EMDR Therapy

Difficult or traumatic experiences can stay with us long after they happen, sometimes affecting how we think, feel, and move through daily life. At Serenity Psychology, we provide evidence-based EMDR therapy that is structured, supportive, and grounded in clinical best practice, so you can process what's happened and move forward

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy used to help people process distressing or traumatic memories. EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for psychological trauma, and is widely used by clinicians internationally.

EMDR works by supporting the brain's natural ability to process difficult experiences, using structured eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while working through a specific memory or experience. Over time, this process can reduce the emotional intensity connected to the memory, allowing it to be recalled without the same level of distress.

Calm, focused space for trauma-informed therapy

How Does EMDR Work at Serenity Psychology?

EMDR begins with understanding your history and identifying the specific experiences or memories that continue to affect you. Together, we build a clear treatment plan before beginning any reprocessing work, ensuring you feel prepared and safe throughout the process.

During EMDR sessions, we work through targeted memories using structured techniques, at a pace that feels manageable for you. Many people notice a gradual shift in how a memory feels to recall, not forgetting what happened, but no longer carrying the same emotional weight.

Quiet room set up for structured therapy session

What Can EMDR Help With?

EMDR can support a range of experiences, including:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

  • Single-incident trauma, such as accidents or assaults

  • Complex or repeated trauma

  • Distressing memories that continue to affect daily life

  • Anxiety and phobias connected to specific past experiences

  • Grief involving traumatic or sudden loss

Soft natural light in a supportive therapy space

Is EMDR Right for Me?

If you have a specific memory or experience that continues to affect how you feel, think, or function even if it happened some time ago, EMDR may be able to help. You don't need a formal PTSD diagnosis to benefit from EMDR; it can be appropriate for a range of distressing experiences, not only significant trauma.

Calm, private setting for individual therapy

Common Questions About EMDR

  • Not necessarily. EMDR doesn't require you to describe every detail of a difficult experience out loud. The process focuses on how the memory is processed by the brain, rather than requiring an in-depth verbal account.

  • No. EMDR and clinical hypnosis are different approaches, though both can be used to support trauma-related difficulties. EMDR uses structured eye movements or bilateral stimulation while focusing on a specific memory, rather than a hypnotic state.

  • This depends on the nature and complexity of what you're working through. Some people notice change after a small number of sessions, while more complex experiences may benefit from a longer course of treatment. This will be discussed and reviewed together as therapy progresses. You can view our current pricing on our Fees page.

  • Yes. EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for trauma, and is supported by a substantial body of research.

Ready to explore EMDR?

Enquire

Serenity Psychology is located in Auckland at our Grey Lynn clinic, conveniently located for people in Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Westmere, Herne Bay, Mt Eden, Kingsland, and throughout Central Auckland.