EMDR & Trauma Therapy
Helping you process difficult experiences and move forward
Sometimes, difficult experiences continue to affect us long after they have passed. You may find yourself reacting strongly to situations, experiencing distressing memories, feeling constantly on edge, or struggling with emotions that seem difficult to understand or manage.
Trauma can affect how we think, feel, relate to others and experience safety in the world.
At Conscious Calm Psychology, we offer evidence-based psychological therapies to help people process distressing experiences, reduce trauma-related symptoms and develop a greater sense of emotional stability.
Our approach is trauma-informed, collaborative and tailored to each person's psychological needs.
We recognise that effective trauma therapy involves more than addressing individual memories. It may also involve understanding the nervous system, developing emotional regulation skills, exploring patterns in relationships and rebuilding a sense of safety.
Our trauma therapy services include:
EMDR Therapy | Sarah Newstead and Bridget Agnoleto
EMDR treatment for PTSD and trauma-related difficulties, including assessment, preparation, stabilisation and memory reprocessing.
Complex Trauma Therapy
Individualised psychological therapy for longstanding trauma-related difficulties, incorporating EMDR where clinically appropriate.
ASSYST | Sarah Newstead
Early psychological intervention for acute stress reactions following recent traumatic experiences.
Whether you are experiencing the ongoing effects of past trauma or have recently experienced a distressing event, psychological support can help you understand your responses and explore pathways towards recovery.
Contact our administration team to discuss availability and arrange an initial appointment. Appointments are available at our Cheltenham practice, with telehealth options where appropriate.
What Is EMDR therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people process traumatic memories and distressing life experiences.
When we experience something overwhelming, our brain may have difficulty processing the event in the usual way. The memory can remain strongly associated with distressing emotions, physical sensations and negative beliefs about ourselves or the world.
This can mean that reminders of the experience trigger emotional or physical reactions, even when we are no longer in danger.
EMDR helps people reprocess these memories so that they become less emotionally overwhelming.
During EMDR, your psychologist guides you through a structured therapeutic process that involves focusing on aspects of a distressing memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements or alternating tapping.
Over time, the memory may become less distressing, allowing you to respond to present situations without the same intensity of emotional or physical reactions.
EMDR does not erase memories or change what happened. Instead, it aims to change how distressing experiences are processed and how they affect you in the present.
What can EMDR help with?
EMDR is an internationally recognised, evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
It may also be used as part of psychological treatment for people experiencing:
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PTSD: Intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance and hypervigilance.
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Complex trauma: The effects of repeated or prolonged traumatic experiences.
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Childhood trauma: Experiences of abuse, neglect, emotional distress or difficult early relationships.
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Relationship trauma: Distress associated with emotionally harmful relationships, coercive control, betrayal or family violence.
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Sexual assault and abuse: Trauma-related emotional and psychological difficulties.
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Accidents and medical trauma: Distressing experiences involving injuries, medical procedures or emergencies.
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Traumatic grief and loss: Particularly when distressing memories interfere with the grieving process.
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Anxiety and phobias: Where distressing experiences contribute to ongoing fears.
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Negative self-beliefs: Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, inadequacy or worthlessness connected to past experiences.
Although EMDR has a strong evidence base for PTSD, research into its effectiveness for other psychological difficulties is still developing.
Your psychologist will assess whether EMDR is suitable for your individual needs.
How does EMDR work?
Our brains naturally process and integrate experiences. However, highly stressful or traumatic events can sometimes disrupt this process. As a result, memories may continue to trigger intense emotional and physical responses.
EMDR uses a structured therapeutic approach that includes bilateral stimulation, usually through guided eye movements, tapping or alternating sounds.
While the precise mechanisms are still being investigated, research suggests that EMDR helps reduce the emotional intensity of traumatic memories and supports adaptive memory processing. As memories become less distressing, people may notice changes in how they think, feel and respond to situations that previously triggered them.
For example, someone who experienced a car accident may initially feel intense anxiety whenever they approach a busy intersection. Following successful treatment, they may still remember the accident but experience significantly less distress when driving.
Frequently asked questions about EMDR
Do I need a GP referral?
You do not need a formal PTSD diagnosis to enquire about EMDR therapy and no referral is required to book a private appointment. However, if you wish to access Medicare rebates, you will generally need a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP or another eligible medical practitioner.
You can also ask your GP to refer you specifically for EMDR therapy.
Can I use private health insurance?
Depending on your policy, private health insurance rebates may be available.
Our administration team can provide information about fees, appointment options and referral requirements.
What happens at my first appointment?
Your psychologist will explore your current concerns, relevant history and treatment goals.
They will also assess whether EMDR is appropriate and discuss any preparation or stabilisation that may be helpful before beginning trauma processing. You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what treatment you require.
Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?
Not necessarily. One of the features of EMDR is that you do not always need to describe every detail of a traumatic experience aloud.
Your psychologist will need sufficient information to understand your experiences, assess your needs and develop an appropriate treatment plan. However, you will not be expected to recount every aspect of a traumatic memory in detail.
Will I have to relive my trauma?
EMDR involves accessing aspects of distressing memories, which can temporarily bring up uncomfortable emotions, thoughts or physical sensations. However, the intention is not to make you repeatedly relive the experience. Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to establish appropriate preparation, emotional regulation strategies and a manageable pace for treatment.
What does an EMDR session look like?
EMDR is an eight-phase treatment approach. Treatment begins with understanding your history, identifying your concerns and developing a therapeutic relationship.
Preparation may include learning grounding strategies, understanding your nervous system and developing ways to manage emotional distress. When you are ready, your psychologist will guide you through memory processing using bilateral stimulation.
Sessions also involve checking your emotional responses, monitoring progress and ensuring you feel appropriately supported. Not every EMDR session involves processing traumatic memories.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your experiences, symptoms, treatment goals and individual circumstances.
Some people seeking treatment for a single traumatic event may require fewer sessions than those experiencing complex or longstanding trauma. For people with complex trauma, treatment may involve a longer period of preparation, stabilisation and psychological therapy.
Your psychologist will discuss treatment expectations with you following an initial assessment.
Is EMDR suitable for complex trauma?
EMDR can be incorporated into treatment for people who have experienced repeated trauma, childhood adversity or longstanding relational difficulties.
However, complex trauma often affects more than individual memories. It can influence emotional regulation, relationships, self-worth, identity and the ability to feel safe.
Treatment may therefore involve a broader therapeutic approach that includes stabilisation, emotional regulation and exploration of relational patterns alongside EMDR.
At Conscious Calm Psychology, we recognise the importance of tailoring trauma treatment to each person's needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
Is EMDR hypnosis?
No, EMDR is not hypnosis. During EMDR, you remain awake, aware and actively involved in the therapeutic process. You can communicate with your psychologist, ask questions or request a pause at any time.
Can EMDR help even if the trauma happened years ago?
Yes, EMDR can be used to address trauma-related symptoms associated with experiences that occurred recently or many years earlier.
Some people seek EMDR for events they have carried with them since childhood, while others seek treatment following a more recent experience.
What if I don't remember everything that happened?
You do not need to remember every detail of an experience to explore whether EMDR may be helpful.
Your psychologist can work with the memories, emotions, beliefs and physical responses that are available to you.
EMDR is not designed to recover forgotten memories, and it should not be used to establish whether an uncertain event occurred.
Is EMDR effective?
EMDR has been extensively researched as a treatment for PTSD. It is recommended by major international and Australian clinical guidelines, including those of the World Health Organization and Australia's national PTSD guidelines.
Research supports its effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories, avoidance and trauma-related distress.
As with any psychological treatment, individual responses vary, and your psychologist will regularly review your progress.
Can EMDR be done online?
Yes, EMDR can be delivered through telehealth when clinically appropriate. Your psychologist will assess whether online EMDR is suitable for your circumstances, considering your symptoms, privacy, safety and ability to engage in treatment.
ASSYST: Early Support Following a Traumatic Event
Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization | Offered by Clinical Psychologist Sarah Newstead
Following a traumatic event, it is common to experience intense emotional and physical reactions. You may notice:
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Intrusive memories or images of what happened.
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Difficulty sleeping or nightmares.
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Feeling constantly alert, anxious or on edge.
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Emotional numbness or shock.
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Difficulty concentrating or returning to everyday activities.
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Strong physical reactions when reminded of the event.
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Feeling overwhelmed, frightened or disconnected.
These responses can be part of the body's natural reaction to overwhelming stress. However, when symptoms are particularly distressing or interfere with daily functioning, early psychological support may be beneficial.
What is ASSYST?
ASSYST (Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization) is a structured psychological intervention designed to help people experiencing acute stress reactions following recent traumatic events.
The approach incorporates elements of EMDR-informed intervention, including bilateral stimulation, to help reduce emotional distress and support stabilisation.
ASSYST generally focuses on the immediate impact of a traumatic experience rather than exploring longstanding patterns or earlier life experiences.
The aim is to help reduce acute distress and support a greater sense of emotional and physiological stability.
ASSYST is an emerging approach with a more limited research base than standard EMDR therapy for PTSD. It is not an established method of preventing PTSD.
When might ASSYST be helpful?
ASSYST may be considered following experiences such as:
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Motor vehicle accidents.
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Physical or sexual assault.
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Sudden or traumatic loss.
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Medical emergencies.
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Workplace accidents or critical incidents.
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Witnessing a frightening or traumatic event.
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Other unexpected or overwhelming experiences.
How soon after a traumatic event can I seek support?
You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe or receive a diagnosis of PTSD before seeking psychological support.
Early appointments can help you understand your responses, identify appropriate coping strategies and determine whether a structured intervention such as ASSYST is suitable.
Not everyone who experiences trauma requires trauma-focused processing immediately. Some people benefit most from practical support, safety, reassurance and time to recover.
Sarah will assess your individual circumstances and discuss the most appropriate approach.
EMDR and ASSYST: What's the Difference?
EMDR Therapy
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An established, evidence-based treatment for PTSD.
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Can address recent or longstanding traumatic experiences.
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Uses a structured eight-phase treatment approach.
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May form part of longer-term psychological therapy.
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Offered by Sarah and Bridget.
ASSYST
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An emerging early intervention for acute stress reactions.
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Primarily focuses on distress following recent traumatic experiences.
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Uses a shorter, stabilisation-focused protocol.
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Generally focuses on immediate trauma-related distress.
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Offered by Sarah.
Both approaches aim to reduce trauma-related distress, but they have different purposes and levels of research support. Your psychologist can help determine which approach is most appropriate for you.
What is ASSYST?
ASSYST (Acute Stress Syndrome Stabilization) is a structured psychological intervention designed to help people experiencing acute stress reactions following recent traumatic events.
The approach incorporates elements of EMDR-informed intervention, including bilateral stimulation, to help reduce emotional distress and support stabilisation.
ASSYST generally focuses on the immediate impact of a traumatic experience rather than exploring longstanding patterns or earlier life experiences.
The aim is to help reduce acute distress and support a greater sense of emotional and physiological stability.
ASSYST is an emerging approach with a more limited research base than standard EMDR therapy for PTSD. It is not an established method of preventing PTSD.
When might ASSYST be helpful?
ASSYST may be considered following experiences such as:
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Motor vehicle accidents.
-
Physical or sexual assault.
-
Sudden or traumatic loss.
-
Medical emergencies.
-
Workplace accidents or critical incidents.
-
Witnessing a frightening or traumatic event.
-
Other unexpected or overwhelming experiences.
How soon after a traumatic event can I seek support?
You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe or receive a diagnosis of PTSD before seeking psychological support.
Early appointments can help you understand your responses, identify appropriate coping strategies and determine whether a structured intervention such as ASSYST is suitable.
Not everyone who experiences trauma requires trauma-focused processing immediately. Some people benefit most from practical support, safety, reassurance and time to recover.
Sarah will assess your individual circumstances and discuss the most appropriate approach.