Understanding EMDR

Welcome to Understanding EMDR, an Australian Podcast that explores EMDR across the world. In this second series, host Dr Jenny Dwyer takes us on a journey of discovery as she explores the many facets of EMDR. From big picture, global themes, to intimate explorations, theoretical discussions and personal experiences. Whether you're an experienced therapist, or simply EMDR-curious, the podcast will inform, inspire and entertain you. Jenny is a trainer and therapist with EMDR Academy Australia, and works on the Lands of the Wurundjeri people.

Understanding EMDR is a health podcast hosted by Dr Jenny Dwyer, with 58 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Dr Jenny Dwyer hosts Understanding EMDR, a health show with 58 episodes published.

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  Episode #8

  The Unique Trauma of Police Work: Insights from EMDR Therapy

  Sep 23, 202642 minS2

  The Unique Trauma of Police Work: Insights from EMDR Therapy With Guest Krystal Hawkins In the challenging world of policing, officers face years of traumatic experiences that can lead to significant mental health challenges. In the previous Episode, former NSW police officer and author, Justyn Backhouse, spoke movingly about his experience of PTSD and the role EMDR has played in his journey of recovery. In this Episode, Krystal Hawkins, an EMDR consultant and mental health social worker, shares what she’s learned as a therapist working extensively with police and other First Responders. She provides insights into the unique trauma experienced by police, how to tailor EMDR to their needs, and the importance of collaboration, early intervention, and systemic support. Keywords: EMDR, police trauma, mental health, early intervention, trauma therapy, PTSD, first responders, neurobiology, trauma processing Upcoming training on EMDR with Police and First Responders If you work with, or would like to feel more confident supporting police officers and other first responders, join Krystal Hawkins for our exclusive half day webinar Understanding EMDR with Police and First Responders on 27 November 2026. Proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy Australia. Registrations and information available at: https://emdracademy.com.au/events/ Episode Resources To access an article Krystal wrote for the National FireFighter Magazine, Summer Edition 2024, pp34-39 use the link below https://www.thenationalfirefighter.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/TNF-Summer-24-PRINTREADY_compressed.pdf Understanding EMDR podcast is Proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy Australia . Leading providers of EMDR training across Australasia. Specialist training in Early Intervention, Group EMDR, Adaptations for Children and Adolescents and international guests. Online and in-person trainings available. https://emdracademy.com.au Follow us on Social Media LinkedIn: /emdracademyaus Instagram : /emdracademyaus

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  Episode #6

  Healing versus Justice? In Her Own Words

  Jul 22, 202642 minS2

  In the final episode of our Healing versus Justice series, we hear directly from Dr Katie Bird. It was Katie's case, first reported by the ABC, that exposed a serious problem in the Australian legal system: victim-survivors who had received EMDR therapy were being denied justice because of misconceptions about the therapy. Katie shares her journey through the trauma of abuse, her healing with EMDR, and her advocacy to change the law. Although her own case has concluded, her work is helping other victim-survivors come forward and challenging the outdated assumptions about EMDR that continue to influence legal decisions. Katie also makes a compelling case that people should never have to choose between healing and preserving their legal rights. Rather than limiting access to effective therapy, she argues that the responsibility for change lies with the legal system. If you haven't listened to the first three episodes in this series (Episodes 3, 4 and 5), they provide important background on the legal issues, how EMDR has been viewed in Australian courts, and practical guidance for EMDR therapists working with clients who may be involved in legal proceedings. Related articles and media The original ABC article that featured Katie's case: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-09/mental-health-emdr-therapy-may-have-cost-katie-justice/106425114 ABC Law Report: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lawreport/does-emdr-therapy-taint-witness-recollection/106595274 Other victim-survivors speak out: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-01/calls-for-legal-system-to-change-approach-to-emdr-and-witnesses/106856868 Article by Hurst, Dominguez and Harvey, 2026 https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/why-do-australian-courts-still-distrust-a-proven-trauma-therapy Sponsors Understanding EMDR is proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy Australia. Providing Accredited EMDR training throughout Australia and online. For training and other resources www.emdracademy.com.au

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  Episode #4

  Healing versus Justice? Part 2

  Jun 23, 202658 minS2

  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. Sponsors Understanding 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

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  Episode #3

  Healing versus Justice? part 1

  Jun 23, 202635 minS2

  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/106425114 An 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-therapy A 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.pdf Further information on EMDR training and resources by Dr Jenny Dwyer is available at https://emdracademy.com.au/

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  Episode #2

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

  Apr 15, 202631 minS2

  <p>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.</p><p><...

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