Sam offers stand-alone EMDR therapy and integrated EMDR and Creative Arts Psychotherapy sessions. Therapy is tailored to be trauma-informed and neurodivergent-affirming, addressing the unique needs of each individual. Utilising techniques such as eye movements, tapping, art-making, or storytelling, Sam fosters a safe and creative environment conducive to gentle healing at each person's own pace.

Sam provides EMDR for children, adolescents, and adults, with the flexibility for adults to choose between in-person or online sessions. While online support is available for younger clients, in-person sessions are generally recommended for optimal outcomes. All sessions maintain a trauma-informed, child-friendly, and neurodivergent-affirming approach.

With a Level 2 qualification obtained from an EMDR Association of Australia (EMDRAA) approved instructor, Sam ensures the highest quality of practice and professional care.

What does EMDR treat?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach that has garnered significant attention since its inception in the late 1980s by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro. Initially aimed at treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the method utilises specific eye movements to help individuals diminish the intensity of distressing thoughts and memories.

Over the years, EMDR has evolved into a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment that supports individuals facing various challenges, such as:

• PTSD and complex trauma (CPTSD)

• Anxiety and panic disorders

• Phobias and fears

• Grief and loss

• Childhood or attachment trauma

• Low self-worth and negative beliefs

• Sensory or emotional overwhelm

• Medical trauma or birth trauma

• Stress and burnout

• Behavioural or emotional difficulties in children

The effectiveness of EMDR lies in its ability to assist the brain in reprocessing "stuck" experiences, allowing these memories to lose their overwhelming or triggering qualities. By facilitating emotional regulation and fostering inner resilience, EMDR enables individuals to advance with more ease and confidence in their lives.

What is EMDR?

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process distressing or overwhelming experiences. These experiences often manifest as memories, feelings, or sensations that feel "stuck" in the body or mind, even if a significant amount of time has passed since the event occurred.

When a person encounters an overwhelming event, their brain and nervous system may hold onto the experience in a way that makes it difficult to feel safe, calm, or in control in the future. EMDR facilitates the brain's natural ability to integrate and make sense of these experiences, guiding them toward a more settled state.

Throughout the EMDR process, you will focus on specific aspects of an experience while engaging in bilateral stimulation. This may involve gentle side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues. Such methods assist in the reprocessing of the experience within a safe and supportive environment. As a result, many individuals find that their distressing memories lose their emotional intensity following EMDR. While the events may still be remembered, they often no longer evoke the same level of fear or overwhelm.

How long does EMDR take?

Everyone is unique, and art therapy is tailored to reflect your individual narrative. While some individuals experience significant shifts after just a few sessions, particularly when exploring a specific theme or emotion, others, especially those with more complex experiences, may find additional sessions beneficial. What sets art therapy apart is its capacity to facilitate profound change through creative expression. This process is not hurried; it maintains a focus on your personal journey and is always respectful of your readiness and emotional responses.

Is EMDR right for me?

If you’ve experienced something that still feels like it lives in your body, affects your emotions, or shows up in your daily life in ways you don’t always understand, EMDR might be a helpful option. It can support people with diverse brains and bodies and can be adapted for neurodivergent individuals in safe and affirming ways.

EMDR & Creative Arts Psychotherapy

EMDR and Art Psychotherapy work beautifully together to support healing in a creative, body-based, and non-verbal way. While EMDR helps the brain safely reprocess stuck or distressing experiences using techniques like tapping or eye movements, Art Psychotherapy offers a gentle space to express what words can’t. Together, they support nervous system regulation, emotional expression, and deep processing, making them ideal for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. This combined approach is beneficial for individuals who find talking alone overwhelming, offering a safe and client-led path to meaningful change.

Booking and Enquiries

EMDR sessions are available at HEARTH Therapy Studios or online via a secure video platform. To inquire about availability or determine if EMDR might be right for you or your child, please don't hesitate to contact Sam directly.