Each session begins with preparation and resourcing activities. These may include developing a Calm Place and visualising a supportive resource team of nurturing, protective and wise figures, drawing on Attachment-Informed EMDR approaches.

Participants then move into structured EMDR processing activities using bilateral stimulation, which may include butterfly taps or eye movements.

Simple drawing activities are also incorporated into the process. Rather than explaining their material verbally, participants can use drawing as one private, non-verbal way of engaging with memories, experiences, unmet needs or future-oriented material.

The process is largely non-verbal, allowing participants to maintain privacy around the details of what they are processing while remaining within a facilitated group environment.

Research into the use of EMDR in group settings is growing.  Group EMDR protocols have been studied with a range of populations and in a variety of settings, including people exposed to traumatic or highly distressing experiences.  Some studies have reported reductions in trauma-related distress following group EMDR interventions. However, the populations studied, protocols used and quality of available research vary.  Research findings about particular populations should not be interpreted as a guarantee that an individual participant in Mindful Living’s program will experience the same outcome.

Generally, no.

Medicare rebates for group therapy delivered via telehealth are only available in particular circumstances, including geographical eligibility requirements.

If you live in a Modified Monash Model (MMM) area 4–7 and are at least 15 kilometres from our clinic in Croydon, Victoria, you may meet the geographical requirements for a rebate.

Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and should be confirmed before relying on a Medicare rebate.

You can check the MMM classification here.

The program is designed for mental health professionals who have completed at least Level 1 EMDR training and would like to experience EMDR from the participant’s perspective.

You do not need to be currently using EMDR regularly in your clinical practice.

The program may be relevant if you:

• would like to experience EMDR from the client’s perspective
• would like to work therapeutically with personal material
• have noticed personal or professional beliefs or reactions you would like to explore
• value being able to work privately without sharing the details of your material with a group
• are looking for a structured, time-limited therapeutic experience

The program is not suitable for everyone.

Prospective participants complete an application/suitability process before participation. This helps the facilitators consider whether the online group format is appropriate for the person at that time.

If the program does not appear to be an appropriate fit, the team can discuss alternative options where appropriate.

The program includes three 120-minute online group sessions.

Full payment is required to secure your place.

Because the sessions are structured to build on one another, participants are asked to attend all three sessions.

Once the program has commenced, we are unable to provide refunds, transfers or make-up sessions for sessions that are missed.

If you need to cancel or change groups before the program begins, please provide at least 14 days’ notice.

Some participants may be able to access funding through their workplace or another organisation. Eligibility for this funding is determined by the relevant organisation. Mindful Living can provide an invoice or supporting documentation on request.

No.

This program is provided as a therapeutic service, not as EMDR training, supervision or a professional education course.

Participants do not receive a certificate of completion or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

The primary focus of the program is the participant’s own therapeutic experience and wellbeing. Any professional insight that arises from experiencing EMDR as a participant is secondary to this purpose.

Registrations generally close seven days before the program begins so that participants and facilitators have time to prepare for the first session.

Places are also subject to the maximum group capacity.

Participants who register early enough will have their welcome pack posted before the program begins.

If you register close to the first session, there may not be enough time for the pack to arrive beforehand.

If this occurs, we will provide an electronic version of the workbook and resources and let you know which basic materials you will need to organise for the first session.

Your physical welcome pack will still be sent to you.