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EMDR Therapy Brisbane and Ipswich: Online or In-Person

by | Jan 21, 2025 | Anxiety, Articles, Counselling, Depression, EMDR Therapy, Mental Health

EMDR Therapy in Brisbane and Ipswich: A Proven Solution for Anxiety, Depression and PTSD

If you’re curious about EMDR Therapy in Brisbane or Ipswich, you’re not alone. Many people are turning to EMDR for relief from anxiety, depression and PTSD. If you’re unsure where to start, this article will guide you through how EMDR can help. We’ll explore how EMDR therapy works, why it’s so effective, and what you can expect when you book a session with Honni Hayton Counselling.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It’s a revolutionary therapy designed to help your brain heal from emotional pain and trauma.

Trauma often leaves unprocessed memories and emotions stuck in our brains. This “stuckness” can cause anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health issues. EMDR uses guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help your brain process these memories.

This natural healing process can bring relief and allow you to move forward without being weighed down by the past.  read more about my EMDR services here.

Why Is EMDR So Effective?

EMDR is one of the most researched and proven therapies for:

  • PTSD: It’s widely regarded as the gold standard for trauma treatment.
  • Anxiety: EMDR helps calm racing thoughts and the physical symptoms of anxiety.
  • Depression: By addressing unresolved pain, EMDR can help lift the heaviness of depression.

Unlike some therapies that focus only on managing symptoms, EMDR targets the root causes of emotional distress. This allows for long-lasting healing, not just temporary relief.

And here’s something important: EMDR works just as well online as it does in person. Whether you’re in Brisbane, Ipswich or beyond, you can access this life-changing therapy from wherever you feel most comfortable. Read more about how EMDR works here.

What Happens in an EMDR Session?

If you’ve never tried EMDR, you might feel unsure about what to expect. That’s completely normal.

Here’s a breakdown of what a session looks like:

  1. We Talk: We’ll start by discussing the challenges you’re facing, discussing goals and identifying the memories or emotions causing you distress.
  2. Bilateral Stimulation: I’ll guide you through bilateral stimulation, which might involve eye movements or tapping.
  3. Processing Memories: This technique helps your brain reprocess distressing memories, making them feel less overwhelming.
  4. Reflection: We’ll talk about what came up during the session and how you’re feeling.

You don’t have to share every detail of your trauma unless you want to. The process is gentle and paced to ensure you feel safe and supported. It’s important to note that we don’t start EMDR processing in the first session. In the initial sessions I will help you develop some helpful emotional regulation strategies. I will also take note of your history and how it has affected you.

Common Concerns About EMDR

It’s natural to have questions or concerns about trying a new therapy. Here are some of the most common ones I hear:

  1. “Will I lose control during the session?”
    No. You are always in control. EMDR is a collaborative process, and we go at your pace.
  2. “Is EMDR too intense?”
    EMDR is designed to be gentle and safe. We focus on creating a supportive environment for your healing.
  3. “Does it really work online?”
    Yes! Online EMDR uses the same methods as in-person sessions, and the results are equally effective.

If you’re still feeling unsure, I’m happy to chat with you and answer any questions before you book a session.

My Practice: A Scenic Drive from Ipswich and Brisbane

Ensuring your EMDR therapist is suitably qualified, trained and experienced is essential for effective therapy. I am a counsellor registered with PACFA (Psychotherapists and Counsellors federation of Australia), and have completed extra training to be an EMDR Therapist registered with  EMDRAA (EMDR Association of Australia).

If you’d like an in-person session, my practice is in Boonah—a beautiful rural town just 60 minutes from Brisbane or 45 minutes from Ipswich.

Clients often share how much they enjoy the drive to Boonah, often stopping to have coffee or lunch at one of Boonah’s many coffee shops before the session.  They describe the drive out as part of the therapeutic process—a peaceful journey that allows them to slow down, reflect and carve out some “me time.”

The drive home often becomes a time to process and integrate what they’ve uncovered during the session.

This unique combination of therapy and the restorative journey creates a truly holistic experience.

Online EMDR: Convenient and Effective

Did you know that EMDR is just as effective online as it is in person?

Online therapy allows you to access the same proven techniques from the comfort of your home. I use secure, easy-to-use platforms to guide you through the process.

Many clients prefer online sessions because they feel more relaxed in their own space. Plus, there’s no need to travel, making it a convenient option for busy schedules.

If you’re unable to attend in person, online EMDR could be the perfect solution for you. You can book a session with me with my client portal here. 

Testimonials From My Clients

Hearing how others have benefited from EMDR can be reassuring. Here are two testimonials from clients I’ve worked with:

“I highly recommend EMDR.”
“It has been nearly 12 months since finishing EMDR therapy with Honni, and it has made a huge impact on my life. I highly recommend it to anyone. In my opinion, anyone who has been the victim of trauma should be participating in this therapy method. It works.”

“EMDR is the most effective therapy I’ve had”
“I really believe in the EMDR process. It works fast and well, with results showing very quickly. I’m always surprised by what I discover about myself—things I wasn’t aware I was feeling. Honni is professional, kind, skilled, and intuitive in supporting my process. I’ve been to counselling for decades, and I’ve found this to be the most effective way to heal and lead a better life.”

These stories highlight the power of EMDR and the difference it can make in someone’s life.

You can book an EMDR session with me here.

Your Healing Journey Starts Here

Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD or the lingering effects of trauma, EMDR therapy could be the key to your healing. Imagine feeling lighter, more balanced, and free from the emotional pain holding you back—that’s what EMDR can offer.

I provide in-person sessions at my Boonah practice, conveniently located 60 minutes from Brisbane or 45 minutes from Ipswich. Many clients find the drive to Boonah a calming prelude to their therapy, offering time to reflect and unwind. If travel isn’t possible, I also offer online sessions for clients anywhere in Australia.

Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Together, we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs and goals. Email me today at contact@honnihaytoncounselling.com.au, or book a session directly through my client portal here.

Start your journey to healing with EMDR therapy—I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Honni Hayton Counsellor

About Honni Hayton

A qualified, practicing counsellor, Honni Hayton has been helping people live their best life for over 20 years. She specialises in providing women’s counselling services, both in person and online. She also provides relationship counselling to help couples find happiness again.