Understanding EMDR

Healing versus Justice? Part 3 24.06.2026 18min

Inspired by the advocacy of Dr Katie Bird, who was denied access to justice after she had EMDR therapy, this 3-part series has explored a critical question - can EMDR therapists support their clients in healing without jeopardising their future access to justice? In this episode, Dr Jenny Dwyer reflects on the nature of trauma, the likelihood of delayed and partial disclosure, and the circumstances that make it possible, even likely, that the legal system and EMDR may intersect for many clients. Drawing on current discourse in the EMDR community, legal context and emerging consensus, she provides some much needed guidance for therapists. While acknowledging the real difficulties in this area, she cautions against therapists becoming unnecessarily intimidated by the legal system; and outlines a set of 'Principles for Practice' that can inform therapy and guide reflection.Resources This podcast is proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy AustraliaFor a copy of the Principles for Practice, contact us: https://emdracademy.com.au/contact-us/Articles of interest - Challenging the false memory myths of EMDRhttps://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1366137/fullhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/334584387_Lateral_Eye_Movements_Do_Not_Increase_False-Memory_Rates_A_Failed_Direct-Replication_Study#fullTextFileContent Media coverage of EMDR and the lawABC News 9 March 2026https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-09/mental-health-emdr-therapy-may-have-cost-katie-justice/106425114The Law Report ABC Radio National:https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lawreport/does-emdr-therapy-taint-witness-recollection/106595274

Healing versus Justice? Part 2 23.06.2026 57min

This is the second episode in our series exploring the intersection of EMDR with the Justice system. It follows a decision by the Commonwealth DPP to discontinue a case of sexual assault because the complainant had EMDR before making her report to police.In this episode Anthony Hurst, Chair of EMDRAA, explores the way EMDR has been understood, and sometimes misunderstood in Australian courts. Beginning in the early 1990's, where EMDR was conflated with hypnosis, he leads us through cases where EMDR was an issue, and courts considered admissibility and reliability of evidence.Anthony highlights the difference over time between states, statutes and case law, and offers his own views on what this means for EMDR therapists. He shares his current ideas about how EMDR therapists can protect our client's interests and highlights some considerations for clinical practice.SponsorsUnderstanding EMDR is proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy Australia.EMDR Academy partners with like-minded individuals and organisations to provide innovative programs, high quality training, and support for new and experienced EMDR therapists. For training and other resources www.emdracademy.com.au

Healing versus Justice? part 1 23.06.2026 35min

This is the first of 3 episodes where we explore the intersection of EMDR with the Justice system. It follows a decision by the Commonwealth DPP to discontinue a case of sexual assault because the complainant, Dr Katie Bird, had EMDR before making her report to police. This obviously raised many issues for EMDR therapists, but most importantly, for victims/survivors.Following publicity about the case, many EMDR therapists were concerned their clients would have to choose between Healing and Justice. Some organisations were pausing EMDR therapy if clients might make a future statement to police. We wanted to understand how the legal system makes decisions about cases like Katie's; and how EMDR therapists could help our clients heal, without risking their right to justice.In this episode Jenny gives a brief over view of Katie's case and important concepts of "admissibility" and "reliability" of evidence in courts. Then she is joined by Harriet Murphy, a lawyer, who walks us through the Australian legal system – a user friendly overview – what happens when someone reports an alleged crime? Who makes decisions about whether the matter will be investigated, or prosecuted? What happens if it gets to court?The links below contain resources and information relating to this case, and themes discussed in this episode:The original ABC report about Dr Katie Bird's case:https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-09/mental-health-emdr-therapy-may-have-cost-katie-justice/106425114An article that challenges some of the misconceptions underlying the CDPP decision:https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/why-do-australian-courts-still-distrust-a-proven-trauma-therapyA Victorian County Court Fact sheet that has useful information on the criminal trial process:https://www.countycourt.vic.gov.au/files/documents/2020-07/factsheet-6-criminal-trial-process.pdfFurther information on EMDR training and resources by Dr Jenny Dwyer is available at https://emdracademy.com.au/

Scaling EMDR for humanitarian settings: Rolf Carriere's Vision for Global Mental Health 15.04.2026 30min

In this episode, Rolf Carriere shares his journey as a development economist who spent decades leading large-scale health and nutrition programs with UNICEF; to his remarkable discovery of EMDR, as he searched for scalable trauma interventions. We explore how he applied the lessons he learned in the Child Survival Revolution, to ways EMDR could help address the needs of the estimated 500 million people affected by trauma. In this insightful and thought provoking conversation, Rolf shares his vision for how task shifting and simplified trauma care can help address the global mental health crisis, especially in resource-limited settings.Rolf Carriere has led a distinguished career.He studied philosophy in the 1960s and has had a lifelong interest in spirituality. From 1971 till 2005, he worked in the UN system, mostly with UNICEF and the World Bank, in health and nutrition programs, including more than 10 years in India. Rolf's main interest has been in the design and the scaling up of programs in malnutrition control, selective primary health care, maternal mortality, elimination of child labour, trauma recovery and educational reform.In the mid 1970s, Rolf co-founded the International Council on the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders to eliminate goiter and cretinism worldwide.Following his last UNICEF positions as country director in Bhutan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Indonesia, he established the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition in Geneva and served as its first executive director.Now in retirement, since 2005, he's been advising on a pro bono basis, civil society organisations like Nonviolent Peace Force and EMDR's humanitarian assistance program, now Trauma Aid.And in 2017 he founded the Global Initiative for Stress and Trauma Treatment (GIST-T) to promote the scaling up of simplified trauma treatment, carried out by trained and supervised paraprofessional workers in what he describes as 'task shifting'ResourcesDr Jenny Dwyer provides training in scalable EMDR group and early intervention protocols. For further information and future training dates visit EMDR Academy Australia - https://emdracademy.com.auFor more information about Global Initiative for Stress and Trauma Treatment (GIST-T) - https://gist-t.orgIf you have EMDR programs and projects that you think are of interest to our community, inside and outside of EMDR, contact Jenny Dwyer through EMDR Academy https://emdracademy.com.au/contact-us/SponsorsUnderstanding EMDR is proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy Australia.EMDR Academy partners with like-minded individuals and organisations to provide innovative programs, high quality training, and support for new and experienced EMDR therapists.

A life's journey with EMDR - Ana Gomez reflects 25.03.2026 48min

Join Jenny Dwyer in conversation with Ana Gomez, world renown EMDR therapist, author and pioneer in working with children. In this thoughtful discussion, Ana reflects on her personal and professional journey, revealing unique insights into EMDR's evolution and her own development as a therapist.As she describes her childhood curiosity about the meaning of life, her years exploring the body through choreography and dance, and her discovery of EMDR and trauma therapy, Ana reveals the profound influences on her current work.And if she could choose her therapeutic legacy? Hear her passionate reflection on the role of implicit reprocessing in EMDR therapy.If you want to learn more from Ana:She is providing a series of online workshops with EMDR Academy Australia for the Australasian regional time zone.https://emdracademy.com.au/events/For training and consultation with Dr Jenny Dwyer visithttps://emdracademy.com.au/events/This podcast is proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy Australia – Healing, Helping and Educatinghttps://emdracademy.com.au

Trailer - Welcome to Season 2 22.03.2026 5min

Welcome to Season Two of Understanding EMDR with your new host Dr Jenny Dwyer. In this brief introduction, Jenny gives insights into her professional and personal background, and how these will undoubtedly be reflected in the podcast. She reflects on her experience as a social worker, and the lessons she learned from her childhood in a large family raised by a single mum. Expect to hear conversations about EMDR that range from big picture issues like social justice and equality, to the intimate world of the self, and the many ways EMDR is transforming lives around the world. Whether you've already been following Understanding EMDR, or are new to the podcast, welcome to this new chapter. And while Jenny gets to host the conversations, she would love to hear your ideas, questions and comments.

50th Episode End of a Season 07.12.2025 25min

In this Episode Tracy shares the news that she will be handing over Understanding EMDR to Jenny Dwyer from EMDR Academy. Jen and Tracy share memories, learnings and visions - Past and Future prongs! You can keep in touch with Tracy via her website Tracylynch.com.au and tune in as Jenny takes it from here with her first guest Anna Gommez in Feb 2026.

Anti - Colonial Identity Affirming EMDR with Mish Kumar Johnson 05.10.2025 52min

Mish [They/Them] is a multi-identity (neurodivergent, non-binary, queer, a plural system, BIPOC, polyamorous and disabled) accredited mental health social worker of colour passionate about supporting humans to address trauma and live authentically in joy and community. In this episode, Mish and I yarn about Anti - Colonial and Identity Affirming EMDR Practice. You can connect with Mish here:Queering EMDR: https://queeringemdr.com/buy-now/Website: www.niram.com.auInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neuroqueer.emdrtherapist?igsh=bjVlajl2bTNqMnFm&utm_source=qr

Attachment Informed EMDR - With Mark Brayne 07.09.2025 1h 2min

Join Tracy and Mark as they talk about Marks Journey from Standard Protocol to Attachment Informed EMDR - we talk about differences and similarities and the heart and soul of AI - EMDR. More Info and upcoming training here https://emdrfocus.com/faces/brayne-mark/

EMDR and The System with Dagmar Marek 24.08.2025 32min

Dagmar Marek is a Family Therapist at heart, working primarily with individuals through the lens of EMDR and systems theory. She is an EMDR Consultant and Clinical Supervisor with extensive experience in mental health and addiction. With a specialized focus on trauma, Dagmar is passionate about the transformative power of EMDR. As a consultant, she supports clinicians not only in refining their EMDR skills but also in enhancing their overall effectiveness, confidence, and growth as practitioners.Website:https://dagmarmarek.com.auEmail:dagmarmarek@gmail.comLinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/dagmar-marek-emdr-consultant

EMDR and working with young people - Marie Vakakis 10.08.2025 36min

Join us as we talk all things EMDR and young people. Marie is an experienced Accredited Mental Health Social worker and Relationship Educator, with extensive experience working with Young people and their families. Learn more about Marie and her resources here:www.thetherapyhub.com.auhttps://www.facebook.com/TheTherapyHubCounsellinghttps://www.instagram.com/thetherapyhubcounselling/

Resource Therapy - Advanced Parts Work 09.06.2025 33min

For more Information on RT see https://resourcetherapyinternational.com/. Tracy's Trainings online and face-to-face, can be found here https://www.tracylynch.com.au/training, and you can purchase the RT Primer book here https://www.amazon.com.au/Resource-Therapy-Primer-Gordon-Emmerson. For Upcoming EMDR Trainings, please email info@thrivewellnesshub.com

Recovered Memories and EMDR with Dr Catherine 18.05.2025 43min

Catherine Hynes is a clinical psychologist and EMDRAA consultant with a PhD in clinical psychology and neuropsychology from the University of Queensland. She is originally from Canada, and has been in Brisbane, Australia for most of the last 20 years. Through her business, Wellbeing Wisdom, she offers therapy to adults with complex trauma in private practice, consultation and mentoring to psychologists, and training workshops for mental health practitioners on trauma, dissociation, EMDR, self care and wellbeing more generally.Website: catherinehynes.net/trainingThe next workshop on dissociation in Auckland: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/wellbeingwisdom/1511519

Let's talk about Sex and EMDR with Ella Shannon Morter 28.04.2025 43min

Ella Shannon Morter is an EMDR Consultant, Internal Family Systems Therapist and Clinical Sexologist in Private Practice in Cairns, Far North Queensland. Ella works with couples and individuals, supporting them to have fulfilling relationships and sex lives, and to overcome the past so that they can move through life with a sense of lightness and ease.Work with Ella (therapy or supervision): https://ellashannon.com/clinical-supervision/Evolution of Intimacy podcast: https://ellashannon.com/podcasts/Welcome to the Parts Party Podcast (IFS podcast): https://open.spotify.com/show/5Lo59gwBHzn9XzTWzhee9s?si=b032561ddc0f4bf8Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evolutionofintimacy23Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolution_of_intimacy/

Thomas Zimmerman - EMDR and Complex Trauma 23.03.2025 49min

Thomas Zimmerman, Ms.Ed., LPCC, is a mental health therapist who practices in the Cleveland, Ohio, area. He is an EMDR therapist, consultant, and trainer who helps other therapists work more effectively with complex trauma. He writes, podcasts, trains, and provides consultation to other therapists globally on how to use the approaches described in this book with clients with severe trauma. His book, EMDR With Complex Trauma, helps new EMDR clinicians work more effectively with clients with severe trauma. The book is available as a free PDF at: https://EMDRWithComplexTrauma.com and available from many online bookstores. He has trained thousands of therapists globally in trauma-focused interventions.

Enhancing Trauma Treatment with Suzy Matthijssen, Ph.D. 16.03.2025 42min

Join Tracy and Dr. Suzy Matthijssen as we discuss Suzy's incredible work and research. Suzy is also a pre-conference workshop Presenter and keynote speaker at this year's EMDRA conference.Suzy Matthijssen, Ph. D., is a clinical psychologist-psychotherapist, senior researcher, cognitive behavioral therapist and consultant, psychotraumatherapist NtVP, NRGD registered pro-justice reporter, EFT therapist, and EMDR consultant. She also lectures at post-doctorate psychology specialisation programs. Her research focuses on optimising trauma treatments.https://www.enhancingtraumatreatment.com/about-us/

A catch up with my friend Caroline Burrows, Attachment EMDR 02.03.2025 42min

Join me as I catch up with Caroline around her new Advanced EMDR Training. This training is designed to deepen your EMDR practice with greater flexibility and creativity, a valuable opportunity to work more effectively with clients experiencing developmental trauma and attachment wounding.https://www.carolineburrows.com.au/advanced-emdr-attachment-trauma

The Standard Protocol through an Accreditation lens. Part 7 Phase 6,7,8 16.02.2025 41min

Join Tracy and Jenny in the last episode of our series as we connect around the Accreditation requirements of Body Scan, Closure and Evaluation. You can find out more on Jenny's Accreditation platform here https://emdracademy.com.au/ and Tracy's Consultation groups here https://www.tracylynch.com.au/group-consultation

The Standard EMDR Protocol through an Accreditation Lense Part 6 Phase 5/6 Installation and Body Scan with Jenny Dywer 03.02.2025 34min

Part 6 Phase 5/6 - Join Tracy as she connects with Jenny Dwyer on Phase 5 and 6 Installation and Body Scan Phase 5 - Installation -Identify and strengthen Positive Cognition using VOC scale. Phase 6 Body Scan, Identifying and residual distress and or further Integration of Positive belief. Jenny can be reached here Home - EMDR Academy And Tracy Here https://tracylynch.com.au

The Standard EMDR protocol through an Accreditation lens Part 5 - Phase 4 Desensitisation 12.01.2025 58min

The Standard EMDR protocol through an Accreditation lens Part 5 - Phase 4 Desensitisation Jenny and Tracy present the essential elements of the Desensitisation Phase of EMDR -Phase 4. The what and why of BLS, what to do with looping, blocking beliefs, what are interweaves and more! Interweave examples are shared on Michele Bowes Instagram page - @EMDRRelational.