Counselling:
What is EMDR
Frequently Asked Questions
Video - What is EMDR
Video Provided by the EMDRAA
Video - How can EMDR Help?
Video provided by the EMDRAA
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing. It is a powerful psychological treatment that has been effective for over 30 years.
EMDR is one of the most researched psychotherapeutic approaches for PTSD. Since 1989 over 20 controlled clinical studies have found EMDR to effectively decrease or eliminate the symptoms of PTSD for the majority of clients and it is more efficient.
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) has recently noted EMDR as a Level 1 treatment for PTSD in their recent published results for ‘Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions: A Literature Review’ (2010) for both young people and adults. This is the highest rating that can be applied to a specific therapeutic approach. Additional research has focussed on use of EMDR for Depression and Anxiety and numerous other issues with extremely good results. (www.emdraa.org)
What kinds of Problems can EMDR treat?
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Phobias
Grief including complicated grief from disturbing memories
Performance Anxiety and Stress Reduction
many more.
Why choose EMDR over other therapies?
Often disturbing events happen in our lives that stay with us. The brain cannot process information as it ordinarily does. One moment can become ‘frozen in time’ and remembering the trauma may feel as bad as going through it for the first time. This is because the images, sounds, smells and feelings still seem to be there – they haven’t changed. Such memories have a lasting negative effect that interferes with the way a person sees the world and the way that they relate to other people.
EMDR has a positive effect on how the brain processes information. Following an EMDR session, the person no longer relives the trauma. They still recall that an incident happened, but it no longer feels upsetting. (www.emdraa.org)
What are the different services I would receive from a Psychiatrist, Psychologist and a Counsellor?
Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a doctor who has gone through intensive training, including medical school. They are able to diagnose and treat mental health disorders through therapeutic methods as well as through the prescription of medication. It is common for psychiatrists to see clients with more complex mental health disorders because they can prescribe and monitor psychiatric medication. All psychiatrists must maintain registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.
Psychologist
A psychologist is a mental health care provider who is qualified to diagnose and treat a range of mental health issues. They apply evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address a wide range of presenting problems such as depression, anxiety and addiction. Due to their diagnostic training, psychologists often work with clients who have more severe mental health issues.
Counsellor
A counsellor is a mental health care provider who utilises evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support a wide range of psychological concerns.
Counsellors will teach you a range of skills and strategies which can assist you in your day to day life.
Counsellors can have certificate level qualifications through to post graduate Masters degrees. It is important to confirm your counsellors registration, qualifications and years of experience, when determining what is going to suit you best when setting your therapy goals.
How many sessions will I need?
The total number of sessions you have with your counsellor will depend on your issues and how long you have had them. Also, it will depend on how quickly you progress and how confident you feel about stopping. Towards the end of your first session, your counsellor will discuss future plans with you. On average, our clients come for somewhere between eight and 16 sessions.
What happens if I cancel an appointment?
Please remember that your counsellor has set aside that time to meet with you. Therefore, we ask that you give at least 48 hours’ notice.
If you cancel or change less than 48 hours before your appointment, we will charge the full fee for your session, unless we can reschedule an appointment with you for later in the same week.
If you don’t turn up for an appointment and don’t give us notice, we reserve the right to charge the full rate.
If you think that counselling is a good fit for you, take the first step and contact SallyCCG now to book a counselling session.
************************************************** Please note that Sally Cooper Consulting Group Pty Ltd is not an emergency counselling service and hours of service provision are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. For any crisis counselling support please call Lifeline 13 11 14 or DIAL 000.
Sally Cooper completed a Bachelor of Social Sciences through the University of Queensland and a Masters of Counselling through University of Queensland. Sally has more than 20 years experience as a Counsellor and holds Clinical Level membership with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia). PACFA is a recognised Professional Body within AHPA (Allied Health Professionals Australia).
Sally has completed Advanced EMDR Training through Therapist Training Australia.
Counselling is not able to be claimed under a Mental Health Care Plan from your General Practitioner (GP). Therefore you do not need a referral from your GP.