Our Projects

Our EMDR Training Program

We provide the complete 50 hour EMDR Training program as prescribed by EMDR Associations internationally. Our program is flexible and can be delivered as a 5 day intensive program or over a longer period of time on weekdays, weekends, and/or online. We are flexible and work with the community or local organisations to meet their needs.

Our objective is to teach, support, and develop community resilience for the future. We do this by helping local health workers develop the skills to become consultants within their own community.

The EMDR program has been developed by Roy Kiessling, EMDR Consulting (USA) and approved by the EMDR International Association. Our training faculty has been accredited by the EMDR Association of Australia and are Certified Consultants with the EMR International Association.

Our Beginnings

In response to the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence, the Rotary Club of Melbourne Family Violence Group allocated funds to train therapists across several Melbourne family services in treating childhood trauma. Within two years, over 50 child therapists received training.

In 2018, the Rotary Club of Melbourne sponsored Dr Derek Farrell, President of Trauma Aid Europe, to provide EMDR Therapy training to 18 therapists aiding refugees at Foundation House - The Victorian Foundation for Survivors of Torture, focusing on PTSD and other trauma-related issues.

Following the catastrophic 2019/2020 Australian bushfires, the Trauma Recovery Network Australia was established by the Rotary Action Group for Family Safety. Rotary Districts 9800 and 9820 awarded a Bushfire Recovery Grant to train mental health workers in affected areas how to treat trauma with EMDR.

Despite the numerous lock-downs due to COVID, we were able to train over 70 mental health clinicians in Bairnsdale, Wangaratta, and Bega with the support of Dr Chris Lee, Dr Sarah Dominguez, Dr Jenny Dwyer and Dr Sarah Schubert.

Our Past Projects:

Program Growth – April 2024

In April 2024, three of our team, Anna Antoine-Cooper, Dee Cooper, and Pam Brown, became EMDRAA Accredited Trainers. This has allowed us to deliver more targeted EMDR Training programs designed to meet diverse community needs.

Bright – June 2024

We trained 31 mental health clinicians in Bright, completing our outreach EMDR Training funded by the Rotary Bushfire Recovery Program. The broader program trained 97 clinicians in East Gippsland, Wangaratta, Bega, and Bright, building capacity for evidence-based EMDR trauma treatment in bushfire-affected communities.

Launceston – November 2024

Our first EMDR Training program in Tasmania brought together clinicians from across the state for five days of immersive learning using the Beliefs-Focused model. This project sparked new interest in trauma recovery work across the island and expanded our TRNA community.

Ballarat – July 2025

Our most recent regional EMDR Training was held in Ballarat, where participants engaged in rich learning, peer connection, and clinical growth. It also marked the formation of the Central Victoria EMDR Peer Group, which continues to meet bimonthly to support ongoing integration and skill-building.

Our Future Projects:

Devonport – October 2025

We’re returning to Tasmania to offer a full EMDR Training program in Devonport, with a focus on accessibility, consultation, and regional support. Participants will benefit from 10 hours of group consultation and access to a thriving clinician network.

Mittagong – November 2025

In the heart of the Southern Highlands, Mittagong will host our end-of-year EMDR Training. This program provides a restorative learning space for clinicians eager to deepen their EMDR skills and connect with a like-minded professional community.