Healing versus Justice? In Her Own Words

In the final episode of our Healing versus Justice series, we hear directly from Dr Katie Bird. It was Katie's case, first reported by the ABC, that exposed a serious problem in the Australian legal system: victim-survivors who had received EMDR therapy were being denied justice because of misconceptions about the therapy.

Katie shares her journey through the trauma of abuse, her healing with EMDR, and her advocacy to change the law. Although her own case has concluded, her work is helping other victim-survivors come forward and challenging the outdated assumptions about EMDR that continue to influence legal decisions.

Katie also makes a compelling case that people should never have to choose between healing and preserving their legal rights. Rather than limiting access to effective therapy, she argues that the responsibility for change lies with the legal system.

If you haven't listened to the first three episodes in this series (Episodes 3, 4 and 5), they provide important background on the legal issues, how EMDR has been viewed in Australian courts, and practical guidance for EMDR therapists working with clients who may be involved in legal proceedings.

Related articles and media

The original ABC article that featured Katie's case:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-09/mental-health-emdr-therapy-may-have-cost-katie-justice/106425114

ABC Law Report:

https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/lawreport/does-emdr-therapy-taint-witness-recollection/106595274

Other victim-survivors speak out:

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-01/calls-for-legal-system-to-change-approach-to-emdr-and-witnesses/106856868

Article by Hurst, Dominguez and Harvey, 2026

https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/why-do-australian-courts-still-distrust-a-proven-trauma-therapy

Sponsors

Understanding EMDR is proudly sponsored by EMDR Academy Australia. Providing Accredited EMDR training throughout Australia and online.

For training and other resources www.emdracademy.com.au