Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based therapy most commonly used to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, it is effective for several other mental health conditions as well, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Treatment focuses on reprocessing memories of trauma and reducing associated emotional distress.
Read on to understand why this is the leading treatment of trauma in the world, recognized by major health organizations such as the CDC and American Psychological Association (APA).
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is an evidence-based trauma therapy to treat PTSD as well as other mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. It follows a structured, 8-phase approach to guide patients through emotional processing and integration of traumatic memories to reduce distress. Therapists use guided eye movements and auditory stimulation to help clients enter deep, calm brain states. This makes it easier to focus on and reprocess trauma.
The History of EMDR
American psychologist Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in 1987 after noticing that side-to-side eye movements helped her become less distressed and reduced her disturbing thoughts. She began researching this phenomenon and developed a structured treatment that combined bilateral stimulation with recall of distressing memories to help reprocess and reduce the emotional impact. In 1991, EMDR quickly gained recognition as a treatment for trauma, now recognized as the go-to treatment for PTSD by the Department of Veterans Affairs [1].
What Makes EMDR Different from Other Trauma Therapies?
EMDR differs from other trauma therapies mainly because of its focus on bilateral stimulation. This method facilitates the reduction of the emotional intensity of trauma memories without requiring verbal recall.
EMDR also tends to work faster than other traditional trauma talk therapies and helps process the somatic trauma that exists in the body.
| Approach | EMDR | Trauma-Focused Talk Therapies |
| Method | Bilateral stimulation, memory reprocessing, and body scanning for somatic processing | Cognitive restructuring, behavioral changes, and mindfulness practices |
| Verbal Recall | Very minimal | Yes, extensively |
| Speed of Results | Typically faster, 6 to 12 sessions | Longer, 12 to 20 sessions |
The Stages of EMDR Therapy
EMDR is a structured therapy designed in 8 phases. Therapists guide clients through each phase to facilitate effective emotional processing. The phases are as follows:
- History Taking: The therapist gathers information, psychological and medical history, A target memory is identified with the patient, and a strong rapport is built.
- Preparation: Therapists educate the client on what to expect during the session, set goals for treatments, and address any questions or concerns the client has.
- Assessment: The therapist focuses on bringing identified target memories into the client’s awareness and has the patient recall specific images or symbols associated with each memory.
- Desensitization: The therapist uses guided eye movements, vibrations, and tapping sounds to help the client enter a state that makes it easier to process trauma and distress. This phase is repeated until the client becomes desensitized to the trauma memory.
- Installation: A positive memory or belief that was identified in phase 1 is used to replace the negative memory. This phase is repeated, focusing on integrating and strengthening the positive memory.
- Body Scan: The therapist guides the patient through a body scan to check for sensations or physical reactions. This is an important part of the session to process somatic trauma and heal the nervous system.
- Closure: The therapist guides the client back to a normal state and into the present moment to help calm their thoughts and process the experience.
- Re-evaluation: At the beginning and end of each session, the therapist and client review results of the previous session, discuss current goals, and how the client is feeling.
Who Can Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR therapy can be used with children and adults of all ages. Besides PTSD, it has been proven effective for mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, as well as problems such as grief, chronic pain, or sexual assault.
EMDR for PTSD and Trauma
Initially designed for PTSD, studies show that EMDR significantly reduces symptoms of trauma, often faster than other trauma-focused therapies. Many patients report an improvement or near reduction of symptoms after just 1 to 3 months of weekly sessions. EMDR is recognized by the National Center for PTSD and the World Health Organization as the leading trauma treatment with a nearly 90% rate of effectiveness [2].
EMDR for Anxiety and Panic Disorders
EMDR has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias by helping process triggers and future fears. The anxiety can be related to or unrelated to trauma. Effects are noticeably quicker than Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), often showing a relief in symptoms after 6 to 12 sessions [3].
EMDR for Depression and Grief
EMDR has been proven effective for grief-induced depression and prolonged grief disorder, helping people recover emotionally and functionally. Research shows it can help process distressing memories related to loss and emotional blocks [4].
The Importance of Finding A Good EMDR Therapist
Although EMDR may appear simple at first, it requires years of clinical training and practice. Look for a therapist certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) who has experience in treating challenges relevant to your mental health. To find one of their certified 16,000 EMDR therapists, visit their association’s website here.
A good EMDR therapist balances the technical skills of EMDR with interpersonal skills, such as empathy, trust, active listening, and effective communication. Harper Clinic employs a personalized approach to EMDR therapy, ensuring that treatment is client-centered, culturally sensitive, and helps clients build resilience.
A few questions to ask the EMDR therapist, to build trust and ensure they are the right fit for you, include:
- How does EMDR therapy work, and what can I expect during my sessions?
- Do I need to talk about my trauma?
- How long does EMDR take to work for someone with similar problems I am having?
- How can you help me if I feel overwhelmed during sessions?
- Do you incorporate other therapies with EMDR, such as CBT or DBT?
- Am I a good candidate for EMDR, or is there another therapy better for me?
EMDR in Utah Guided by Clinical Experts
Harper Clinic is a state-of-the-art functional medicine clinic in Utah, treating trauma, PTSD, and other mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and grief with targeted EMDR therapy. Our clinically excellent team provides trauma-informed care, personalized treatment plans, and holistic healing activities to target the root of your trauma.
Sources
[1] History of EMDR Therapy. EMDR Institute.
[2] Kiernan, M. et al. (2018). The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. A Systematic Narrative Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 923.
[3] Chou, K. R. (2020). The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing toward anxiety disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of psychiatric research, 123, 102–113.
[4] Spicer, L. 2024. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for prolonged grief: theory, research, and practice. Frontiers in Psychology.
