FAQ

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a widely researched, evidence-based therapy used for trauma, PTSD, anxiety and adverse life experiences. It supports the brain to reprocess distressing memories using bilateral stimulation—often lateral eye movements—which help reduce the emotional intensity of past events.

Emerging neuroscience suggests that the lateral eye movements used in EMDR generates delta-wave activity similar to that seen in deep sleep, which is involved in memory processing and reconsolidation. Research comparing EMDR and other trauma modalities notes that delta-wave activity supports the “depotentiation” of traumatic memories stored in the amygdala, helping the nervous system return to baseline.

EMDR is well established internationally and is considered a first-line treatment for trauma by multiple clinical guidelines. It is suitable for both single-incident trauma and cumulative stress, forming part of a broader integrated trauma-informed approach at Newcastle Clinical Hypnotherapy.

Megan Lions is Newcastle Clinical Hypnotherapy’s EMDR practitioner.

Multichannel Eye Movement Integration (MEMI) is an emerging, neuroscience-informed trauma therapy developed by Dr Mike Deninger. As the name suggests, MEMI works through the use of purposeful eye movements to reorganise the way traumatic memories are stored and processed in the brain. Unlike traditional eye-movement approaches, MEMI incorporates both bilateral left–right eye movements and multidirectional or 360-degree movements that traverse the entire visual field.  This is a significant expansion designed to overcome EMDR’s limitation of using only horizontal bilateral saccades.

These multidirectional movements are paired with structured sensory, somatic and emotional processing to help “re-code” traumatic memories without requiring clients to recount the trauma in detail. MEMI is considered a bottom-up, sensory-based approach, focusing on the felt experience and internal reactions rather than relying on cognitive reframing.

Emerging research suggests that MEMI’s eye-movement protocols may deactivate fear responses in the basolateral amygdala, where traumatic memories are stored. Studies show that bilateral saccades, the same kind used in EMDR and incorporated within MEMI, can reduce amygdala activation and produce shifts associated with emotional memory depotentiation.

This is consistent with broader trauma research proposing that such bilateral eye movements generate delta-frequency brain activity, similar to the slow-wave activity seen in deep sleep: an activity linked to memory reconsolidation and the down-regulation of trauma responses (as referenced in your EMDR FAQ).

Clinical observations and case studies within the MEMI model report rapid reductions in visual imagery, somatic distress and emotional intensity and the need for less sessions than other modalities.

Current clinical trials are underway in the United States, and the approach is detailed in Dr Deninger’s book, Multichannel Eye Movement Integration: The Brain Science Path to Easy and Effective PTSD Treatment. Training groups are now incorporating MEMI into research and practice in Australia and internationally.

Kylie Gallaher is proudly one of the first cohort of Australian Certified MEMI Practitioners.

Havening Techniques® are a psychosensory, neuroscience-informed approach designed to help reduce the emotional impact of trauma, chronic stress, anxiety, and adverse experiences. The method uses soothing touch applied to the arms, face and hands, alongside guided psychological processes, to activate delta-wave brain activity associated with calmness, emotional regulation and memory reconsolidation.

A growing body of literature proposes a detailed neurobiological theory for Havening. Research by Dr Ronald Ruden outlines how traumatic memories are encoded via AMPA receptor upregulation in the amygdala, and how delta-wave activity, generated through Havening touch, supports the removal (“depotentiation”) of these receptors, thereby reducing the emotional charge held in traumatic memories.

Additional peer-reviewed publications highlight:

• Havening’s proposed molecular mechanism for erasing trauma-encoded neurobiological patterns.
• Its potential therapeutic application across stress-related disorders, including perinatal distress.
• Evidence of physiological changes such as improvements in cortisol levels and resilience scores in trauma-affected individuals.

Havening Techniques® are used by over 1,000 trained clinicians worldwide. While more large-scale clinical trials are underway, early research and extensive clinical experience show strong potential for rapid, lasting relief when used as part of an integrated trauma-informed treatment plan.

Kylie Gallaher is an internationally Certified Havening Techniques Practitioner, having undertaken training, followed by mentoring and the submission of more than 30 written and video case studies, completed a science exam and undertaken professional ethical standards required for practitioners.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a structured psychosensory approach that combines elements of exposure, cognitive processing and somatic stimulation through tapping on specific acupressure points. While engaging with a distressing memory, thought or sensation, clients apply gentle tapping to points commonly used in traditional acupuncture. This integrative process has been shown to down-regulate the body’s stress response and support the reconsolidation of emotional memories.

EFT is considered a bottom-up, body-based modality, similar to other psychosensory therapies, because it works directly with the nervous system rather than relying solely on cognitive change. Research has demonstrated that stimulation of these acupoints can reduce amygdala activity and calm limbic system reactivity, which is central to trauma and anxiety responses. Clinical trials have also shown shifts in physiological markers such as cortisol, heart-rate variability and immune-function indicators following EFT sessions.

A 2022 systematic review concluded that Clinical EFT meets APA standards for an evidence-based treatment, showing moderate to large effect sizes across conditions including PTSD, anxiety and depression. (Church et al., Frontiers in Psychology, 2022). Additional randomised controlled trials report significant reductions in cortisol levels following a single EFT session (e.g., Church et al., 2012), supporting the view that tapping influences neurochemical and autonomic pathways involved in stress and trauma.

Because EFT can be easily learned and practised between sessions, it is often used as a self-regulation and grounding tool that enhances resilience and emotional stability. Within a neuro-informed trauma framework, EFT helps deactivate conditioned threat responses, reduce somatic intensity and build the safety required for deeper trauma processing. At Newcastle Clinical Hypnotherapy, EFT is integrated as one part of a comprehensive approach to trauma recovery, nervous-system regulation and emotional wellbeing.

Justine (Romi) Cristaudo is Newcastle Clinical Hypnotherapy’s EFT Practitioner.

No referral is required. You’re welcome to contact the practice directly.

With your consent, we can also collaborate with your GP, psychologist, psychiatrist, or other relevant professional or therapist. Shared communication often improves safety, consistency and overall outcomes in trauma recovery.

Yes. Trauma recovery is strongest when the treatment team is connected.

We regularly collaborate with mental health clinicians and medical professionals, either as a primary trauma modality or as complementary support delivered alongside existing therapy.

If you already have a psychologist or psychiatrist, trauma integration work here can be paced to align with your broader therapeutic goals.

This varies depending on the type of trauma, your history, nervous-system patterns and current stability. As a guide:

• Single-incident trauma:meaningful improvement may occur over several sessions.
• Complex or developmental trauma:longer-term work is usually needed.
• Psychosensory modalities (MEMI, Havening, EFT):can sometimes produce significant shifts earlier in treatment.
• EMDR:can be brief but requires adequate stabilisation and preparation.

Your plan is always tailored, and we’ll discuss expectations openly from the beginning.

Sessions are structured to ensure emotional and physical safety.

The specific trauma intervention we use depends on the therapist you are working with:

• Megworks with EMDR
• Romiworks with EFT
• Kylieworks with MEMI and Havening Techniques®

Each modality has its own protocols and advantages. You’re welcome to review each practitioner’s bio or request a specific approach if you have a preference.

Alongside trauma processing, sessions may include:

• regulation and somatic stabilisation
• grounding practices
• psychoeducation on the nervous system
• resourcing and safety-building
• gently working with emotional or sensory triggers
• developing skills for daily self-regulation

The process is always collaborative and paced according to your readiness.

No. Many of the modalities used here (MEMI, Havening, EFT, and some EMDR protocols) do not require speaking about your trauma in detail.

These methods work with the underlying emotional, sensory and neurological signatures of the memory rather than retelling the story.

One particular advantage to working with a Clinical Hypnotherapist, is that we are already expertly experienced at working context free, so we are particularly well-placed to integrate specific trauma modalities.

Yes. Many people seeking trauma treatment experience shutdown, dissociation, panic or strong physiological responses. Therapy is paced carefully, with stabilisation and somatic regulation prioritised before any deeper work.

Your tolerance, comfort and nervous-system safety guide every step.

One particular advantage to working with a Clinical Hypnotherapist, is that we are already expertly attuned to noticing shifting cues in our clients as we work together, so we are particularly well-placed to integrate specific trauma modalities with your safety paramount.  We also have more than one technique at our disposal to support you through.

Readiness doesn’t mean feeling strong.  It simply means:

• you want relief from symptoms
• you’re willing to explore internal experiences at a safe pace
• you can attend sessions with some consistency
• you’re open to collaborative work

We can begin with stabilisation, grounding and building safety before any memory processing occurs.

Not here.

While reflective conversation is part of the process, trauma memories are stored primarily in sensory, emotional and procedural systems, not just thoughts.

For this reason, therapy incorporates bottom-up modalities (EMDR, MEMI, Havening, EFT) alongside gentle, trauma-informed dialogue.

Some clients notice early changes, such as reduced intensity of body sensations, improved sleep, less reactivity or increased calm, within the first few weeks.

Deeper change develops through repeated regulation, safety-building and memory reconsolidation.

Complex trauma requires more time, but meaningful progress is still very possible.

Yes. Most trauma-focused modalities used here (including EMDR, MEMI, Havening and EFT) can be delivered safely and effectively online using structured telehealth adaptations. Some clients may prefer online sessions for comfort, privacy and nervous-system safety.  Or to overcome geographical or accessibility limitations.

Absolutely. Trauma pathways and anxiety pathways often overlap in the nervous system.

Many clients experience:

• panic or hypervigilance
• phobias (including emetophobia or germophobia)
• overwhelm
• chronic stress responses
• sensory sensitivity
• somatic activation

Trauma-informed approaches address these patterns by calming internal threat responses and increasing emotional and interoceptive safety.

Medicare does not currently provide rebates for hypnotherapy, MEMI, Havening Techniques®, EFT or trauma-specific work when provided by hypnotherapists or non-psychology mental health practitioners.

You may still work with a psychologist under a Mental Health Care Plan alongside sessions here.

Some insurers offer limited rebates for hypnotherapy depending on the level of extras cover.

As policies differ widely, we recommend checking directly with your insurer if your plan includes hypnotherapy or related modalities.

It is extremely common to feel unsettled.

Trauma therapy is designed to be supportive, predictable and paced. You remain in control of the process, and nothing is explored until you feel safe and prepared.

Much of the early work focuses on grounding, stability and internal safety… not on revisiting the past.

Yes. Skills-based approaches are integral to the process. This includes:

• grounding
• emotional regulation
• somatic safety
• managing triggers
• resourcing
• expanding the window of tolerance

These skills reduce overwhelm, improve daily functioning and support deeper trauma work.

Yes. Collaborative care is encouraged and often essential.

With your consent, we can connect with your existing providers or help you build a wellbeing team aligned with your needs.

Hypnotherapy works with the subconscious mind to shift entrenched patterns, reduce anxiety, and promote resilience and healing.

Vicarious trauma happens when you are deeply affected by the experiences of someone else—such as caring for a loved one with illness, supporting someone through abuse, or working in a helping profession. It can feel just as overwhelming as direct trauma, but it is equally valid and treatable.

Book a free 20-minute discovery call to explore whether our approach feels right for you.

📞 0457 024 981

Reaching out for support after trauma can feel daunting—but it is also the beginning of change. You don’t need to have everything figured out before you start. All you need is the willingness to take the first step.

At Newcastle Clinical Hypnotherapy, we are here to walk alongside you with compassion, skill, and proven methods for healing. Whether your goal is to reclaim peace, rebuild trust, or simply feel more like yourself again, recovery is possible—and it starts with a conversation.

🌿 Your story matters. Your healing matters. Let’s begin together.