Perinatal & Postnatal EMDR
Telehealth EMDR Therapy Australia-Wide
Written by Natasha Kiemel-Incorvaia, Registered Psychologist | Last updated: December 2025
During the process of trying to fall pregnant, pregnancy, and after birth, women go through many transformational experiences. These experiences can impact women’s perceptions, thoughts, sensations, feelings and health. While preconception, pregnancy and the postnatal period can be exciting and joyous times for some, others may experience these as distressing due to a range of factors.
Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) has been shown to be able to bring some of these factors to an adaptive resolution with a range of other benefits.
Natasha has completed training with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) and offers this service online to any woman located within Australia, with a Medicare rebate available for those with a valid Mental Health Care Plan. If you are not interest in EMDR Natasha also offers other therapeutic interventions for perinatal and postnatal support.
Who Can Benefit From Perinatal or Postnatal EMDR Online?
Women Who are Experience or Have Experienced
Reproductive trauma
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) during a past pregnancy and still experiencing triggers, symptoms or trauma
Traumatic birth experiences
Difficulty adjusting during postpartum, feeling overwhelmed and/or scared because of past unresolved events, changes to their identity and/or relationships
Pregnant Women Who Have
Previous birth trauma
Previous pregnancy complications
Experienced a stressful pregnancy, current or past
Unresolved prior reproductive trauma
Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)
Past unresolved events which are impacting their pregnancy
Concerns about giving birth
Difficulty communicating confidently with their birth team and wanting to feel more empowered during birth
Why EMDR for Perinatal and Postnatal Support?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an integrative, client-centred approach that has been shown to be particularly effective for perinatal and postnatal mental health concerns.
Research has shown strong empirical evidence for EMDR's use in treating posttraumatic stress disorder related to birth trauma and pregnancy complications. It has also been found to be an effective treatment approach for managing anxiety, fear of childbirth, and adjustment difficulties in the perinatal period (Laliotis et al., 2021).
For a detailed explanation of how EMDR works and the eight phases of treatment, visit our EMDR therapy page.
Benefits of EMDR During Pregnancy
Research indicates that many women may experience benefits from EMDR during pregnancy. These include:
Improved wellbeing and reduced stress during pregnancy, which may support healthy foetal development
Improved coping strategies and better preparation for birth
Reduced distress and anxiety about pregnancy and birth
Processing and healing from past reproductive trauma
Addressing unresolved reproductive traumas that may be affecting the current pregnancy
Increased confidence in managing distressing physical sensations
Greater sense of capability and improved communication with their birth team
Individual results vary, and the benefits experienced depend on individual circumstances and readiness to engage in therapy.
Benefits of EMDR During the Postpartum Period
Research suggests that some women may experience benefits from EMDR during the postpartum period. These include:
Reduction in symptoms of perinatal depression
Increased confidence in parenting ability
Improved sleep and improved coping strategies
Reduction in symptoms of PTSD and birth trauma
Increased sense of joy and connection with baby and family
Improved self-image and sense of self
May require less verbal processing than some other therapeutic approaches
Reduction in symptoms of anxiety and ruminating thoughts
Individual results vary, and the benefits experienced depend on individual circumstances and readiness to engage in therapy.
When Should You Start Perinatal EMDR?
If You Are Pregnant
Many women start EMDR therapy around the eighth week of their pregnancy. This allows time to work through the phases of EMDR, which involve a range of assessments and questionnaires, and preparatory work for processing.
Many women find starting earlier in pregnancy helpful as it allows them the time to listen to their body and pace therapy as needed to work towards reducing stress and helplessness and becoming more empowered as they approach their birth.
One benefit of EMDR is that its earlier phases involve resourcing and stress reduction, which can incorporate breathing and meditation work. These techniques can be helpful in preparation for birth.
Working with a qualified psychologist to help manage your symptoms using EMDR can ensure you receive an accurate assessment and the best tailored support for you. They will also be able to help you manage the anxiety, loss of efficacy, hormonal and physiological changes, and stress (including if you have PTSD) which can accompany the journey to having a baby and/or after birth.
If You Are Postpartum
There is no set timeframe for starting EMDR after birth. Many women benefit from beginning therapy once they feel physically recovered and ready to engage in the therapeutic process. Some women prefer to wait a few weeks or months postpartum, whilst others begin sooner. The timing is individualised based on your circumstances, recovery, and readiness.
What to Expect in Your Sessions
For detailed information about how EMDR works and the eight phases of treatment, please visit our EMDR therapy page.
During perinatal and postnatal EMDR sessions, you can expect:
A safe, confidential space to discuss your experiences and concerns
Personalised treatment tailored to your specific needs and timeline
Support managing the physical, emotional, and psychological changes during this period
Strategies and tools to help you feel more empowered and in control
Appointment Length & Cost | Perinatal Psychology & Postnatal Psychology
Initial 60 minute $230,
All subsequent 50 minute appointments $215.
A rebate of $98.95 is available with a valid Mental Health Care Plan.
Learn more about Medicare by visiting our comprehensive Medicare page and discover what other appointment options are available on your Appointments Type & Pricing Page.
Have More Questions?
For additional information about how EMDR works, the eight phases of treatment, and how this approach can benefit you, visit our comprehensive EMDR therapy page.
References
Baas, M. A., Stramrood, C. A., Dijksman, L. M., de Jongh, A., & van Pampus, M G. (2017). The OptiMUM-study: EMDR therapy in pregnant women with posttraumatic stress disorder after previous childbirth and pregnant women with fear of childbirth: design of a multicenter randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 1293315. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2017.1293315
Chiorino, V., Cattaneo, M. C., Macchi, E. A., Salerno, R., Roveraro, S., Bertolucci, G. G., . . . & Fernandez, I. (2019). The EMDR recent birth trauma protocol: A pilot randomized clinical trial after traumatic childbirth. Psychology and Health, 1-16. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2019.1699088
Cortizo, R. (2020). Prenatal and perinatal EMDR therapy: Early family intervention. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 14(2), 104-115. Open access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/EMDR-D-19-00046
Furuta, M., Horsch, A., Ng, E. S. W., Bick, D., Spain, D., & Sin, J. (2018). Effectiveness of Trauma-Focused Psychological Therapies for Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Women Following Childbirth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 591. Open access: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00591/full
Hendrix, Y. M. G. A., van Dongen, K. S. M., de Jongh, A., & van Pampus, M. G. (2021). Postpartum early EMDR intervention (PERCEIVE) study for women after a traumatic birth experience: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Trials, 22, 599. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-021-05545-6
Kavakci, O., & Yenicesu,m G. I., (2014) Eye Movement Desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for Hyeremesis Gravidarum: A case Series. The Journal of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences, 27, 335-341
Laliotis., et al. (2021) What is EMDR Therapy? Past, Present, and Future Directions. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 15,(4). 185-201
P.G. Taylor Miller, M. Sinclair, P Gillen, J. E. M. McCullough, P. W. Miller, D. P. Farrell, P. F. Slater, E. Shapiro, P. Klaus. (2021). Early Psychological Interventions and Treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and post-traumatic stress symptoms in post-partum women: A systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Warren, Bethany (2022) EMDR Therapy and Pregnancy. EMDRIA Blog Post, https://www.emdria.org/specialty-areas/birth-trauma-and-pregnancy-loss/emdr-therapy-and-pregnancy/