focused therapy developed by Francine Shapiro. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, while the client recalls distressing experiences. The process helps the brain 'reprocess' traumatic memories so they no longer cause emotional distress.

What Is EMDR Therapy Used For?

EMDR is commonly used for:


The 8 Stages of EMDR Therapy

What are the 8 stages of EMDR? The EMDR therapy process is structured to ensure safety, readiness, and gradual desensitisation of traumatic memories:

  • 1. History Taking: Gathering background and identifying memories that need processing.

  • 2. Preparation: Explaining the EMDR process, building trust with the psychologist, and teaching calming techniques.

  • 3. Assessment: Choosing the target memory and figuring out the associated negative beliefs and feelings/body sensations..

  • 4. Desensitisation: Bilateral stimulation begins while focusing on the memory.

  • 5. Installation: Replacing negative beliefs with positive ones.

  • 6. Body Scan: Noticing any lingering physical tension.

  • 7. Closure: Returning to a calm state before the session ends.

  • 8. Reevaluation: Checking progress and identifying future target memories for reprocessing.

EMDR for Complex Trauma (CPTSD)

EMDR is especially helpful for complex trauma, which involves multiple or prolonged traumatic events, such as childhood abuse or neglect.. The structured, phase-based approach allows for a gradual and trauma-informed progression, making it safe and effective for survivors with sensitive histories.

EMDR for Depression

EMDR can also support individuals with depression, especially when the depression is linked to early adverse experiences or unresolved grief. By reprocessing emotional memories and shifting negative self-beliefs, EMDR can reduce symptoms and improve emotional resilience.

EMDR Tools

EMDR therapy uses tools that provide bilateral stimulation, which may include:

  • A pointer or light bar to guide eye movements

  • Vibrating buzzers held in each hand to give a tactile bilateral stimulation or

  • Headphones that provide auditory tones alternating in the left ear and right ear

Tools are not essential to EMDR as bilateral stimulation can also be provided by guiding eye movements with the psychologist's finger or providing tactile stimulation via a 'butterfly tap' (where arms cross and hands tap opposite shoulders).

How Long Does EMDR Take to Work?

Many people begin to feel shifts within 3–6 sessions, but the length of treatment depends on factors such as:

  • Complexity and number of trauma memories

  • Stability and readiness for trauma processing

  • Support systems and coping skills

Some clients complete treatment in under 10 sessions, while others may continue for several months, especially in cases of complex PTSD.

Side Effects of EMDR

While EMDR is generally safe, side effects may include:

  • Fatigue or emotional exhaustion after sessions

  • Vivid dreams or flashbacks

  • Heightened emotions between sessions

  • Temporary increases in anxiety or distress

  • These effects usually subside and are a sign the brain is processing deeply held material.


Dangers of EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy should only be conducted by a trained and accredited clinician. In rare cases, if administered too soon (without proper preparation) or with complex trauma clients who aren't stabilised, EMDR could lead to overwhelm or dissociation. Proper staging and therapist skill mitigate these risks. Equilibrium psychology offers a number of Clinical Psychologists who are well trained and highly experienced in providing EMDR therapy.

Find an EMDR Therapist in Sydney

Equilibrium Psychology in Sydney CBD offers EMDR therapy for PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, and depression. We are located just 3 minutes from Wynyard Station and provide in-person and telehealth options.

Why Choose Equilibrium Psychology?

Founded by Clinical Psychologist Gemma Cribb almost 20 years ago, many of our experienced team are well trained and experienced in delivering EMDR therapy.

We offer:

  • Warm, non-judgmental, evidence-based care

  • Medicare rebates available with a GP referral

  • After-hours and online sessions available

  • No waitlists

  • Located in Sydney CBD, 3 minutes from Wynyard Station

  • Telehealth is also available Australia-wide.

Next Steps

If you're interested in learning more about EMDR

👉 Enquire about being matched with one of our experienced psychologists online, or

📞 Call our friendly team on (02) 9262 6156 to find the right psychologist for you.


*Last updated: July 2025*

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Gemille Cribb