Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Posted byRatel Health
Evidence-based mental health content, reviewed by psychologists and psychiatrists
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)Autism Spectrum DisorderBipolar I DisorderObsessive-Compulsive DisorderPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Evidence Status: Evidence-supported

Medically reviewed · Dr. Sarah Whitfield, PsyD · Sunday, 16 August 2026

A structured trauma therapy that uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, while a person processes distressing traumatic memories.

What Is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)?

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured psychotherapy for trauma-related conditions that involves processing distressing memories while attending to bilateral stimulation, typically guided eye movements, though tapping or auditory tones may also be used.

How It Works

EMDR is based on a theoretical model suggesting that traumatic memories can become inadequately processed and remain stored with the original distress attached; bilateral stimulation during recall is thought to support the brain’s natural information-processing systems in reprocessing these memories. This is a general description using original language.

What Happens During Therapy?

EMDR follows a structured eight-phase protocol, including history-taking, preparation, identifying target memories, and reprocessing using bilateral stimulation, followed by evaluation of progress. Clients focus briefly on a distressing memory while tracking a therapist’s hand movements or other bilateral stimulus.

Evidence and Effectiveness

Research supports EMDR for PTSD, with evidence generally comparable to trauma-focused CBT approaches such as prolonged exposure; it is recognized as an effective treatment by several clinical practice guidelines. Evidence for other applications, such as other anxiety disorders, is more limited.

Who May Benefit?

EMDR may be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan for people with PTSD or other trauma-related distress, particularly those who prefer an approach that involves less extensive verbal recounting of traumatic events compared to some other trauma therapies.

Limitations and Considerations

EMDR requires specialized training to deliver correctly, and its exact mechanism remains an area of ongoing research and some debate. It may not be appropriate for everyone, and access to trained EMDR clinicians can vary by region.

Finding a Qualified Therapist

EMDR is delivered by psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other licensed mental health professionals who have completed specific EMDR certification training.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

EMDR treatment length varies; some single-trauma cases may see improvement in fewer sessions, while complex or multiple trauma may require a longer course; treatment length varies according to the person and clinical presentation.

Therapy vs. Medication

For PTSD, EMDR and medication are not necessarily competing options and may be used alone or in combination depending on individual circumstances, in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

What Conditions Is It Used For?

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event, involving intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and heightened arousal.

Acute Stress Disorder

A condition involving intense stress symptoms occurring within the first month after exposure to a traumatic event.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD)

A trauma-related condition, recognized in ICD-11, involving core PTSD symptoms along with disturbances in emotion regulation, self-concept, and relationships, typically following prolonged or repeated trauma.

Related Therapy Types

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

A structured, manualized therapy for PTSD that focuses on identifying and challenging unhelpful beliefs about a traumatic event and its meaning.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

A structured trauma-focused therapy that uses repeated, guided recounting of the traumatic memory along with real-world exposure to safe but avoided situations.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

A structured trauma therapy designed for children and adolescents, combining trauma-sensitive CBT techniques with active involvement of a caregiver.

Medical Information Disclaimer

Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

References

  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, National Center for PTSD.
  • American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.