Choosing the Right EMDR Therapist in Brisbane: How to Find Real Relief

Q: How do I find the best EMDR therapist in Brisbane for my needs?

Start by reviewing therapists’ qualifications, such as EMDRAA recognised training, and their experience with your specific concerns or trauma type. An initial conversation should help you assess whether you feel safe, understood, and supported, which is a key factor in effective trauma focused therapy [1][3].

Q: Is online EMDR therapy effective compared to face to face sessions?

Yes. Peer reviewed studies indicate that EMDR delivered remotely can reduce trauma related symptoms. Australian guidance supports trauma focused therapy provided by trained clinicians within a structured model when telehealth is clinically appropriate [1][6].

Q: Do I need a GP referral to start EMDR therapy in Brisbane?

You can begin EMDR therapy privately without a referral. To access Medicare rebates under the Better Access initiative, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral are required, which can reduce out of pocket costs [8].

Q: What happens during the first EMDR therapy session?

The first session focuses on assessment and preparation. Your clinician gathers relevant history, explains the EMDR model and phases, and teaches stabilisation and coping strategies before any memory processing begins. This phased approach prioritises safety and pacing [1][2].

Q: How quickly does EMDR therapy usually produce results?

Response timelines vary depending on trauma history, goals, and complexity. Australian guidance recommends monitoring progress and reviewing the treatment plan if adequate improvement is not seen after a focused course of trauma focused sessions, for example around 12 sessions, to consider barriers, additional sessions, or alternative trauma focused options [1][9].

nurturedthoughts
Jan 1
6 min read

Deciding to seek help for trauma is often an emotional step filled with hope and a bit of uncertainty. You might be wondering how exactly Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, EMDR, therapy could make a difference for you. Finding the right EMDR therapist in Brisbane means you'll be supported through every step, ensuring you feel genuinely heard, understood, and safe as you heal. This guide will clearly explain the qualifications to seek in a therapist, practical questions you can ask before booking your first session, how to choose between online and in person therapy, simple steps to book an appointment, and answers to the questions many clients frequently ask us.

What to Look For in an EMDR Therapist in Brisbane

The therapeutic relationship you build with your EMDR therapist is the foundation for your healing journey. It's important your therapist feels like someone you can trust completely. Research and Australian guidance emphasise that evidence based trauma focused therapies rely on clear formulation, safety, and collaboration between therapist and client [1, 2].

A great EMDR therapist in Brisbane will:

Understand common trauma responses, including heightened anxiety, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance. They will validate your experiences openly.
Make your emotional safety a top priority. They will continuously check your comfort levels and encourage open communication.
Display genuine empathy, patience, and compassion. They'll respect your emotions and reassure you that your reactions are normal.
Communicate transparently about confidentiality, consent, boundaries, and your right to pause or stop if you ever feel overwhelmed.

Think of your EMDR therapist as your guide, someone who is fully invested in your well being and who ensures every session moves at your pace and comfort level.

Qualifications and Training That Matter

When choosing your EMDR therapist, their training and qualifications matter greatly. EMDR is not something therapists casually offer, it is a specialised skill that requires approved training, supervised practice, and consultation to ensure safe and effective delivery [1, 3].

Here are essential credentials your therapist should hold:

Accredited EMDR Training: In Australia, approved EMDR training comprises structured teaching with supervised practical components and consultation. Verify your therapist completed training recognised by the EMDR Association of Australia, EMDRAA [3].
Professional Registration: Check your therapist is registered with trusted Australian professional bodies, such as the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, AHPRA, for psychologists. Registration ensures adherence to national standards and codes of conduct [4].
Advanced Certification: Some therapists also hold advanced credentials. While certification bodies such as EMDRIA describe international practitioner standards, Australian clinicians typically align their practice with EMDRAA recognition and Australian guideline principles [3,5].

When a therapist has these credentials, you can feel assured they are equipped with the tools, training, and sensitivity needed to help you heal effectively.

Questions to Ask Before Booking

Feeling confident about your choice involves knowing the right questions to ask potential EMDR therapists. Asking clear questions helps you gauge their expertise, approach, and how comfortable you will feel working together.

Consider asking:

"Can you detail your specific EMDR training and recognitions?" A qualified therapist should comfortably discuss their training background, mentioning EMDRAA recognition and how they work within Australian guideline principles [1, 3].
"Do you receive ongoing EMDR supervision or further training?" Regular supervision supports quality and fidelity to trauma focused models [1].
"How do you determine if I am ready for trauma processing?" They should outline phased care that includes emotional preparation and coping skills before memory processing [1, 2].
"Have you experienced cases where EMDR was not suitable, and how did you handle that?" Good therapists acknowledge limits and can suggest alternatives, such as trauma focused CBT, in line with guidance [1, 2].
"What strategies will you use if I become overwhelmed during a session?" Clinicians should describe safety procedures and pacing adjustments consistent with phased trauma care [1].
"Do you offer EMDR sessions both online and in person?" Clarifying format ensures you choose what fits your preferences and practical needs.

Evidence supports trauma focused therapy delivered via telehealth when clinically appropriate [1].

In Person vs Online EMDR in Brisbane: Which Is Right for You?

Research and clinical experience indicate that remotely delivered trauma focused therapy can reduce PTSD symptoms when provided with appropriate safeguards and fidelity to the model. EMDR delivered via telehealth has been evaluated with favourable outcomes in peer reviewed research, and Australian guidance supports trauma focused therapy when delivered by trained clinicians within a structured model of care [1, 6].

Advantages of in person EMDR sessions include:

Direct, face to face emotional reassurance and support.
The therapist can closely observe subtle emotional and physical reactions.
Access to physical bilateral stimulation tools, for example tactile devices or visual aids.

Advantages of online EMDR sessions include:

Comfort and safety of your familiar surroundings, which can reduce anxiety.
More convenience, especially if you live remotely, have mobility issues, or have tight schedules.
Access to evidence based treatment when travel or logistics are barriers, provided clinical suitability and safety are confirmed [1, 6].

Consider what feels safer and more comfortable for you, knowing both options can be effective paths to recovery when delivered by trained clinicians using a structured, trauma focused approach [1, 6].

Finding the Best EMDR Therapist in Brisbane: Simple Steps

Finding a therapist does not need to be overwhelming. To simplify your search, consider these practical steps:

Use reputable directories like EMDRAA’s official listings, filtering by Brisbane location and EMDR specialisation [3].
Ask your GP, friends, family, or local support groups for personal recommendations.
Visit therapist websites to understand their approaches, qualifications, client feedback, and areas of specialisation.
Arrange initial calls or brief meetings to assess your comfort level, trustworthiness, and their clarity in explaining how therapy works.
Trust your feelings, select someone who naturally puts you at ease and who you feel genuinely listens and cares about your story.

How to Book an EMDR Session in Brisbane With Ease

Booking your first EMDR session can be straightforward and reassuring if you follow these practical steps:

Consider obtaining a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP if you would like Medicare rebates for eligible psychology sessions under Better Access [8].
Contact your chosen therapist directly, discussing session availability, costs, and logistics clearly.
Confirm key details, session location, duration, for example sessions are often 60 to 90 minutes, and whether you prefer online or face to face therapy [7].
Prepare a private, quiet space if your session is online, ensuring you feel safe and comfortable during therapy.
Give yourself time afterward to rest and reflect gently on the session, ensuring you have emotional space to process and decompress.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the best EMDR therapist in Brisbane for my needs?

Review therapists' qualifications, for example EMDRAA recognised training, experience with your type of trauma, and your comfort in the initial conversation. Feeling safe and supported is crucial [1,3].

Is online EMDR therapy effective compared to face to face sessions?

Evidence from peer reviewed studies shows that EMDR delivered remotely can reduce trauma symptoms, and Australian guidance supports trauma focused therapy delivered by trained clinicians within a structured model when clinically appropriate [1, 6].

Do I need a GP referral to start EMDR therapy in Brisbane?

You can book privately without a referral. However, a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan allows Medicare rebates for eligible psychology services under the Better Access initiative, which can reduce your out of pocket costs [8].

What happens during the first EMDR therapy session?

Your clinician gathers history, explains the model, and teaches stabilisation and coping strategies before any memory processing, ensuring safety and pacing are in place in line with phased trauma care [1, 2].

How quickly does EMDR therapy usually produce results?

Timelines vary with history, goals, and complexity. Australian guidance supports monitoring response and reviewing case formulation if adequate improvement is not observed after a focused course of trauma focused sessions, for example around 12 sessions, to consider barriers, further sessions, or alternative trauma focused options [1, 9].

At Nurtured Thoughts Psychology, we specialise in compassionate, trauma informed care, offering tailored EMDR therapy in Brisbane. Our professional psychologists are dedicated to walking beside you on your healing journey, ensuring you feel safe, heard, and deeply supported [1, 2].

Disclaimer: This guide is general information, not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please consult your GP or specialist for personal care.

References

[1] Phoenix Australia, Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health. (2020, updated 2022). Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Complex PTSD, Treatment recommendations. Melbourne, VIC: Phoenix Australia. https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/australian-guidelines-for-ptsd/

[2] Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. (2020). Post traumatic stress disorder, endorsed guidelines. Melbourne, VIC: RANZCP. https://www.ranzcp.org/clinical-guidelines-publications/clinical-guidelines-publications-library/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-endorsed-guidelines

[3] EMDR Association of Australia, EMDRAA. (n.d.). EMDR training and accreditation standards. https://emdraa.org

[4] Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, AHPRA. (n.d.). Registration standards, codes and guidelines. https://www.ahpra.gov.au

[5] EMDR International Association, EMDRIA. (2023). Certification standards. https://www.emdria.org

[6] McGowan, I. W., Fisher, N., Havens, J., & Proudlock, S. (2021). An evaluation of EMDR therapy delivered remotely during the COVID 19 pandemic. BMC Psychiatry, 21, 560. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03571-x

[7] Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR, Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press. https://www.guilford.com/books/Eye-Movement-Desensitization-and-Reprocessing-EMDR-Therapy/Francine-Shapiro/9781462532766

[8] Services Australia. (2024). Better Access, Medicare rebates for mental health services. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/mental-health-care-and-medicare

[9] Black Dog Institute. (2024). Diagnosis and treatment of post traumatic stress disorder in emergency service workers, clinical guidelines. Sydney, NSW: Black Dog Institute. https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/BDI_PTSD_Guidelines_A4_DIGITAL_V2.pdf