75% of Aussies have experienced a traumatic event in their lives, putting many of us at risk for post-traumatic stress disorders or other mental health conditions.
Research suggests that more than half of Aussies (59%) experienced at least one personal stressor in the past twelve months. Persistent stress can lead to long-term physical and mental health symptoms, and in some cases, experiences of extreme stress (trauma) can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health conditions.
Traumatic events can include natural disasters, motor vehicle accidents, sexual assault, or other events like pandemics and difficult childbirth experiences.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) therapy is a type of psychological therapy used to successfully help people recover from the negative impacts of trauma. Now supported by many years of research, EMDR is a leading evidence-based treatment and has been recognized as the treatment of choice for PTSD by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organisation.
However, EMDR is a transdiagnostic treatment (used for multiple diagnoses) and can also be used to help people with anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, medically unexplainable symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder, addictions, and more.
In the area of trauma, EMDR works by helping people to “reprocess” traumatic events while stimulating both sides of the brain, thus helping memories becoming unstuck and reducing associated distress. The brain’s memory systems are accessed using eye movements (similar to those in rapid eye moment or REM sleep), taps, tones, or vibrations.
Beneficial effects can be felt fairly quickly compared to in other therapies, and no “homework” is required.
Dr Hugo Gonzales
Hugo is a clinical psychologist with 25 years of experience working with individuals and couples. He offers a supportive and in-depth approach to psychotherapy, helping clients gain insight into their emotions, patterns, and relationships while developing practical tools for lasting change.
With expertise in anxiety, depression, PTSD, and personality disorders, Hugo’s work is grounded in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, creating a safe space for exploration, healing, and personal growth. He is also trained in EMDR therapy, an evidence-based approach for processing trauma and distressing memories.
For couples, Hugo helps strengthen emotional connections, improve communication, and navigate relationship challenges by uncovering deeper dynamics and fostering understanding. His approach is warm, insightful, and tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring they feel supported as they work toward meaningful and lasting change.