Understanding EMDR

About 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.

Publisher

Dr Jenny Dwyer

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

18 Mar 2023

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

58 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026

   The Unique Trauma of Police Work: Insights from EMDR Therapy

   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/ (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 (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 (https://emdracademy.com.au) Follow us on Social Media LinkedIn:  /emdracademyaus Instagram:    /emdracademyaus

2. 

   2 Sept 2026

   A police officer's journey from PTSD to recovery

   Guest Justyn Backhouse - former police officer, author of Hidden Scars: From Crime Scenes to Crisis, The Price of Service In this episode of Understanding EMDR, Jenny Dwyer speaks with Justyn Backhouse about the achievements of his 25-year policing career, the hidden toll of repeated trauma, and the journey from denial to recovery. Justyn shares how his secure and loving childhood led him into policing, where he found adventure and opportunities; but also traumatic events, cumulative stress, and eventually PTSD. They discuss the culture of policing, the stigma around mental health, and why early intervention matters. Justyn explains how EMDR became a turning point in his recovery, helping him process years of unprocessed experiences and reduce the intensity of traumatic memories. The conversation also highlights the importance of family support, trusted colleagues, and honest conversations about mental health. If you’re an EMDR therapist and interested in knowing more about how you can support police officers and other first responders, listen in to the next episode. I’ll be joined by Krystal Hawkins, a mental health social worker and EMDR consultant who has worked for many years with police in NSW, supporting them through their journey of recovery with EMDR. Key themes in this episode Cumulative trauma and delayed recognition of PTSD in police Shame, stigma, and silence as barriers to healing The role of EMDR in processing disturbing memories Early intervention Family, support networks, and rebuilding life after trauma Resources To learn more about Justyn and to follow him on social media, visit his website https://justynbackhouse.com (https://justynbackhouse.com) EMDR Academy This podcast is proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy Australia. For information on Dr Jenny Dwyer, training, consultation and resources visit our website and follow us on social media https://emdracademy.com.au (https://emdracademy.com.au) https://www.linkedin.com/company/emdracademyaus/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/emdracademyaus/)

3. 

   22 Jul 2026

   Healing versus Justice? In Her Own Words

   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 (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 (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 (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 (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 (www.emdracademy.com.au)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.5 / 5

4 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

16 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 45 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

56

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

85

Contact Understanding EMDR

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.