Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR Internal Family Systems Therapy Melbourne
EMDR Internal Family Systems Therapy Melbourne
EMDR Internal Family Systems Therapy Melbourne

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most researched and effective therapies for trauma.

At Let’s Work On That, we offer EMDR therapy in Melbourne and online Australia wide, combined with Internal Family Systems (IFS) to create a safe, grounded, and compassionate approach to trauma recovery.

How EMDR Works

When trauma happens, the brain can struggle to process it fully. Instead of being stored as a past event, the memory stays “stuck,” replaying through flashbacks, nightmares, or overwhelming emotions. EMDR helps to unstick these memories, process them properly, and file them away in the past where they belong.

During EMDR, you don’t need to retell every detail of what happened. Instead, you are gently guided to revisit memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds). This process mirrors the natural healing that happens during REM sleep, allowing the brain to reprocess trauma without re-traumatisation.

Why Combine EMDR with IFS Therapy?

While EMDR is powerful, many people need additional safety and resourcing before diving into traumatic memories. This is where IFS therapy becomes a natural partner.

  • Parts Awareness: In IFS, we recognise that trauma often lives in protective parts of the psyche. Some parts may want to rush into EMDR, while others may fear being overwhelmed. By listening to and working with these parts first, therapy becomes safer and more collaborative.

  • Resourcing with Self-Energy: EMDR works best when clients can access calm, grounded states. IFS helps you connect to Self your inner sense of compassion, confidence, and clarity providing a powerful anchor during reprocessing.

  • Reducing Resistance: Sometimes protectors (like avoidance, numbness, or overthinking) block EMDR from moving forward. With IFS, we can meet those protectors with respect, lowering their fear and allowing the process to continue gently.

  • Integration: After EMDR sessions, IFS supports deeper meaning-making and ensures all parts of you feel included in the healing process.

Together, EMDR and IFS create a therapy that is not only effective but also deeply respectful of your nervous system’s pace.

EMDR Therapy Can Help If You are Experiencing:

  • Trauma and PTSD (single-incident trauma, childhood trauma, medical trauma, abuse, accidents)

  • Suicidality and self-harm urges

  • Eating disorders and body image struggles

  • Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias

  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares

  • Low self-worth, shame, or identity wounds

Whether the trauma is a “big T” event or a series of “little t” hurts and invalidations, EMDR can help the brain complete the healing that didn’t happen at the time.

What Makes EMDR at Let’s Work On That Different?

  • Trauma-Informed: Safety and pacing always come first.

  • Integrated with IFS: You’ll build a relationship with your inner parts before and during EMDR, reducing overwhelm.

  • Practical and Compassionate: We combine evidence-based tools with warmth, humour, and humanity.

  • Personalised: Every EMDR process is tailored to your nervous system and your goals.

Clients often say EMDR feels like “finally closing 47 emotional tabs” their brain has kept open for years. The past stops hijacking the present, making room for clarity, connection, and peace.

Eye Movement De-sensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR)