PTSD Treatment and EMDR Therapy in Belmont, Geelong

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. In Australia, around 1 in 10 people will experience PTSD in their lifetime. PTSD can affect anyone — and while the effects can be distressing, effective and evidence-based treatments are available.

At Darvell Psychology in Belmont, Geelong, we provide specialised trauma therapy, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), to help people recover from the ongoing impacts of trauma and regain a sense of safety and control.

Understanding PTSD

PTSD can develop after events such as accidents, assaults, natural disasters, family or domestic violence, medical emergencies, or ongoing exposure to traumatic situations. While initial distress is a normal reaction, PTSD occurs when symptoms persist and begin to affect everyday functioning, relationships, and wellbeing.

Common Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD may involve a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms, including:

Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories
Avoidance of reminders or discussions related to the trauma
Feeling constantly on edge or hypervigilant
Emotional numbness or disconnection from others
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Irritability, guilt, or intense shame
Strong emotional or physical reactions to reminders of the event

If these symptoms continue for more than a few weeks, professional trauma-focused therapy may help.

EMDR: A Gold-Standard Treatment for Trauma

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy specifically designed to help people process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact.

During EMDR, the therapist guides you to recall aspects of the traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping). This process helps the brain reprocess traumatic material in a way that reduces distress and promotes natural emotional healing.

EMDR and the Australian Psychological Society (APS)

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) recognises EMDR as a gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD. It is supported by extensive international research and endorsed by leading mental health organisations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Guidelines for the Treatment of Acute Stress Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (Phoenix Australia, 2020).

This recognition means EMDR is considered one of the most effective and scientifically validated approaches for treating PTSD in Australia.

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

Reduces flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional intensity
Helps reprocess painful memories without retraumatisation
Restores a sense of calm, safety, and emotional control
Promotes long-term recovery and integration of past experiences

EMDR and Trauma Counselling in Belmont, Geelong

At Darvell Psychology, EMDR therapy is provided within a supportive, trauma-informed framework. Depending on your needs, EMDR can be integrated with psychodynamic psychotherapy to explore how trauma has affected your sense of self, relationships, and emotional world.

Together, we work to:

Safely process and integrate traumatic memories
Understand the deeper effects of trauma on your identity and relationships
Rebuild trust, resilience, and self-confidence
Support long-term emotional healing and wellbeing

Seeking PTSD Treatment in Belmont, Geelong

You don’t have to face the effects of trauma alone. With the right therapeutic support, it is possible to reduce distress, reconnect with yourself, and move forward with strength and clarity.

If you’re seeking PTSD treatment or EMDR therapy in Belmont, Geelong or via telehealth, Darvell Psychology offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help you heal and reclaim your life.