Online · Across New Zealand · No referral needed
Online trauma therapy & EMDR in New Zealand
The past doesn't have to keep writing the present. Our psychologists provide trauma-focused therapy, including EMDR, online, safely and at your pace.
Clinically reviewed by Candice van der Merwe, Counselling Psychologist · Updated June 2026
Book a SessionWhat is trauma?
Trauma is the lasting psychological response to overwhelming events, a single incident such as an accident or assault, or repeated experiences such as abuse or family violence. When symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance and avoidance persist, this may be post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which responds well to treatments such as EMDR and trauma-focused CBT.
When the past stays present
Trauma is what happens inside you in response to overwhelming events, a single incident like an accident or assault, or repeated experiences like childhood abuse, family violence or sustained workplace harm. It can show up as flashbacks and nightmares, hypervigilance, avoidance, shame, numbness, difficulty trusting people, or a body that never quite switches off alert.
You don't need a PTSD diagnosis for your experiences to matter, and you don't need to retell everything in detail to begin therapy. Trauma work always starts with safety and stabilisation, at a pace you control.
Evidence-based trauma treatment
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), a structured, well-researched therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional charge. EMDR is recommended in international guidelines for PTSD and works well over video.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and trauma-focused CBT, addressing the stuck beliefs trauma leaves behind ("it was my fault", "nowhere is safe").
- Somatic and parts-based approaches, working with how trauma lives in the body and the protective patterns it creates.
Several of our psychologists specialise in trauma: Candice van der Merwe (EMDR, EMI, BWRT and somatic work), Sandy Laurenson (EMDR), Jezebel Machado (complex and developmental trauma) and Inge Prince (trauma-informed practice).
Does EMDR work online?
Yes. Online EMDR uses visual or audio bilateral stimulation through your screen and has growing research support showing outcomes comparable to in-person delivery. Many clients find doing trauma work from their own safe space makes it easier to engage.
One of our clients put it this way: "I came to Mindwell for EMDR as I had been suffering for years with intrusive thoughts and anxiety about incidents in the past… EMDR has radically changed my mental health for the better."
Fees
One clear fee for all sessions: $199 + GST per 50-minute session. No referral needed. A Stripe card processing fee (2.9% + 60¢) applies at payment. Many health insurers cover psychology sessions, we provide a receipt you can submit for reimbursement. See full fees and payment details →
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to talk about everything that happened?
No. You stay in control of what you share and when. Some approaches, including EMDR, don't require detailed retelling of traumatic events to be effective.
What is EMDR, in plain terms?
EMDR uses guided eye movements (or taps/tones) while you briefly hold a difficult memory in mind. This appears to help the brain reprocess the memory so it stops triggering the same intense distress. It's one of the most researched treatments for PTSD.
Can trauma therapy be done safely online?
Yes. Your psychologist will build safety and grounding skills first, work at your pace, and have a plan with you for managing distress between sessions. You'll also be in your own familiar environment, which many people find steadying.
I went through something years ago. Is it too late?
No. Trauma therapy is effective whether the events were recent or decades ago. Many people seek help long after the fact, often when life changes bring old patterns to the surface.
Ready to take the first step?
Booking takes just a few minutes. You'll be matched with an available psychologist and can have your first session from the comfort of your own home.
Book a Session NowAll sessions are online · Available across New Zealand · Confidential