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EMDR Therapy in Singapore

What is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR [Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing] therapy is an evidence-based, integrative and trauma-focused psychotherapy that relieves emotional and psychological distress by processing the life experience that gives rise to the symptoms.

It goes beyond talk therapy by engaging the body’s natural ability to heal at the nervous system, cognitive, emotional and physical levels. By resolving the source of symptoms, and not just the symptoms, it delivers results that are generally deep and long-lasting.

What conditions does EMDR therapy treat?

EMDR is effective for a wide range of psychological issues, including trauma, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, depression, and panic attack. Increasing evidence also supports its efficacy treating personality disorder. Generally, it helps with experiences that leave people with self-limiting beliefs, persistent negative emotions, and recurring difficulties in relationships.

Is EMDR Therapy only for “big” trauma?

No. People sometimes assume that EMDR is only for trauma from battle front, assault or an accident. In fact EMDR is equally effective working on “small” trauma. Research has shown that cumulative seemingly “small” and repeated experiences (such as being ignored, humiliated or criticised often at home or in school) can make one feel not worthy, not good enough, or unsafe. These have consequences on a person’s self-regard, relationships, and performance in school and at work.

What conditions does EMDR therapy treat?

EMDR is effective for a wide range of psychological issues, including trauma, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), C-PTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, depression, and panic attack. Increasing evidence also supports its efficacy treating personality disorder. Generally, it helps with experiences that leave people with self-limiting beliefs, persistent negative emotions, and recurring difficulties in relationships.

Is EMDR Therapy only for “big” trauma?

No. People sometimes assume that EMDR is only for trauma from battle front, assault or an accident. In fact EMDR is equally effective working on “small” trauma. Research has shown that cumulative seemingly “small” and repeated experiences (such as being ignored, humiliated or criticised often at home or in school) can make one feel not worthy, not good enough, or unsafe. These have consequences on a person’s self-regard, relationships, and performance in school and at work.

Is EMDR backed by science?

Yes definitely. EMDR therapy is, in fact, one of the most thoroughly researched treatments for trauma, supported by many randomised trials and analysis. In particular, it is recommended as a first-line treatment for PTSD by many international clinical guidelines.

It is recognised as an effective psychological treatment for a range of issues by major international health and medical organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), American Psychiatric Association (APA).

In fact, not only is EMDR therapy backed by science, its dynamic circle of clinicians and researchers have in the last decade or so engaged in innovations supported by research evidence that maximise therapeutic outcomes. These innovations include advances in trauma conceptualisation and EMDR concepts, new treatment strategies, and updated EMDR techniques.

What happens during EMDR sessions?

EMDR treatment follows an 8-phase structure, starting with history-taking and preparation before reprocessing any memory.

In the first few sessions, you will learn skills to regulate your emotions, and with the help of assessment questionnaires, your therapist will map out the distressing experience that gives rise to the symptoms.

During reprocessing, you will be guided to briefly recall a specific memory while your eyes track the therapist’s hand in a side-to-side movement. This movement, called the bilateral stimulation, facilitates the brain’s natural healing ability to decrease nervous system arousal, and de-escalate the body’s stress response.

What are your major therapeutic approaches?

As EMDR therapy is a client-centred and integrative psychotherapy, we use EMDR therapy as the foundation and structure of our therapy service, and weave into it, where appropriate, aspects of various therapy orientations, including:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy 
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Theory of Structural Dissociation of Personality
  • Ego-state Therapy

In particular, we are attachment-focused, and emphasise the skills and techniques of breathwork, visualisation, and mindfulness for emotional regulation.

What happens during EMDR sessions?

EMDR treatment follows an 8-phase structure, starting with history-taking and preparation before reprocessing any memory.

In the first few sessions, you will learn skills to regulate your emotions, and with the help of assessment questionnaires, your therapist will map out the distressing experience that gives rise to the symptoms.

During reprocessing, you will be guided to briefly recall a specific memory while your eyes track the therapist’s hand in a side-to-side movement. This movement, called the bilateral stimulation, facilitates the brain’s natural healing ability to decrease nervous system arousal, and de-escalate the body’s stress response.

What are your major therapeutic approaches?

As EMDR therapy is a client-centred and integrative psychotherapy, we use EMDR therapy as the foundation and structure of our therapy service, and weave into it, where appropriate, aspects of various therapy orientations, including:

  • Psychodynamic Therapy 
  • Dialectical Behavioural Therapy
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
  • Theory of Structural Dissociation of Personality
  • Ego-state Therapy

In particular, we are attachment-focused, and emphasise the skills and techniques of breathwork, visualisation, and mindfulness for emotional regulation.

What result can I expect from EMDR Therapy?

After EMDR therapy, you will find that a distressing memory that had previously made you recoil instinctively, or evoked overwhelming negative emotions (e.g., fear, sadness, anger, shame, guilt), no longer holds the same emotional intensity and burden over you.

EMDR therapy does not erase the memory. The memory is still there, but it is no longer threatening or painful, so you no longer feel the need to avoid or suppress it.

As your relationship with that experience changes, you may find yourself, for instance, feeling calmer, no longer feeling inadequate or powerless in that particular context, viewing the world with less fear and doubt, and noticing your relationships improve.

Make an Appointment

Contact us

By +65 9023 1691 , or

By Emailcontact@acorntherapy.sg 

EMDR therapy at Acorntherapy is provided by its founder, Miss Wang Yi Shing. Acorntherapy is a boutique mental health practice in Singapore, specialising in EMDR therapy and trauma-focused psychotherapy. It was founded in 2015 by Ms Wang, a Certified EMDR Practitioner, who has been in practice since 2011.

Make an Appointment

Contact us

By +65 9023 1691 , or

By Emailcontact@acorntherapy.sg 

EMDR therapy at Acorntherapy is provided by its founder, Miss Wang Yi Shing. Acorntherapy is a boutique mental health practice in Singapore, specialising in EMDR therapy and trauma-focused psychotherapy. It was founded in 2015 by Ms Wang, a Certified EMDR Practitioner, who has been in practice since 2011.

Learn more

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References

  • De Jongh, A., et al. (2024) State of the science: EMDR Therapy. Journal of Traumatic Stress. https://dpo.org/10.1002/jts.23012
  • Shapiro, R., (2010) The trauma treatment handbook. WW Norton & Co
  • Shapiro, F., (2018) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. The Guildford Press
  • Ytje van Pelt, et al. (2026) A practical guide to EMDR Therapy: case conceptualisation and additional treatment strategies. Springer Publishing

Frequently Asked Questions

No. EMDR therapy is not hypnosis. During EMDR you remain fully awake and conscious throughout the session. You are able to signal a pause to the process at any time. You are not put into a trance or made unconscious.

No. EMDR does not erase your memories. The memory itself remains, but your relationship with the memory changes. After reprocessing, the memory loses its emotional intensity, so it no longer feels threatening or painful, and you no longer feel the need to avoid or suppress it.

No. You do not need a formal diagnosis or a doctor’s referral to begin EMDR. Please contact us and we will assess whether EMDR is suitable for you.

Yes if the insurance policy covers psychotherapy. Our clients have successfully claimed from their insurance companies with our receipts. We suggest you first seek your insurer’s confirmation.

The number of sessions varies according to the nature, complexity and therapy goals of each client. Some clients experience significant improvement within a few sessions, while others will need a longer course of therapy. At Acorntherapy, we will discuss with you a personalised therapy plan after the initial assessment. From time to time during the course of therapy, we will review progress with you so you can keep tabs on where you are in your journey.

No. All sessions are confidential, except where a client threatens to harm themselves or others, or in the unlikely situation where a court orders its disclosure. Therefore, your friends, family or any other person will not learn of the therapy, unless you disclose that information yourself, or you consent to its disclosure.

Make an Appointment


Contact us

By +65 9023 1691 , or

By Emailcontact@acorntherapy.sg