Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Trauma Therapy & Online EMDR
Trauma Therapy & Online EMDR in Cape Town
Trauma can leave the nervous system feeling as though the danger is still present. Therapy helps you safely process those experiences so they become part of your story, rather than something that continues to shape your everyday life.
HPCSA registered
Online across SA
Private & secure
Trauma & PTSD
Evidence-based support for trauma and PTSD
Traumatic experiences can leave a lasting impact on emotional wellbeing, relationships and daily functioning. At Barnardt & Fleming Private Practice, we provide evidence-based trauma therapy and online EMDR for adults experiencing the ongoing effects of trauma, PTSD and distressing life experiences.
As a Cape Town-based clinical psychology practice, we offer online therapy to adults seeking support for the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. Our approach is collaborative, compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique experiences and goals.
Understanding trauma
What is trauma?
Trauma refers to experiences that overwhelm our ability to cope at the time they occur. While some people recover naturally, others continue to experience emotional distress long after the event has passed.
Trauma may arise from experiences such as:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Relationship trauma or betrayal
- Assault or violence
- Accidents or medical trauma
- Sudden loss or bereavement
- Exposure to traumatic events in the workplace
- Ongoing experiences of fear, instability or threat
There is no "right" way to respond to trauma. Each person's experience is shaped by a range of personal and contextual factors.
Recognising the signs
Signs that trauma may still be affecting you
Trauma can continue to influence thoughts, emotions and behaviour in ways that are not always immediately recognised. Common experiences include:
Nightmares or distressing dreams
Heightened anxiety or panic
Emotional numbness or disconnection
Irritability or anger
Difficulties with trust or relationships
Avoidance of reminders of the event
Persistent feelings of guilt or shame
Problems with concentration or sleep
Feeling constantly on guard or unsafe
If these experiences are causing distress or interfering with your daily life, psychological support may be beneficial.
Healing from trauma is possible. With time, safety and the right support, painful experiences can become less overwhelming, allowing life to feel more open again.
An evidence-based approach
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based psychotherapy developed to help individuals process traumatic memories and distressing life experiences.
EMDR supports the brain's natural ability to integrate experiences that may have become "stuck" following trauma. Rather than removing memories, EMDR aims to reduce the distress associated with them, allowing individuals to move forward with greater flexibility and resilience.
EMDR is recognised internationally as an effective treatment for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by organisations including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA).
When EMDR may help
How can EMDR help?
EMDR may be helpful if you are experiencing:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Distressing memories that continue to impact your life
- Anxiety linked to difficult experiences
- Strong emotional responses to reminders of the past
- Negative beliefs about yourself that developed following adversity
- Difficulties moving beyond painful experiences despite understanding them intellectually
An initial consultation can help determine whether EMDR may be appropriate for your circumstances.
Online across South Africa
Online EMDR for adults in Cape Town and throughout South Africa
We offer online EMDR and online trauma therapy to adults throughout South Africa.
Online therapy provides a flexible and accessible way to receive support from the comfort and privacy of your own environment. Suitability for online EMDR is considered collaboratively, taking into account each person's needs and circumstances.
How we work
Our approach to trauma therapy
We recognise that trauma affects each person differently. Treatment is tailored to your experiences, strengths and goals. Our work may draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including:
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR forms an important part of our work with adults experiencing trauma and PTSD.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help identify and address patterns of thinking and behaviour that contribute to ongoing distress.
Metacognitive Therapy (MCT)
MCT focuses on changing unhelpful thinking processes, such as persistent worry and rumination, that often accompany trauma-related difficulties.
Establishing safety, stability and a strong therapeutic relationship remains central throughout the therapeutic process.
Support for working through difficult experiences
We welcome enquiries from adults seeking trauma therapy and EMDR in Cape Town or online across South Africa.
You are deserving of support
What you're going through matters, you do not need to be in crisis to seek support.
Some people hesitate to seek EMDR because they worry that what they have experienced is not "serious enough" or feel embarrassed by how much it continues to affect them. There is no threshold of suffering that you must reach before seeking support. Experiences do not need to be dramatic or catastrophic to leave a lasting emotional impact. If something from the past continues to trouble you in the present, you are deserving of support, and together we can consider whether EMDR may be helpful.
Taking the Next Step
Taking the next step
Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable, particularly when addressing painful or overwhelming experiences. Our aim is to provide a thoughtful and non-judgemental space in which healing and meaningful change can occur. If you would like to explore whether trauma therapy or online EMDR may be appropriate for you, you are welcome to email us.
If you are in crisis or need urgent help, please see our emergency resources.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EMDR effective?
EMDR is supported by a substantial body of research and is internationally recognised as an evidence-based treatment for trauma and PTSD.
Is online EMDR effective?
Research suggests that online EMDR can be an effective treatment option for many individuals experiencing trauma and PTSD. Suitability is considered collaboratively during the assessment process.
How long does EMDR therapy usually take?
The duration of EMDR therapy varies from person to person. Some individuals working with a single distressing experience may benefit from a relatively brief course of treatment, while others addressing multiple or longstanding difficulties may benefit from a longer period of therapy. Progress and treatment needs are reviewed regularly throughout the process. An estimate can usually only be discussed after an assessment.
What happens before processing begins?
EMDR follows a structured, phased approach. Treatment begins with assessment and preparation. This includes understanding your history, identifying treatment goals, and developing strategies to support emotional regulation and coping. Memory processing begins only when you and your psychologist agree that you are ready to proceed.
What influences the length of the EMDR treatment?
A number of factors may affect the duration of therapy, including:
- The nature and complexity of the difficulties being addressed
- The number of experiences or memories involved
- The time needed for assessment and preparation
- Your individual pace and treatment goals
- The presence of other emotional or psychological concerns
Do you offer online EMDR throughout South Africa?
Yes. As a Cape Town-based practice, we offer online EMDR and trauma therapy to adults throughout South Africa.
What do I need for an online EMDR session?
Online EMDR therapy can often be conducted effectively with a few simple preparations. Most people only need a few basic things to participate comfortably:
- A reliable internet connection to support uninterrupted, secure video sessions.
- A computer or tablet with a camera and microphone.
- A private and comfortable space where you feel able to speak openly and without interruption.
- A pair of headphones (optional), which some people find helpful for enhancing privacy and concentration.
Many people find it helpful to:
- Silence notifications and minimise distractions during the session.
- Have a glass of water and tissues nearby.
- Allow a few quiet minutes before and after the appointment to settle and reflect.
- Make a note of any questions or topics they would like to discuss.
You do not need to prepare anything special or know exactly what to say. Your psychologist will guide the process, and together you can work at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable.
Do I need a referral?
No. You are welcome to contact us directly to arrange an appointment.
When you feel ready
Reach out to explore trauma therapy or online EMDR
If you would like to explore whether trauma therapy or online EMDR may be appropriate for you, you are welcome to get in touch.