In today’s climate there are many therapeutic modalities that can be used to treat various mental health conditions. The focus of this post will be to dig deeper into Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. You’ve probably heard of EMDR in passing such as in shows like Grey’s Anatomy, or from celebrities but what is EMDR and how does it work?

EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD and is a structured form of therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (such as side to side eye movements, sounds, gentle vibration, or side to side movements) to help connect both parts of the brain to safely reprocess traumatic memories, reduce emotional intensity associated with traumatic memories, and target root memories and stress responses stored in the brain. EMDR helps connect current symptoms to negative beliefs and unresolved situations that have inadvertently strengthen those negative beliefs. Essentially, EMDR brings forward past experiences in an attempt to resolve present difficulties. 

EMDR has been known to assist people in processing traumatic situations quicker than traditional talk therapy and CBT because it relies on the brain to do the processing and does not rely on the patient talking repeatedly about the trauma or completing homework outside of the session. Although EMDR therapy may produce results more rapidly than other forms of therapy, speed is not the goal of therapy, and it is essential to remember that every person’s progress will be based on their individual needs.  

Since it was first conceptualized in the 1980’s, EMDR has primarily been used to help treat posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans. However, EMDR is now widely used not only for PTSD but to treat anxiety, panic disorder, phobias, depression, OCD, chronic pain, and addiction. EMDR is appropriate for adults, children and adolescents.  It should be noted that EMDR is recognized as an effective treatment by WHO and the American Psychological Association (APA), and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

As mentioned previously, EMDR is a structured approach that incorporates eight phases used throughout the course of treatment as well as the three-prong approach which allows a person to identify the past event that is contributing to the present disturbance and acknowledge future challenges.

The eight phases include:

  1. Taking history and Treatment Planning
  2. Preparing and Explaining the Treatment
  3. Assessment
  4. Desensitization and Reprocessing
  5. Installation of positive belief
  6. Body Scan
  7. Closure and Stabilization
  8. Re-evaluation and Continuing Care

The three prongs include:

  1. Past memories
  2. Present disturbance
  3. Future actions

So how effective is EMDR? According to the Journal of Clinical Medicine, EMDR was found to be “highly effective,” in treating patients with severe depression. In the Permanente Journal article by Dr. Francine Shapiro, it was noted that seven out of 10 studies conducted reported EMDR therapy to be, “…more rapid and/or more effective than trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. Twelve randomized studies noted rapid decreases in negative emotions and/or vividness of disturbing images…” Also, per the 2025 Research Summary by the British Journal of Psychology, EMDR therapy was effective in 84-90% Single-trauma PTSD remission rate. Overall, EMDR appears to be effective in assisting people in decreasing current symptomology. 

It’s important that you find an EMDR trained or EMDR certified clinician if you are interested in pursuing EMDR therapy. You will find that some EMDR clinicians specialize in working with children while others may only work with adults. The key when seeking mental health treatment is to find the right fit for you whether that be EMDR or a different therapeutic approach. There is no right or wrong way to get the help you deserve. We are here to help with all your needs at Caring Cove. 

 

References

About EMDR therapy – EMDR International Association. (n.d.). https://www.emdria.org/about-emdr-therapy/professional, C. C. medical. (2025, September 17). EMDR therapy: What it is, Procedure & Effectiveness. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy 

PLOS One 2020, British Journal of Psychology 2025, VA National Center for PTSD

Rathschlag, M., & Memmert, D. (2014). Reducing anxiety and enhancing physical performance by using an advanced version of emdr: A pilot study. Brain and Behavior, 4(3), 348–355. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.221 

Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: Addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71–77. https://doi.org/10.7812/tpp/13-098