Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology & EMDR Therapy

Individual Therapy can be booked directly online using the Book Individual Therapy button. EMDR Intensive Blocks begin with a free 15-minute call, which you can book from the EMDR Intensive Blocks page. If you're not sure which is right for you, you're welcome to send us a question.

An EMDR Intensive Block is a focused way of working with one or two distressing memories, experiences or areas of focus over a condensed timeframe. The pathway includes a free 15-minute call, a 50-minute Assessment & Planning Session, three 2-hour EMDR appointments.

An intensive brings longer appointments closer together over a condensed timeframe, which allows for continuity and focus. Weekly therapy is spaced over time. Both are valid approaches, and some people use both.

That's okay. You do not need to share every detail of your experiences to begin therapy or participate in an EMDR Intensive Block. You are free to decide what you would like to discuss, what feels too much and what pace feels manageable. We focus on developing understanding, awareness and the resources needed to support the work.

An EMDR Intensive Block focuses on one or two agreed areas of work. This might include:

• A distressing memory or experience that still feels present

• A particular event, such as an accident, workplace experience or significant life event

• An experience within a relationship that continues to have an impact

• A past experience that continues to affect how we feel, respond or relate in the present

• Something we have spoken about or understood before, but that still feels emotionally distressing or difficult to move beyond

We don't need a diagnosis or need to describe what happened as trauma for an EMDR Intensive to be considered. Readiness and suitability are explored together before proceeding.

No. People seek support in different ways, and a closely-spaced, structured program may suit some circumstances more than others. Sometimes Individual Therapy may be the better place to start. This is not a reflection of strength, readiness or worth. It simply means a different approach may be more helpful at that point in time.

No therapy can guarantee outcomes. An EMDR Intensive Block offers focused support with one or two areas of focus, and the work continues through integration and daily life. Some people find Individual Therapy helpful before, after or alongside an intensive.

Some people are drawn to the dedicated space an intensive provides. Others appreciate the opportunity to focus on one or two areas over a condensed timeframe. Individual Therapy and EMDR Intensive Blocks offer different ways of working.

The Assessment & Planning Session includes preparation for the intensive process. Many people find it helpful to keep their schedule as manageable as possible around appointments and allow time for rest, reflection and supportive activities.

Towards the end of the intensive, we review the work completed and discuss what may be helpful moving forward. This may include time for integration, Individual Therapy, support from another practitioner or service, or another focused block of work in the future.

Yes. EMDR Intensive Blocks are available in person in Townsville and via secure telehealth across Australia. Whether telehealth is suitable depends on your circumstances, access to a private space, technology requirements, and whether telehealth can be provided safely and effectively.

No. You can book a free 15-minute call or a private Individual Therapy appointment without a referral. A referral may be required if you wish to claim Medicare rebates or use certain funding pathways.

Medicare rebates may be available for Individual Therapy and eligible appointments within the EMDR Intensive pathway if you have a valid referral, meet Medicare eligibility requirements and have Medicare-funded sessions available.

For EMDR Intensive Blocks, the block fee is paid before the intensive begins. If eligible, Medicare rebates may be claimed after each eligible appointment is completed. Medicare does not fund the Intensive Block as a single package.

See Fees & Funding for current rebate amounts and further information.

The complete pathway is $2,200. This is made up of a $250 Assessment & Planning Session and a $1,950 EMDR Intensive Block. The block includes three 2-hour EMDR appointments, planning, resources, integration and discussion of next steps.

EMDR is a well-researched therapeutic approach used internationally to support people experiencing the impact of trauma and other distressing experiences. Research has also explored intensive formats of trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR, and suggests they may be helpful for some people and circumstances.

You're welcome to send us a question, and we'll help you work out where to start. If you're interested in an EMDR Intensive Block, you can also book a free 15-minute call.