Miley Cyrus and EMDR: Discover how Miley's journey inspires mental health awareness

Miley Cyrus and EMDR: Why Her Story Matters

Recently, Miley Cyrus shared publicly that EMDR therapy played a key role in her healing journey following traumatic experiences in her life. While celebrity stories often come and go, this one stands out—because it highlights a powerful therapeutic approach that is transforming the way many people heal from trauma.

At AWI Consulting, we use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) with clients who have experienced a wide range of difficult life events—whether it's relational trauma, childhood neglect, single-incident events, or the ongoing impacts of anxiety or overwhelm. Hearing someone like Miley speak about EMDR helps break down stigma, normalise the process of therapy, and open up space for others to seek support.

What is EMDR??

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a trauma-focused therapy developed to help people process distressing memories and shift how those memories are stored in the brain.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones) while the client briefly focuses on a painful memory. This process activates the brain’s natural healing systems, allowing distressing emotions to be “unstuck” and reintegrated in a healthier way.

EMDR is widely used to treat:

PTSD and complex trauma

Anxiety and panic

Childhood abuse or neglect

Grief and loss

Negative self-beliefs

Emotional dysregulation

What makes EMDR so powerful is that it doesn’t just help you talk about what happened—it helps you reprocess the event at the root of emotional pain, so your nervous system no longer feels like it’s still “in the moment.”

Why it matters that people are talking about it

When public figures share their therapy experiences, it can reduce shame and encourage others to reach out for support. Miley’s openness sends the message that trauma is not something to hide, and that recovery is possible with the right tools and therapeutic relationships.

When Miley spoke about using EMDR to heal emotional wounds, many people felt seen. Because the truth is, trauma doesn’t only affect those with dramatic stories—it affects everyday people who’ve experienced heartbreak, betrayal, chronic stress, or neglect.

Those engaging in EMDR all have one thing in common: the desire to heal—and the sense that talk therapy alone wasn’t reaching the root. 

EMDR at AWI Consulting

At AWI Consulting, we offer both ongoing EMDR therapy sessions and EMDR Intensives—structured sessions that allow for more focused work in a shorter period of time. Intensives can be particularly helpful for clients who want to work through specific memories or patterns and make significant therapeutic progress in a contained way.

Our work is always paced with the client’s safety in mind. EMDR is not about re-living trauma, but about creating space to understand and reprocess it, with the support of a trained therapist.

Want to know more about EMDR or book a session?

Miley’s courage in speaking about her EMDR journey reminds us that healing is possible—and that therapy can be life-changing when you find the right support. 

Our trauma-informed therapists work gently and collaboratively. Whether your trauma is named or not, recent or decades old, you’ll be met with care, professionalism, and deep respect. 

If you’re curious about EMDR or think it might be a good fit for you, you’re welcome to reach out. We’re always happy to answer questions and support you in finding the approach that feels right.  

Visit our EMDR Therapy page, or get in touch via our contact us page.

For more information about EMDR, please take a gander at the EMDRAA (The Aussie fellas) website here.