EMDR Therapy in Hong Kong with a Clinical Psychologist
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychological therapy used to help people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect their emotional wellbeing.
I’m Dr. Aurélie Comes, a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist offering EMDR therapy online in Hong Kong. I work with adults experiencing trauma-related difficulties, PTSD symptoms, anxiety, distressing memories and emotional reactions linked to past experiences.
EMDR is not simply about talking through what happened. Therapy focuses on helping the brain process memories that may continue to feel emotionally or physically "stuck", so that they become less distressing and less disruptive in everyday life.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps individuals process and resolve distressing memories that may be contributing to current emotional difficulties.
When experiences are overwhelming, the brain may store them in a way that remains “unprocessed”. This can lead to ongoing symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, emotional reactivity, or negative self-beliefs.
EMDR therapy helps the brain integrate these memories more adaptively, so they no longer trigger the same level of distress.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to go into extensive detail about your past. The focus is on helping your nervous system process experiences so that meaningful change can occur more efficiently.
How Does EMDR Therapy Work?
EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory cues) while you briefly focus on a distressing memory.
This process supports the brain’s natural ability to process information and allows previously “stuck” memories to be reprocessed.
During EMDR therapy in Hong Kong, many clients notice:
Reduced emotional intensity linked to past experiences
Fewer intrusive thoughts or triggers
Improved emotional regulation
A shift in negative beliefs (e.g. from “I am not safe” to “I am safe now”)
EMDR works at both a psychological and neurological level, which is why it is often effective even when other approaches have felt limited.
What Can EMDR Therapy Treat?
EMDR therapy in Hong Kong is used to treat a wide range of psychological difficulties, particularly when they are linked to past experiences.
These include:
Trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
Anxiety and panic attacks
Chronic stress and burnout
Depression
Phobias (such as fear of flying or public speaking)
Low self-esteem and negative self-beliefs
Grief and loss
Relationship difficulties
Adjustment to major life changes
EMDR is especially effective when current difficulties feel persistent, emotionally intense, or difficult to shift despite insight.
EMDR Therapy for Anxiety in Hong Kong
Many clients seek EMDR therapy in Hong Kong for anxiety that feels difficult to control or understand.
EMDR helps identify and process the underlying experiences that may be contributing to anxiety symptoms, rather than only managing them at a surface level.
This can be particularly helpful for:
Generalised anxiety
Panic attacks
Work-related stress
Social anxiety
By addressing the root of the anxiety, EMDR therapy can lead to more lasting change.
All EMDR sessions are conducted online via secure video call, during Hong Kong office hours. Online EMDR has been shown in research to produce outcomes comparable to in-person delivery and is particularly convenient for the busy professionals and expats I work with in Hong Kong.
How Many EMDR Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
The number of EMDR therapy sessions depends on your individual goals and the complexity of what you would like to work on.
As a general guideline:
Single-event trauma: approximately 3–6 sessions
More complex or long-standing difficulties: 8–12+ sessions
Sessions typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and are held weekly. EMDR sessions are 90 minutes and priced at HK$4,200.
EMDR therapy in Hong Kong is often shorter-term compared to traditional therapy approaches, particularly when there is a clear focus.
EMDR Therapy for Expats in Hong Kong
Living in Hong Kong as an expat can bring both opportunities and challenges. Many individuals seek EMDR therapy to navigate the psychological impact of relocation and high-pressure environments.
Common reasons expats seek therapy in Hong Kong include:
Relocation stress and cultural adjustment
High-performance work environments
Loneliness or lack of support systems
Unresolved experiences from their home country
Identity and life transitions
EMDR therapy helps process these experiences efficiently, without requiring long-term therapy focused solely on talking.
Working with a clinical psychologist experienced in supporting expats in Hong Kong can help you feel understood and supported throughout the process. Read more
Is EMDR effective?
EMDR therapy is widely recognised as an effective treatment for trauma and anxiety and is recommended by international clinical guidelines.
Research shows that EMDR can lead to significant and lasting improvements, often in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.
Many clients report that memories feel more distant, emotional reactions reduce, and they are able to respond to situations with greater clarity and confidence.
"I had tried talk therapy before and felt like I kept going in circles. EMDR was different. It's hard to explain, but things that used to feel raw just don't have the same charge anymore. I'm genuinely grateful."
Expat client, Hong Kong
How do I know whether EMDR or CBT is right for me?
Clients often ask how CBT and EMDR differ and which is more appropriate for them. The key distinction:
CBT
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) works by directly challenging unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviours. It is highly effective for anxiety, depression, burnout, and perfectionism where the patterns are more cognitive and behavioural in nature.
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) works by targeting the memory network — specifically, distressing memories that have not been fully processed and continue to generate intense emotional responses. It is particularly powerful for trauma, PTSD, and experiences that feel raw or 'stuck' even when you understand them intellectually.
Many clients benefit from both. I integrate CBT and EMDR where appropriate and tailor the approach to your specific goals and history.
EMDR Fees & What to Expect
EMDR sessions are typically 90 minutes (to allow adequate time for processing).
Fee: HK$4,200 per 90-minute EMDR session
Standard session: HK$2,800 per 50-minute session
First step: Free 15-minute consultationEMDR therapy typically begins with one or more preparation sessions before any processing work begins.
I use a structured, phased protocol that ensures you have the coping tools in place before we approach distressing material.
Considering EMDR Therapy in Hong Kong?
If you are looking for EMDR therapy in Hong Kong, I can help you understand whether this approach is appropriate for your situation. As a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist with EMDR training, I provide structured, evidence-based therapy online for adults experiencing trauma-related difficulties, PTSD symptoms, distressing memories and anxiety.
If you're unsure whether EMDR, CBT or another therapeutic approach would be most suitable, this can be explored during an initial consultation.
If you're experiencing anxiety, perfectionism, burnout or other difficulties that may not be primarily trauma-related, CBT may be a more appropriate approach. You can learn more about CBT therapy in Hong Kong.
FAQs
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What is EMDR therapy?
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people process distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to affect them. Rather than repeatedly talking through every detail of an experience, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation as part of a structured therapeutic process to help distressing memories become less emotionally overwhelming.
What can EMDR help with?
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EMDR is most commonly associated with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it may also be helpful for other difficulties linked to distressing experiences or memories. Depending on the individual, EMDR may be considered for trauma-related anxiety, distressing memories, emotional triggers and experiences that continue to feel unresolved or overwhelming.
Is EMDR suitable for PTSD or trauma?
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EMDR is an established psychological treatment for PTSD and trauma-related difficulties. Before beginning EMDR, I assess your current difficulties, history and circumstances to determine whether EMDR is appropriate and whether any preparation or stabilisation work would be helpful before processing traumatic memories.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals, history and the complexity of the difficulties you are experiencing. Some people may work on a specific event over a relatively short course of therapy, while more complex or longstanding difficulties may require longer-term work. I will discuss likely treatment options with you during the initial assessment.
Can EMDR therapy be done online?
EMDR can be provided online in appropriate circumstances. Whether online EMDR is suitable depends on your individual presentation, treatment goals and ability to engage safely with the therapeutic process remotely. We can discuss this during an initial consultation.
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How much does EMDR therapy cost in Hong Kong?
A 90-minute EMDR session with Dr. Aurélie Comes is HK$4,200. Sessions are provided online. Please see the Fees page for current fees and information about booking.