EMDR Group Therapy for Eating Disorders
EMDR group therapy for eating disorders is designed to support people working through challenges with food and body image. Research shows that EMDR can help individuals process adverse life experiences, beliefs, and memories that may shape their relationship with food, self-image, and confidence. This group therapy aims to support them in their recovery journey from eating disorders by addressing the underlying traumas, stressors, and affective dysregulation that impact daily functioning.
Eating disorders are complex conditions that involve much more than food, weight, or appearance. For many individuals, they develop as ways of coping with painful emotions, traumatic experiences, or deeply rooted negative self-beliefs. Restricting, bingeing, or purging may provide temporary relief or a sense of control, but over time these behaviours harm both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Eating disorders and Trauma
Eating disorders and trauma are deeply linked. Many disordered eating behaviours begin as survival strategies to manage overwhelming emotions from trauma. Research shows that many people with eating disorders have a history of trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, bullying, or loss. Trauma can create overwhelming emotions and a sense of being out of control. Eating behaviours (restricting, bingeing, purging, over-exercising) may develop as coping strategies to:
- Numb painful memories or feelings.
- Regain a sense of control when life feels chaotic.
- Distract from distress through food or body preoccupation.
Trauma often fuels shame, negative self-beliefs, and body dissatisfaction, which can sustain eating disorder symptoms.
EMDR and Eating Disorders
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy offers a powerful approach to addressing the underlying experiences that often fuel eating disorders. Originally developed to treat trauma, EMDR helps the brain reprocess distressing memories, reduce the emotional intensity of triggers, and replace self-defeating beliefs with more adaptive ones. In the context of eating disorders, EMDR treatment targets memories of bullying, abuse, or shame, as well as current triggers such as body image concerns, food-related anxiety, or critical self-talk.
By working with past, present, and future experiences, EMDR supports individuals in breaking free from the cycle of disordered eating. When integrated with medical, nutritional, and psychological care, it can reduce reliance on harmful behaviours, strengthen resilience, and foster a healthier relationship with food and the body.
Treatment goals with EMDR in EDs
- Process traumatic memories that drive disordered eating patterns.
- Reduce triggers related to food, body image, or self-worth.
- Reprocess negative core beliefs (e.g., “I’m not good enough,” “I have no control,” “My worth depends on my body”).
- Strengthen adaptive beliefs (“I am worthy,” “I can nourish myself,” “I am more than my body”).
- Support long-term recovery by improving emotional regulation and resilience.
EMDR can be a powerful tool in treating eating disorders by addressing the trauma, shame, and negative beliefs that often fuel disordered eating. When integrated with medical, nutritional, and psychological care, EMDR supports deeper healing and long-term recovery.
NB: Please note that clients must have achieved stabilization (nutritional and emotional) before attending this EMDR group therapy because this group work involves intensive trauma reprocessing.
Confidentiality and Privacy in EMDR Group Therapy Sessions
Within our EMDR group therapy sessions, strict confidentiality is maintained at all times. Participants are not required to discuss or disclose any details of their distressing experiences or past traumas during group interactions. Throughout the therapy process, clients do not share personal trauma histories with other group members, ensuring a safe and supportive environment focused on individual healing and emotional regulation.
Structure of EMDR Group Therapy Sessions
The group functions within a structured framework, comprising up to four participants and two clinicians. In the initial group EMDR session, participants will concentrate on developing internal resources to facilitate grounding and foster a sense of present safety. This approach is designed to enhance emotional regulation, learn healthy coping skills and provide effective support throughout their recovery process.
In the later sessions, participants will work on reprocessing traumatic memories related to disordered eating patterns, as well as their food and body-related triggers, cravings, or urges, without sharing specific details with other group members. A clinician will provide assistance to any participant who may have difficulty managing the session, offering support for emotional regulation as necessary.
In the final EMDR session, participants apply the techniques they have learned to enhance personal skills and resources, with the objective of increasing their capacity to manage future triggering situations and prevent relapse.
When:
Group 1: July 7th to August 4th – 2026
Every Tuesdays for 5 weeks from 4 pm to 6 pm.
Venue:
The Bealey Centre, 120 Hills Road (Wharfdale Room)
Fees for EMDR Group Therapy Programs:
Individuals $900 and Business $1300 (please note that this is partially funded by Aura Health).
Research participant’s rate: Individual $450 and Business $650 (Those who
are willing to participate in research need to complete questionnaires on a range of wellbeing measures
before and after participating in the EMDR group and this is funded by Aura Health).
Our Facilitators
Dr Jain Joseph PhD
Jain Joseph is a clinical psychologist, an accredited EMDR therapist and EMDR Case Consultant in training. He is currently working towards completing his advanced accreditation in Schema Therapy. He holds a Masters in Applied Psychology (Industrial Psychology), a Master of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology (M.Phil), and a PhD in Psychology.
Ambily M Joseph
Ambily M Joseph is a registered social worker who will be co-facilitating this group. She holds a Masters in Applied Psychology (M.Sc.) and a Masters in Social Work (MSW), and is trained in EMDR therapy.
Please fill out this registration form or email us to aurahealthnz@gmail.com to register yourself. Once we have received your registration form a confirmation email and an invoice will be sent out. You need to make full payment before the start of the program.