EMDR Therapy in Hong Kong with a Clinical Psychologist
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to affect how they feel, think, or respond in the present.
I’m Dr. Aurélie Comes, a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist providing EMDR therapy online for adults in Hong Kong. I work with people experiencing trauma-related difficulties, PTSD, anxiety, distressing memories and emotional reactions linked to past experiences.
EMDR is not simply about talking through what happened. It is a structured therapeutic approach that helps distressing memories become less emotionally overwhelming, so that past experiences have less impact on your thoughts, emotions and responses 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 some forms of traditional talk therapy, EMDR does not require you to repeatedly describe every detail of a distressing experience. The therapy focuses on helping you process memories and experiences that continue to trigger distress in the present.
EMDR is delivered through a structured, phased approach. Before trauma processing begins, we establish whether EMDR is appropriate and ensure you have the resources and coping strategies needed to engage safely with the process.
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 can be particularly helpful when a person understands intellectually that an experience is in the past, but continues to experience strong emotional or physical reactions when reminded of it.
What Can EMDR Therapy Help with?
EMDR is most strongly associated with trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depending on the individual and their clinical presentation, it may also be considered when distressing experiences or memories are contributing to current difficulties.
EMDR may be appropriate for:
Trauma and PTSD
Distressing or intrusive memories
Anxiety linked to past experiences
Panic symptoms associated with distressing experiences
Phobias and specific fears
Negative beliefs about yourself following difficult experiences
Grief or loss when experiences remain particularly distressing
Adjustment difficulties following significant or overwhelming events
Whether EMDR is appropriate depends on your individual circumstances, history and treatment goals. An initial assessment allows us to consider whether EMDR, CBT or another approach would be most suitable.
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
For some people, anxiety is closely connected to previous experiences, memories or situations that continue to trigger a strong emotional response. In these circumstances, EMDR may be considered as part of treatment. CBT may be more appropriate when anxiety is primarily maintained by current patterns of thinking, behaviour and avoidance.
All EMDR sessions are conducted online via secure video call, during Hong Kong office hours. EMDR can be delivered online in appropriate circumstances. Whether online EMDR is suitable depends on your individual presentation, treatment goals, current stability and ability to engage safely with the therapeutic process remotely. This can be discussed during an initial consultation.
How Many EMDR Therapy Sessions Will I Need?
The number of EMDR 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 treatment. EMDR also usually involves preparation and assessment before trauma processing begins.
Sessions are 90 minutes and cost HK$4,200. We will discuss the likely structure and frequency of therapy based on your individual circumstances.
EMDR Therapy for Expats in Hong Kong
Living abroad can involve relocation, cultural adjustment, high-pressure work environments, major life transitions and experiences that may continue to affect you after moving to Hong Kong.
I work with adults and expats in Hong Kong who are experiencing trauma-related difficulties, distressing memories, anxiety or emotional reactions connected to past experiences.
Sessions are available online in English and French, during Hong Kong office hours. Read more
Is EMDR effective?
EMDR is an established psychological treatment for PTSD and trauma-related difficulties and is recommended in a number of international clinical guidelines.
Research has also investigated EMDR for other difficulties, including some forms of anxiety and distress associated with traumatic or overwhelming experiences. The evidence and suitability of EMDR vary depending on the presenting problem.
During an initial assessment, I consider your symptoms, history and treatment goals to determine whether EMDR is an appropriate approach for you.
"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.
There is no single therapy that is right for everyone. Some clients benefit from CBT, some from EMDR, and some may benefit from elements of both at different stages of treatment. The appropriate approach depends on your difficulties, history, goals and what is maintaining the problem in the present.
EMDR Therapy Fees in Hong Kong
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 consultation. EMDR 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 considering EMDR, an initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss what you are experiencing and whether EMDR is appropriate for you.
I am a UK-trained Clinical Psychologist providing structured, evidence-based psychological therapy online for adults in Hong Kong. If CBT, EMDR or another therapeutic approach may be more appropriate, we can discuss this together.
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.