Frequently Asked Questions
What is EMDR?
EMDR is short for Eye Movement Desensitation and Reprocessing. The core premise of EMDR is that distressing experiences, particularly traumatic ones, can become "stuck" in the brain's information processing system. This causes ongoing emotional and psychological difficulties. EMDR aims to help individuals process and resolve these unresolved memories or experiences to alleviate their negative impact.
These short videos may be helpful:
EMDRAA Video- What is EMDR?
EMDRAA Video- Why does EMDR therapy work?
What prompted you to specialise in supporting people with water related phobias?
Spending so much time in the water throughout my life has meant I have a really special relationship with the water. Swimming serves many purposes- it is where I go to relax, exercise and spend time with family and friends, especially in the summer months. Working as a psychologist has meant I am in a privileged position to be able to support people to lead lives that are meaningful to them. Supporting people to develop a healthy relationship with the water has been an area of interest of mine for many years.
There are many swim schools teaching adults how to swim- whilst this is a great place to start for a beginner, swimming teachers are not necessarily equipped with the psychological training to address and support adults with phobias.
Similarly, there are many psychological programs supporting people with phobias using exposure therapy and Virtual Reality, however through my research, I haven't come across any programs utilising EMDR and exposure (in vivo) to address water based phobias.
Exposure based therapy (including EMDR) is considered the gold standard for treating specific phobia.
What can I expect from the Aquaphobia sessions?
A lot of people who have phobias don’t seek treatment as they are anxious about what they will be “made” to do. The goal is not to retraumatise the client.
Just like any mental health difficulty, experiences of phobias are all different. Elise will take time to get to know you and what has prompted you make contact. The first few sessions (or so) will be conducted virtually and will involve getting a history such as how and when the phobia developed, situations/places you avoid and things you may have tried to overcome your phobia.
Elise will provide practical skills from the outset to start training your mind and body.
Together, we will work out a treatment plan the best suits your needs. This will include a treatment plan that will likely involve EMDR sessions, a plan for when we will meet at the pool, what your water based goals are and how we can work towards them.
We will work on addressing the trauma/anxiety both in the (virtual) therapy space, as well as at the pool.
Is there a Medicare rebate available? What about for the Aquaphobia program
Yes. With a GP Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you are able to be referred for a total of 10 Medicare rebated psychological sessions per calendar year and can claim back $92.90 per session. It is recommended that you schedule a double appointment with your GP to obtain a MHCP.
If you are seeking support for a Aquaphobia or Thalassophobia, let your GP know about this and you will be able to obtain a MHCP under Specific Phobia treatment.
Clients also have the option to self-refer and pay privately.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is short for Eye Movement Desensitation and Reprocessing. The core premise of EMDR is that distressing experiences, particularly traumatic ones, can become "stuck" in the brain's information processing system. This causes ongoing emotional and psychological difficulties. EMDR aims to help individuals process and resolve these unresolved memories or experiences to alleviate their negative impact.
These short videos may be helpful:
EMDRAA Video- What is EMDR?
EMDRAA Video- Why does EMDR therapy work?
What prompted you to specialise in supporting people with water related phobias?
Spending so much time in the water throughout my life has meant I have a really special relationship with the water. Swimming serves many purposes- it is where I go to relax, exercise and spend time with family and friends, especially in the summer months. Working as a psychologist has meant I am in a privileged position to be able to support people to lead lives that are meaningful to them. Supporting people to develop a healthy relationship with the water has been an area of interest of mine for many years.
There are many swim schools teaching adults how to swim- whilst this is a great place to start for a beginner, swimming teachers are not necessarily equipped with the psychological training to address and support adults with phobias.
Similarly, there are many psychological programs supporting people with phobias using exposure therapy and Virtual Reality, however through my research, I haven't come across any programs utilising EMDR and exposure (in vivo) to address water based phobias.
Exposure based therapy (including EMDR) is considered the gold standard for treating specific phobia.
What can I expect from the Aquaphobia sessions?
A lot of people who have phobias don’t seek treatment as they are anxious about what they will be “made” to do. The goal is not to retraumatise the client.
Just like any mental health difficulty, experiences of phobias are all different. Elise will take time to get to know you and what has prompted you make contact. The first few sessions (or so) will be conducted virtually and will involve getting a history such as how and when the phobia developed, situations/places you avoid and things you may have tried to overcome your phobia.
Elise will provide practical skills from the outset to start training your mind and body.
Together, we will work out a treatment plan the best suits your needs. This will include a treatment plan that will likely involve EMDR sessions, a plan for when we will meet at the pool, what your water based goals are and how we can work towards them.
We will work on addressing the trauma/anxiety both in the (virtual) therapy space, as well as at the pool.
Is there a Medicare rebate available? What about for the Aquaphobia program
Yes. With a GP Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), you are able to be referred for a total of 10 Medicare rebated psychological sessions per calendar year and can claim back $92.90 per session. It is recommended that you schedule a double appointment with your GP to obtain a MHCP.
If you are seeking support for a Aquaphobia or Thalassophobia, let your GP know about this and you will be able to obtain a MHCP under Specific Phobia treatment.
Clients also have the option to self-refer and pay privately.