Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Wollongong
A powerful evidence-based therapy for processing trauma and distressing memories through guided bilateral stimulation.
When you have experienced a traumatic event or a series of distressing life experiences, it can often feel like the past is still actively living in the present. You might notice that certain sounds, places, or interactions trigger intense, overwhelming emotional and physical reactions before your mind even has a chance to process them. This is your mind and body simply trying to protect you.
At Pillars Psychology Practice, we offer EMDR therapy in Wollongong to help you gently unlock, process, and resolve the pain of these past experiences in an environment built entirely on safety and trust.
Benefits & Outcomes of EMDR Therapy
Healing distressing memories
Reducing emotional triggers
Building coping mechanisms
Restoring self-trust and emotional balance
What is Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is widely recognised as a gold-standard treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or audio tones, to help your brain process traumatic memories in a new way.
When we experience trauma, memories can become "stuck," causing ongoing distress. EMDR helps to unlock and reprocess these memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing you to move forward with greater peace and resilience.
Who is EMDR for?
EMDR can be helpful for anyone who has experienced:
Single-incident trauma (accidents, assault, loss)
Complex or developmental trauma
Anxiety, panic attacks, or phobias
Disturbing memories that feel overwhelming
Emotional dysregulation or persistent negative beliefs about yourself
What to Expect in Sessions
EMDR typically involves eight phases, including history-taking, preparation, and processing. During processing sessions, you'll focus on specific memories while following bilateral stimulation guided by Felicity. You remain in control throughout, and the process is paced according to your comfort and readiness.
EMDR sessions are typically 90 minutes to 2 hours, allowing enough time to complete processing cycles and ensure you leave feeling grounded and safe.
Pricing & Session Structure
Standard Session (1 Hour): $220
Extended Session (1.5 Hours): $330
Extended Session (2 Hours): $440
Note: Extended sessions are only recommended when clinically appropriate to ensure safe and complete processing. Rebates may be available to individuals with a valid referral, such as a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan. Please speak to your General Practitioner (GP) to explore your eligibility.
Meet Felicity Kyngdon
Registered Psychologist
Stepping into trauma therapy requires an immense amount of courage, and the professional holding that space for you matters deeply.
With extensive experience in trauma-focused care, Felicity works compassionately with survivors of developmental trauma, attachment difficulties, and emotional dysregulation. Her therapeutic style is grounded in empathy, compassion, and practical support for sustainable, long-term healing. Felicity firmly believes that true healing happens when we feel safe enough to explore what once felt completely unbearable.
Specialties
Older teens (15+) and adults
Developmental trauma and attachment difficulties
Emotional dysregulation
Long-term trauma recovery
Begin Your Healing Journey in Wollongong Today
You do not have to keep running on the survival strategies of your past. Healing is entirely possible, and you deserve a life characterised by genuine peace, presence, and ease. Take a short reflection to explore your needs and readiness for support. For any questions about EMDR therapy at our Wollongong practice, call or leave a message on the contact page, and we will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is EMDR therapy for?
EMDR is incredibly beneficial for older adolescents (16+) and adults who feel held back by past events or ingrained emotional responses. It is highly suited for individuals who find that intellectualising or talking about their problems hasn't brought them the deep relief they are looking for, as well as those who experience intense physical responses to emotional triggers.
What is it used for?
While widely recognised as a gold-standard treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD), EMDR is highly effective for a wide array of struggles. This includes single-incident traumas (such as car accidents, medical trauma, or assaults), developmental and childhood trauma, attachment wounds, phobias, panic attacks, severe anxiety, and persistent negative beliefs about one's self-worth.
What is the process of EMDR at Pillars Psychology Practice?
The process of EMDR counselling at our Wollongong practice moves carefully through phases designed to maximise your emotional safety. This is just a general guide, and the process varies as it is entirely tailored to your journey:
History Taking & Treatment Planning: Understanding your background and identifying target memories.
Preparation: Learning specific relaxation and stabilisation techniques to use during and between sessions.
Assessment: Identifying the specific images, negative thoughts, and physical sensations of the target memory.
Desensitisation: Utilising bilateral stimulation to lower the distressing emotional charge of the memory.
Installation: Strengthening a positive, empowering belief to replace the old negative thought.
Body Scan: Processing any lingering physical tension or discomfort tied to the memory.
Closure: Returning you to a state of emotional balance and calm at the end of the session.
Re-evaluation: Checking in at the start of the next session to ensure the healing has integrated.
How many EMDR sessions does it normally take before changes take effect?
The number of sessions required varies depending on the nature of the trauma. For a single-incident trauma experienced in adulthood (such as a recent accident), significant relief and complete processing can sometimes be achieved in as few as 3 to 6 active processing sessions.
For complex trauma, developmental or childhood neglect, and long-standing attachment difficulties, the preparation and processing phases take longer. In these instances, a longer-term therapeutic relationship spanning several months is standard to ensure your nervous system feels entirely safe throughout the journey. Felicity will collaborate with you to create an individualised timeline that honours your specific needs.