Learn about EMDR

About EMDR Therapy

The compelling evidence base for EMDR therapy has solidified its status as a highly effective treatment for PTSD, endorsed by leading authorities like the World Health Organization, Phoenix Australia, and the Australian Psychological Society.

How can EMDR help?

EMDR is increasingly being applied across many conditions, including:

Depression

Addiction

Eating disorder

Anxiety

Grief

Panic attacks

Why choose EMDR therapy?

How it compares to other methods....
  • Treatment is focussed on the symptoms and conducted in session.
  • EMDR has comparable results to that of other trauma treatments such as exposure therapy, but over a much shorter timeframe.
  • Research over several decades consistently shows that EMDR therapy can produce rapid and meaningful reductions in PTSD symptoms. Many clients—particularly those with single-incident trauma—experience significant improvement within just a few sessions, often without the need for therapeutic homework.
  • Better tolerated by clients than exposure therapy.
  • Clients do not have to talk in detail about their trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about EMDR therapy and how to find the right therapist for you.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy that helps people process and recover from trauma and distressing life experiences.

EMDR therapy may be provided by qualified mental health professionals who are eligible to practise within their profession.

Practitioners listed on the EMDRAA website are members of the EMDR Association of Australia and are required to:

  • Hold current registration or membership with a recognised professional body (such as AHPRA, PACFA, or an equivalent body), and
  • Abide by EMDRAA’s Code of Conduct and professional standards.

Some practitioners also hold the specific title of Accredited EMDR Practitioner, which indicates they have met additional EMDR-specific training, supervision, and competency requirements. Accreditation status is identified on individual practitioner profiles.

Use our online Find a Therapist directory to search by location, specialty, or availability. All listed therapists are EMDRAA members.

Medicare rebates are not available for EMDR specifically, but you may be eligible if your practitioner is a registered psychologist, social worker, or other provider under a mental health care plan. Some private health insurers also provide rebates.

Yes, if EMDR therapy supports your plan goals and is considered reasonable and necessary. Working with an EMDRAA-accredited practitioner ensures safe and effective delivery.

Speak with your NDIS planner, support coordinator, or your therapist to check whether EMDR can be included in your funding.

The EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) is committed to fostering inclusive, safe, and supportive spaces for all individuals. We respect and welcome people of all identities regardless of their chosen gender, cultural identity, abilities, neurodivergence, religion and lived experience; we value the voices of First Nations peoples, whose cultural heritage is vital to shaping inclusive and culturally safe practices.
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 EMDRAA