EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy approach most often used for trauma and PTSD. It helps you process distressing memories while focusing briefly on alternating bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds.
Overview of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
EMDR has good evidence for treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly when delivered by am EMDRIA trained clinician. Major clinical guidelines generally recommend it as a trauma-focused treatment, alongside approaches such as prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy.
Key Features of EMDR:
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Reduce PTSD symptoms, including intrusive memories, avoidance, hypervigilance, and distress.
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Produce meaningful improvement for many people after a relatively brief course.
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Work about as well as other established trauma-focused therapies; evidence does not consistently show that it is superior to them.
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Also help some people with specific phobias, anxiety, complicated grief, and trauma-related depression, although the strongest evidence is for PTSD.
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Can be an adjunct treatment – If you feel stuck in your treatment but want to continue with your current provider, when appropriate EMDR can be adjunct treatment
The eye movements themselves may not be the essential ingredient. Benefits likely come from the overall structured process of recalling and reprocessing traumatic memories, changing distressing beliefs, and becoming less emotionally reactive to the memories.
Client Experiences
Some people notice changes after a few sessions; others need a longer course. Improvement is more likely to last when treatment includes adequate preparation, repeated assessment, and follow-up rather than rushing directly into trauma processing.
How Treatment Proceeds
Treatment length varies:
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Single-event trauma: often about 3–8 sessions.
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Typical PTSD treatment: roughly 6–12 sessions, sometimes more.
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Multiple, prolonged, or childhood traumas: commonly several months to a year or longer, with an initial phase focused on stabilization and coping skills.
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Session length: usually 50–90 minutes, often weekly.
If you’re currently in danger, feeling unable to stay safe, or having thoughts of suicide, call 988, 911, speak to someone who you trust, or go to your nearest emergency room. .