EMDR Psychologist Sydney & NSW | Trauma-Focused Therapy
Revamp Psychology provides EMDR and trauma-focused psychological therapy in Sydney and across NSW for people recovering from workplace injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and other traumatic or distressing events. Treatment may address PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms, intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, driving or travel anxiety, and trauma that is complicating recovery from injury. Services are available primarily via telehealth across New South Wales, with in-person appointments available in Strathfield. Treatment can be delivered within Workers Compensation and CTP frameworks where applicable.
Trauma-focused therapy addresses the psychological and physiological responses that can develop after a traumatic event. These responses are a normal reaction to abnormal circumstances, but without appropriate support, they can persist, interfere with daily functioning, and complicate recovery from injury. Therapy aims to reduce distress, support processing of what happened, and help people re-engage with their lives with greater confidence and stability.
EMDR therapy for trauma and PTSD
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychological therapy developed to help people recover from the lasting effects of distressing and traumatic experiences. It is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Australian Psychological Society (APS), and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress.
EMDR works on the understanding that traumatic memories are sometimes stored in a way that keeps them emotionally charged, meaning they can continue to feel raw, immediate, or overwhelming long after the event itself has passed. When something reminds you of what happened, your nervous system can respond as though the threat is still present. This is not a sign of weakness or a personal failing; it reflects how the brain processes and stores experiences under extreme stress.
EMDR uses a structured approach to help the brain reprocess these memories so that they lose their emotional intensity. The therapy involves recalling distressing material in brief, controlled doses while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, though tapping or auditory tones can also be used. Over time, memories that once felt overwhelming tend to become less distressing, and the associations driving avoidance, anxiety, or intrusive symptoms begin to shift.
EMDR typically does not require a detailed verbal recounting of every aspect of a traumatic event. The structure of treatment and any between-session work are tailored to the individual and the treatment plan.
Matt Semsar is a registered psychologist with formal training and applied clinical experience in EMDR. He uses EMDR where clinically appropriate, as part of a broader, individualised treatment plan, not as a standalone or one-size-fits-all intervention.
EMDR after motor vehicle accidents and workplace injuries
Workplace injuries and motor vehicle accidents are common contexts in which trauma responses can develop. The event itself may have been frightening, painful, sudden, or physically serious. The recovery period can introduce additional stressors, including uncertainty about the future, disruption to work and identity, ongoing pain, and navigating insurance and rehabilitation systems. For CTP clients, EMDR may be considered where accident memories, driving or passenger anxiety, avoidance, or post-traumatic stress symptoms are interfering with recovery.
Not everyone who experiences a workplace injury or accident will develop a trauma response, and presentations vary significantly between individuals. Some people notice symptoms within days; for others, difficulties emerge weeks or months later. Common responses include:
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or distressing dreams related to the event
- Avoidance of people, places, situations, or activities that serve as reminders, such as driving, specific workplaces, medical settings, or physical activity
- Heightened alertness, anxiety, or a persistent sense that something bad is about to happen
- Feeling emotionally flat, disconnected, or detached from others
- Sleep disturbance, including difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or nightmares
- Irritability, low frustration tolerance, or emotional overwhelm
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
- Reduced confidence in daily activities, travel, or returning to work
These symptoms can occur alongside, and interact with, physical pain, adjustment difficulties, and the psychological stress of being in a compensation system. Trauma-focused therapy takes all of these factors into account.
What treatment involves
Trauma-focused therapy at Revamp Psychology is structured, goal-oriented, and tailored to the individual's presentation, readiness, and rehabilitation context. Treatment typically progresses through the following phases, though the pace and emphasis will vary between individuals.
Assessment and formulation
Treatment begins with a thorough assessment of current symptoms, history, and functional goals. This informs a shared understanding of what is driving the difficulties and what treatment will involve. A clear formulation also helps set realistic expectations about the process and timeline.
Stabilisation and preparation
Before any trauma processing begins, time is spent building a foundation of safety and stability. This includes psychoeducation about trauma and how the nervous system responds to threat, as well as practical skills for emotional regulation, grounding, and managing distress between sessions. This phase is a clinically important part of treatment, not a preliminary formality, and some clients benefit significantly from stabilisation work alone.
Trauma processing
Where clinically appropriate and when the person is ready, EMDR or other trauma-focused approaches are used to process the memories and associations maintaining symptoms. Sessions are structured and paced carefully, with attention to the person's window of tolerance and overall wellbeing. Processing is not about reliving or retelling an event in full. It is a controlled, supported process aimed at reducing the emotional charge attached to distressing memories.
Integration and functional recovery
As distress reduces, therapy shifts toward consolidating gains and supporting re-engagement with previously avoided activities, environments, and roles. This phase attends to confidence, identity, and the practical steps involved in returning to work and daily life. Where appropriate, this work is coordinated with the broader treating team, including general practitioners, physiotherapists, rehabilitation consultants, and exercise physiologists.
EMDR and trauma-focused therapy within Workers Compensation and CTP
Trauma-focused therapy and EMDR can be delivered within Workers Compensation (WorkCover) and CTP insurance frameworks in New South Wales. Workers Compensation and CTP use different approval pathways, and treatment is provided within the requirements that apply to the person's claim and stage of care.
Matt has experience working within compensation systems and understands the additional pressures that can arise for people navigating claims, including the impact of medico-legal processes, insurer correspondence, and uncertainty about entitlements on psychological wellbeing. Therapy takes these contextual stressors seriously rather than treating them as separate from clinical work.
For more detail on psychological treatment for injured workers, see the WorkCover page, or the CTP page for motor vehicle accident recovery.
Common questions
Do I have to talk through everything that happened in detail?
No. Unlike some approaches, EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of traumatic events. Processing is a controlled, supported process and does not involve prolonged retelling or reliving of experiences.
How many sessions will I need?
This varies depending on the individual's presentation, history, and treatment goals. Some people see meaningful change within a relatively small number of sessions; others benefit from a longer course of treatment. This is discussed openly during the assessment phase.
Is EMDR available in Sydney and via telehealth across NSW?
Yes. Revamp Psychology provides EMDR and trauma-focused therapy to clients in Sydney and across New South Wales, primarily via telehealth, with in-person appointments available in Strathfield. Suitability for EMDR is considered individually as part of assessment and treatment planning.
Can I access this service under WorkCover or CTP?
Yes. Trauma-focused therapy including EMDR can be delivered within Workers Compensation (WorkCover) and CTP frameworks in NSW. Funding and approval requirements differ between the schemes and depend on the stage of treatment. See the WorkCover page or CTP page for current details.
Make an enquiry
To discuss a referral or make an appointment, call or email us directly. All enquiries are handled personally.