Dr JC Coetzee Clinical Psychologist Auckland - Milford, Ponsonby, Parnell Book Sessions
Advanced EMDR Therapy with Clinical Psychologist Dr. JC Coetzee Milford, Ponsonby & Parnell Auckland and Online

EMDR Therapy Clinic Auckland

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy

Auckland, Milford, Parnell & Ponsonby
Book an EMDR Session Remote or In-Person

Welcome to the EMDR Therapy Clinic Auckland, with conveniently located offices in Milford, Ponsonby and Parnell, Auckland. Dr JC Coetzee, a qualified EMDR therapist offers expert guidance, providing compassionate and effective EMDR therapy to help you navigate and overcome a range of emotional and psychological challenges.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR therapy involves the therapist guiding the client to focus on a distressing memory or emotion while engaging in rapid back-and-forth eye movements. The eye movements result in alternating stimulation of the brain's right and left hemispheres. These movements mimic those occurring during REM sleep and appear to expedite the healing process.

In EMDR, desensitisation involves diminishing the emotional disturbance linked to a traumatic memory, while reprocessing entails replacing unhealthy, negative beliefs associated with traumatic memories with more positive ones.

When is EMDR therapy appropriate?

EMDR therapy addresses two categories of trauma: "big T" trauma, such as combat or rape, and "little t" trauma, which encompasses everyday chronic stressors like childhood experiences leading to low self-esteem. EMDR therapy can effectively treat both types of trauma, but it's crucial to note that EMDR therapy can evoke intense emotions temporarily. Therefore, it may not be suitable for individuals unable or unwilling to confront distressing emotions. A thorough assessment by an EMDR therapist is necessary to determine its suitability within an overall treatment plan.

What is EMDR therapy helpful for?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a versatile therapy that can effectively treat a wide range of psychological conditions and issues, including:

  1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): EMDR is widely recognised for its effectiveness in treating PTSD, helping individuals process and integrate traumatic memories.

  2. Anxiety Disorders: Generalised anxiety, panic attacks, and specific phobias can be alleviated through EMDR by addressing underlying traumatic or distressing memories.

  3. Depression: EMDR can assist in reducing symptoms of depression, particularly when it's related to past traumatic experiences.

  4. Chronic Pain: Psychological factors contributing to chronic pain can be addressed with EMDR, often leading to reduced pain perception.

  5. Grief and Loss: EMDR can help individuals process intense emotions related to loss, facilitating healthier coping mechanisms.

  6. Addictions: By targeting trauma or distressing memories that may contribute to addictive behaviours, EMDR can be an effective component of addiction treatment.

  7. Problem Eating Behaviours & Eating Disorders: EMDR can assist in uncovering and processing traumatic experiences and distressing memories that contribute to unhealthy eating behaviours.

  8. Performance Anxiety: Issues related to performance, such as stage fright or sports anxiety, can be mitigated with EMDR by addressing underlying psychological factors.

  9. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): EMDR can help reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours by processing related distressing memories.

  10. Stress Management: Individuals dealing with high levels of stress can benefit from EMDR to process and manage their stress more effectively.

  11. Behavioural Issues: EMDR can help address and modify problematic behaviours, especially those rooted in past trauma or distress.

What happens in an EMDR therapy session?

Each EMDR therapy session varies as the healing process is internally guided. Past issues or memories may surface, often leading to temporary discomfort. However, persisting through these moments typically results in the gradual fading of upsetting emotions or memories. EMDR therapy sessions move through 8 phases.

How Does EMDR Therapy Work?

EMDR Therapy works through a structured process that includes the following eight phases:

  1. History Taking: Understanding the client's history and planning the treatment.

  2. Preparation: Teaching the client techniques to handle emotional distress.

  3. Assessment: Identifying the target memory and its components.

  4. Desensitisation: Processing the distressing memory with bilateral stimulation.

  5. Installation: Strengthening positive beliefs related to the memory.

  6. Body Scan: Identifying and addressing any residual physical discomfort.

  7. Closure: Ensuring the client feels better at the end of the session.

  8. Reevaluation: Reviewing progress and planning future sessions.

The Role of Bilateral Stimulation

During EMDR therapy sessions, clients focus on a specific traumatic memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (BLS). This is typically achieved through side-to-side eye movements, taps, or auditory tones. BLS is believed to help reprocess and integrate traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional charge and helps clients gain new perspectives on their past experiences.

The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) ModelThe theoretical foundation of EMDR Therapy is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model. This model suggests that our brains have a natural ability to heal from traumatic experiences, similar to how our bodies heal from physical wounds. However, when a traumatic event overwhelms our coping mechanisms, the memory of the event can become "frozen" in our nervous system. These unprocessed memories can continue to cause distress when triggered by reminders of the trauma.

EMDR Therapy facilitates the processing of these memories by stimulating the brain's information processing system, allowing the "frozen" memories to be integrated and stored in a less distressing way. This helps individuals achieve adaptive resolution, where they can recall the memory without reliving the intense emotions associated with it.

Why Choose the EMDR Therapy Clinic in Auckland?

At the EMDR Therapy Clinic in  Milford, Ponsonby and Parnell, Auckland, Dr JC is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for his clients. Dr JC Coetzee brings extensive experience and specialised training in EMDR Therapy to help you on your healing journey. His approach is client-centred, and he will work collaboratively with you to tailor the therapy to your specific needs.

Contact Us

If you are struggling with the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression, or any other distressing life experiences, Dr JC is here to help. Contact Dr JC today to schedule an appointment or to learn more about how EMDR Therapy can benefit you.

Dr. Coetzee integrates the latest advancements in EMDR equipment to ensure the most effective and comfortable experience for clients. He utilises a comprehensive EMDR experience to enhance the EMDR therapeutic process through multi-sensory bilateral stimulation. 

Light Bar for Eye Movements

The light bar is a key component in EMDR sessions. This innovative tool features a series of LEDs that move back and forth, guiding your eye movements. By following the lights, your brain can more effectively process traumatic memories, helping to reduce their emotional impact.

Vibrating Handheld Pulsators Devices

In addition to visual stimulation, Dr JC makes use of bilateral tactile stimulation through vibrating handheld pulsator devices. The Pulsators provide tactile stimulation which enhances bilateral stimulation and promotes the EMDR process.

Auditory Bilateral Stimulation

To enhance the multi-sensory experience, Dr JC uses headphones to deliver bilateral auditory stimulation. Soft tones alternate between the left and right ears, further enhancing bilateral stimulation and promoting the EMDR healing process.
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EMDR FAQ

EMDR Therapy

Commonly asked questions about EMDR Therapy

What is EMDR therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured form of psychotherapy that helps people recover from trauma and distressing life experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, sounds, or taps) to activate the brain’s natural healing processes.

How does EMDR work?

EMDR helps the brain to reprocess traumatic memories that have become “stuck”. Bilateral stimulation supports the brain in filing these memories more adaptively, reducing their emotional intensity and impact.

What issues can EMDR help with?

EMDR is best known for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also help with anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, chronic pain, and other distressing memories.

Is EMDR evidence-based?

Yes. EMDR is supported by extensive research and is recommended by organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychiatric Association (APA), and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

How is EMDR different from traditional talking therapy?

Unlike traditional talking therapy, EMDR does not require you to go into detail about the traumatic event or repeatedly relive it. Instead, the focus is on reprocessing the memory so it no longer feels as distressing.

What happens in an EMDR session?

EMDR follows an eight-phase protocol. This includes taking a history, preparing with grounding techniques, identifying target memories, reprocessing them using bilateral stimulation, and installing more helpful beliefs.

How many sessions will I need?

It varies depending on your history, the nature of your trauma, and how many memories need processing. Some people notice improvements in just a few sessions, while others may need longer-term therapy.

Will I lose control during EMDR?

No. You remain fully alert and in control. EMDR is not hypnosis, and you can pause or stop the session at any point if you feel uncomfortable.

Do I have to talk about all the details of my trauma?

No. While you may be asked to focus on aspects of the memory, you do not need to share all the details with your therapist unless you want to. The emphasis is on how your mind and body respond, rather than retelling the story.

What does bilateral stimulation feel like?

It might involve eye movements, gentle taps, hand-held buzzers, or alternating sounds through headphones. Many people describe it as unusual at first, but rhythmic and calming once the session is underway.

Can EMDR make me feel worse before I feel better?

It is possible to experience strong emotions or physical sensations during or after reprocessing. This is normal and part of the healing process. Your therapist will help you manage this safely, and most people find their symptoms ease over time.

Is EMDR safe?

Yes, when carried out by a trained and accredited therapist. EMDR is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, for some people with complex mental health or medical conditions, preparation and stabilisation may be needed first.

Can EMDR erase my memories?

No. EMDR does not erase memories—it changes the way they are stored. The memory remains, but it feels less overwhelming and loses its “emotional charge”.

Who can benefit from EMDR?

Adults, young people, and even children can benefit from EMDR. It is particularly useful for anyone who feels stuck in the past or is triggered by distressing memories.

How do I know if EMDR is right for me?

If you struggle with flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or intense reactions linked to past experiences, EMDR may be appropriate. Your therapist will carry out an assessment and discuss your suitability.

Do I need to prepare for EMDR sessions?

Often your therapist will teach you grounding or relaxation skills before reprocessing begins. It can also help to allow yourself some quiet time after sessions to reflect and rest.

How long is each EMDR session?

Sessions typically last between 50 and 90 minutes. Some therapists may offer longer sessions to allow for more complete reprocessing.

Can EMDR be done online?

Yes. EMDR can be delivered effectively via secure online platforms using adapted forms of bilateral stimulation. Many clients find remote sessions just as beneficial as in-person ones.

Is EMDR covered by insurance or ACC in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, ACC often funds EMDR for people with trauma linked to sexual abuse or injury. Other private insurers may also provide cover—check with your provider.

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