Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is different from traditional talk therapy approaches like CBT and ACT. In EMDR, you don't have to reveal every detail of your painful experience like you would in talk therapy and the bulk of EMDR therapy work is done in session. This makes EMDR particularly useful for people who have difficulty talking about their trauma. EMDR therapy was founded by Francine Shapiro in the late 80s and has since emerged as a key intervention in treating trauma, which is now recognised by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) as a Level 1, top tier, evidence-based psychological intervention for PTSD in Adults, and Level 2 for children. Extensive international research also reveals that EMDR therapy’s effectiveness extends- far beyond addressing trauma, as it has been found that it can heal developmental wounds that underlie a wide-range of psychological and behavioural issues. For example, EMDR has been shown to be effective for addressing issues like anxiety, phobias, panic, social anxiety, OCD, depression, chronic pain, grief & loss, addictions, and even performance enhancement. EMDR Therapy is also beneficial in addressing non-diagnostic issues, such as attachment-based/childhood wounds, shame and perfectionism. The main idea underpinning EMDR, is that when we experience an intense negative event that is too overwhelming for our minds to make sense of, this information is thought to form a ‘stuck’, unprocessed, or Dysfunctional Memory Network - and so EMDR is thought to help by processing memories in a way that discards unhelpful or harmful information about an event (e.g. negative and inaccurate beliefs about yourself), while keeping more balanced and adaptive information that has arisen during the process. EMDR helps your mind and body to process your past trauma and get over ‘stuck’ memories, so they no longer show up as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. EMDR taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal and helps it file away memory appropriately so that when a previously overwhelming memory is recalled, there is no longer any distress associated with the memory. In addition to decreasing the distress associated with trauma and other mental health issues, EMDR can also help a person to gain confidence in their ability to perform a task or reach a goal. EMDR works to achieve this by installing positive beliefs, and by having the person imagine doing the thing they are nervous to do/or want to improve in, while undergoing bilateral stimulation (I'll explain this more soon). This has the effect of simultaneously decreasing the fear, anxiety, or stress associated with the task, and boosting confidence. It seems that EMDR helps the brain to think in a healthier, more adaptive way by removing blocks (such as negative self-limiting beliefs) and helps the person to tap into his or her strengths and potential. What is Bilateral stimulation (BLS) BLS is a unique aspect of EMDR Therapy. This is believed to relate to how the brain processes memories while we are asleep. One of the most important stages of sleep is called ‘rapid eye movement’ (or REM). REM sleep is where we process and consolidate learning and memories from the previous day. As an example of what REM does- have you ever woken up after a good sleep and realised that your dream actually gave you the answer/or shed light on a problem you've been dealing with? Yep- that's the power of REM- solving your latest dramas while you sleep. A key component of REM sleep is bi-lateral eye movements (when our eyes flicker rapidly from left-to-right). EMDR Therapy utilises this process by mimicking the eye-movements of REM sleep to stimulate the brain’s natural way of healing and processing memories. EMDR does this by using sounds, lights, movement, and vibrations to stimulate both sides of the brain, using a technique called bilateral stimulation (BLS). EMDR Therapy identifies a stuck memory and brings the information into the persons' present awareness, while pairing it with the bilateral eye movements observed in REM sleep. This in turn allows the brain to process the memory, resulting in the resolution of distress- associated with the memory, and a sense of freedom from related emotional, psychological and behavioural issues holding people back. Does EMDR Therapy Work Online? There is strong evidence supporting the effectiveness of EMDR Therapy delivered online, with research reporting that online EMDR therapy can be just as effective as in person sessions. Prior to commencing online EMDR therapy, your psychologist will work with you to make sure that you are emotionally ready to engage in trauma processing work, and that you have some self-care and emotional regulation tools to manage any distress that may arise. Recommendations include: 1.Ensuring a reliable and stable internet connection, the use of a hands-free device with a suitable/large screen to facilitate the required left-to-right eye movements for BLS. 2.It’s also key to have a quiet, private uninterrupted space for memory processing sessions, free from potential disruptions such as people, pets, or device notifications. 3.Also ensure that a phone next to you during the session so that your psychologist can easily contact you if there are technological issues. 4.Having tissues, water, and other comfort items close by can also help

CBT teaches us to change and reframe negative thought patterns, while ACT teaches us to accept negative feelings or situations as part of the human experience. Both are considered ‘talk therapies'. CBT helps us to identify unhelpful or unbalanced thinking patterns we have, and then challenge them with more helpful and balanced ways of thinking. CBT also involved changing our patterns of behaviour, such as gradually facing our fears or things we’ve been avoiding, or role playing ‘what if’/worst case scenarios with your therapist and seeing how likely they are to happen and figure out ways you can cope. The goal of CBT is to improve your quality of life through shifting your thoughts and behaviour patterns. ACT helps us focus on our motivations and values once we have learned to accept the challenges in our life, while CBT helps us identify things that we need to change ACT acknowledges that sometimes using logic doesn’t work and aims to help people to accept what kinds of things are not in their control and once that is achieved, ACT helps us to commit to actions that will us move in a positive and meaningful direction. ACT teaches us that suffering is a normal part of life and utilises mindfulness approaches to help us accept reality has it is. ACT helps us to make room for undesired feelings, emotions and sensations, and practice moving forward with our life at the same time. CBT and ACT often involves practicing skills outside of session and includes worksheets for you to do on your own to become more self-aware. ACT can be considered is an action-oriented approach that helps people build their psychological flexibility to promote a better quality of life, while CBT can be considered a goal-oriented therapy that is mainly interested in tackling specific problems, and less interested in the delving into causes.

Somatic Experiencing can be thought of as a body-mind approach to healing from trauma, as it does not focus on thoughts or emotions associated with a traumatic event. Within SE, trauma is defined as the constant dysregulation of the nervous system and bodily experiences. It was created by Dr. Peter Levin, PhD, and is based on the notion that trauma gets trapped in the body and thus SE works with the body to access and change feelings, thoughts, and behaviours. Somatic experiencing helps us increase our awareness of our internal experience and release trauma, finding ways to relax and calm the body and mind. Empirical research has shown that SE can be an effective therapy for treating trauma and many trauma therapists utilise SE as an adjunct to other level 1 evidence-based psychological intervention for PTSD, such as EMDR and CBT.

Embark on a journey of self-discovery with our Positive Psychology Coaching, a 6-session adventure designed to amplify your personal growth and wellbeing, while celebrating and elevating your unique strengths to achieve the dreams you cherish.

Resilience XL is a comprehensive program that equips you with evidence-based tools to build resilience, overcome obstacles, and thrive towards a fulfilling life, supported by science, practical homework, and a community for accountability.

Join us in Mindfulness XL, an 8-week journey to personal serenity and joy. Together, we’ll explore mindfulness, backed by science and practice, to cultivate happiness and alleviate stress, in a supportive online setting. 🌿🌟

🌱💕

We specialise in providing top quality, accessible, and affordable online therapy and services: Extensive research has found online therapy can be just as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy. Telehealth removes the need to travel to an appointment, which providing more flexibility, convenience, saving on time and travel cost, and takes away the issue of having travel after a heavy session. Telehealth also improves access to psychological support by removing geographical barriers, where you can choose to work with any therapist regardless of their location. Although Telehealth may not suit everyone, most people report they find it more convenient than travelling to / from a doctor’s office for appointments. Your psychologist will ask you some intake questions to help determine if telehealth is good option for you. Freedom Psychology and Life Coaching uses Microsoft (MS) Teams which is compliant with the Australian standards for online security and encryption. MS Teams provides flexibility for clients, who can use Teams on Windows or Mac computers, as well as tablets and phones running Android or Apple operating systems, with no cost to you. On most platforms clients can choose between a downloaded application or a Web-based version.   Prior to commencing online therapy, your psychologist will work with you to ensure that telehealth therapy is a suitable option for you.   Basic requirements for Telehealth: A reliable and stable internet connection. A laptop, desktop computer, iPad/tablet or smart phone. Headphones and an in-built camera or webcam on your device. If you are going to be using your smartphone or tablet for teletherapy, you will need to download the Microsoft Teams app. Just search ‘Microsoft Teams’ in the app store. a.      If you are going to use your desktop computer, then you need to have the latest version of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. b.     If you don’t want to use these browsers, then you can download the Microsoft Teams desktop app. You don’t have to setup an account to use Microsoft Teams for telehealth, but you can if you like. c.      Your psychologist/coach will send you a Microsoft Teams meeting request by email. In the email there will be a link to join the meeting.  d.     If you have setup a Microsoft Teams account, then you will be taken to the meeting in the app or your browser. You may have to sign in. e.      If you haven’t setup an account, click ‘Join as a guest’ and type in your name. 5.      A private, safe and uninterrupted space where you feel able to speak freely with minimal distractions. A phone next to you during the session so that your therapist can easily contact you if there are technological issues. Tissues, water, other comfort items nearby during your session. Make sure that your psychologist has the details of your key support person in case of emergency contact.

Malika is a SIRA Approved (Workcover) Psychologist.