EMDR Therapy Sydney

EMDR Therapy — You Don’t Have to Keep Living Like This 

Trauma leaves a mark. It may be a single, devastating event — an assault, an accident, a sudden loss, or abuse that went on for years. It may be something that happened to you as a child, long before you had the words to make sense of it. Whatever brought you here, your experience is real, it is serious, and it deserves proper care. 

Many people who have been through trauma find that the memory does not stay in the past. It comes back. They feel on edge, or numb, or both at different times. They avoid whole parts of their life just to stay away from the reminders. They wonder if they will always feel this way. 

If any of this sounds familiar, you are not alone — and this is not a sign of weakness. It is what trauma does to the brain. EMDR therapy was developed specifically to help with this. Think of it like pressing restart on a file your brain never finished processing. EMDR helps your nervous system complete what it started — so the memory gradually loses its grip on your daily life. 

Our EMDR Psychologist Sydney Approach 

McKinnon Psychology has a strong focus on trauma. Some of our psychologists have advanced training in EMDR. We use it as a main treatment — and we often pair it with other approaches, like Trauma-Focused CBT or Schema Therapy, to get the best outcome for you. 

We look at the whole picture. Not just what happened, but how it is affecting your sleep, your work, your relationships, and your sense of self. Your treatment plan is built around your needs. Nothing is rushed. Nothing happens without your consent. 

Recovery is possible. Many people who come to us feeling stuck find that EMDR helps them feel more like themselves again. That is what we are here for. 

For more on our approach to trauma, see our trauma treatment Sydney and PTSD treatment pages. 

What Can EMDR Help With? 

EMDR is best known as a treatment for PTSD — but research now supports its use across a much wider range of difficulties. Our EMDR psychologists in the Eastern Suburbs work with adults, teenagers, and children experiencing: 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma 
• Anxiety – anxiety disorders, panic, and specific phobias 
• Depression – particularly where depression is connected to difficult past experiences 
• Grief and loss 
• Childhood trauma and neglect 
• Performance anxiety in sport or work 

Not sure if EMDR is right for you? Our team will always talk through your options at your first appointment. You can also read more about phobia treatment on our website. 

EMDR Therapy for Children and Adolescents in Sydney 

EMDR is not just for adults. The World Health Organization recommends it for children and teenagers with PTSD, and this is supported by a growing body of recent evidence (WHO, 2013; de Jongh & ten Broeke, 2024). Our child psychologists adapt the approach to suit each young person’s age and comfort level — using drawing, storytelling, and movement alongside the core technique. 

Children often carry trauma quietly. It can show up as behaviour problems, sleep trouble, or difficulty at school. Our team is trained to recognise these signs and respond with care. Sessions for younger children are shorter and more frequent — always adapted to their stage of development. 

We work closely with parents and carers throughout. You are not on the sidelines — you are part of the process. Many families notice real changes: better sleep, more calm, more connection. That is what makes the work feel worthwhile. 

Learn more about our child psychology services and parenting and family therapy at McKinnon Psychology. 

What to Expect from EMDR Treatment 

If starting therapy feels daunting, that is completely understandable. Many of our clients feel nervous before the first session. What we want you to know is this: you are always in control of the process. Nothing happens before you are ready. 

EMDR follows a clear, step-by-step approach. First, your psychologist gets to know your history and what has brought you here. Then — before any processing begins — you build a set of skills to help you feel grounded and steady. Processing only starts when you feel safe enough to begin. 

Sessions are usually 60 to 90 minutes. For a single traumatic event, many people notice real change within 6 to 12 sessions. Complex trauma takes longer — and your psychologist will give you an honest picture of what to expect right from the start. 

Medicare rebates are available. With a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP, you can claim a rebate for up to 10 sessions per year under the Better Access scheme. Our admin team can walk you through the referral process — just call us on 02 9066 3070. 

For clinical guidelines on PTSD treatment, the Phoenix Australia PTSD Guidelines website is a trusted resource. 

How EMDR Works?

Finding an EMDR Psychologist Near You — In Person and Online 

Our clinic is in Edgecliff, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs — less than five minutes from Edgecliff train station. We see clients from across the North Shore, Inner West, South Sydney, West Sydney, and the wider Greater Sydney area. 

If you can’t come in person, we offer online EMDR treatment via secure video. Research shows that online EMDR can be just as effective as face-to-face sessions for most people (Lenferink et al., 2020; McGowan et al., 2021). We use adapted bilateral stimulation techniques that work just as well on screen. 

Whether you are in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Darwin, or a rural community somewhere in between — specialist EMDR care is within reach. We know that taking the first step takes courage. We want getting that support to be as simple as possible. 

Our EMDR Trained Psychologists

Living with trauma can feel overwhelming, but effective treatment is available. Our EMDR psychologist Sydney team is committed to helping adults and children process past experiences and reclaim their lives. 

Catherine Gittins

Anna McKinnon

Gabrielle

Fynn

Belinda

Middleton

Ready to Take a Step Forward? 

If you have been carrying the weight of difficult memories — whether for years or just a little while — reaching out is a meaningful first step. You don’t need to have it all figured out before you call. That is what the first appointment is for. 

Our team at McKinnon Psychology will take the time to understand your situation. We’ll talk through your options and help you find a way forward that feels right for you.

Visit us in Edgecliff or Telehealth is available across Australia

Call on 02 9066 3070,

Email: admin@mckinnonpsychology.com.au

or contact us to book your first appointment