EMDR Therapy: A Revolutionary Treatment for Trauma and Beyond

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most effective treatments for trauma-related conditions. Psychologist Francine Shapiro developed it in the 1980s; the NHS and World Health Organisation now recommend it for PTSD, and it is also used for anxiety, depression and other conditions.

This guide explains how EMDR works. It covers what happens in sessions, and how to judge whether the treatment might suit you.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a structured psychotherapy. It helps people process traumatic memories and disturbing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, it does not require you to talk through the trauma in detail; instead, it uses bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements, but also taps or sounds) to help the brain reprocess those memories.

The theory says traumatic memories are stored differently from normal ones. Trauma can overwhelm the brain’s information processing system, so memories stay in their raw, unprocessed form, carrying the original emotions, physical sensations and beliefs.

EMDR helps the brain process those memories properly. Their emotional intensity drops, and you can fold them into your life story without the same distress.

How Does EMDR Work?

The Eight Phases of EMDR

Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning

Your therapist gathers your history and picks out target memories for processing. A treatment plan follows. You’ll discuss your goals, and what you hope therapy will achieve.

Phase 2: Preparation

Your therapist explains how EMDR works. You’ll also learn coping strategies for emotional distress, such as safe place imagery and container exercises to use between sessions.

Phase 3: Assessment

You identify a specific target memory and explore:

• The image that represents the worst part of the memory
• Negative beliefs about yourself associated with the memory
• Positive beliefs you’d prefer to have
• Emotions and physical sensations connected to the memory
• The level of distress (0-10 scale)

Phase 4: Desensitisation

While you focus on the target memory, you follow your therapist’s fingers with your eyes (or use another form of bilateral stimulation). This continues until your distress drops significantly.

Phase 5: Installation

Your therapist helps you strengthen positive beliefs. These replace the negative ones tied to the traumatic memory.

Phase 6: Body Scan

You scan your body for leftover physical tension or distress linked to the memory. Any residual sensations get processed.

Phase 7: Closure

Sessions end with techniques to help you feel grounded and safe. Between sessions, you may be asked to keep a journal.

Phase 8: Re-evaluation

Later sessions start with a review. You and your therapist check whether the target memory has been fully processed, or whether more work is needed.

What Conditions Can EMDR Treat?

Primary Applications

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

EMDR is particularly effective for PTSD, including:

• Combat trauma
• Sexual assault
• Accidents
• Natural disasters
• Violent crime

Complex PTSD

For people who have lived through prolonged or repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, EMDR can be adapted to address multiple traumatic memories and complex symptoms.

Other Conditions

Research and clinical practice have shown EMDR can also help with:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Phobias
• Panic disorder
• Grief and loss
• Eating disorders
• Addiction
• Performance anxiety
• Low self-esteem

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions

Typical Session Structure

Session Length: EMDR sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, longer than standard therapy sessions.

Number of Sessions: It varies with your situation:

• Single traumatic event: 3-6 sessions
• Multiple traumas: 8-12+ sessions
• Complex PTSD: 12-20+ sessions

During Processing

As bilateral stimulation occurs, you may experience:

• Images changing or becoming less vivid
• Emotions shifting
• New insights or connections
• Physical sensations
• Memories linking to other related experiences

Your therapist guides you through it. They check in regularly about your experience.

Between Sessions

You may continue to process material between sessions. Some people experience:

• Vivid dreams
• New insights
• Temporary increases in distress
• Memories surfacing

Your therapist will teach you ways to manage these experiences.

Is EMDR Effective?

Research Evidence

EMDR has been extensively researched and is recognised as an evidence-based treatment:

• NICE Guidelines: Recommend EMDR as a treatment for PTSD
• WHO: Recommends EMDR for trauma in adults and children
• American Psychological Association: Lists EMDR as effective for PTSD

Studies show that approximately 70-90% of people with single-trauma PTSD no longer meet diagnostic criteria after 3-6 sessions of EMDR.

How EMDR Compares to Other Treatments

Research suggests EMDR is:

• As effective as trauma-focused CBT for PTSD
• Often faster than traditional talk therapy
• Effective for people who haven’t responded to other treatments
• Less distressing than some exposure-based therapies

Finding an EMDR Therapist in the UK

Qualifications to Look For

When you look for an EMDR therapist, check that they have:

• Core mental health professional training (psychology, counselling, psychiatry, etc.)
• EMDR Europe or EMDR UK & Ireland accredited training
• Membership in professional bodies (BACP, UKCP, HCPC, BPS)
• Experience with your specific concerns

Costs and Availability

EMDR therapy costs in the UK:

• NHS: Available through IAPT services and specialist trauma services (waiting lists vary)
• Private: £80-£150 per session
• Specialist trauma clinics: £120-£200+ per session

Preparing for EMDR Therapy

Before Starting

• Ensure you have adequate support in place
• Discuss any medical conditions or medications with your therapist
• Be prepared for emotional processing
• Commit to attending regular sessions
• Arrange time for self-care between sessions

What to Bring

• A list of traumatic memories or concerns you’d like to address
• Any previous therapy records (if relevant)
• A notebook for between-session observations
• Comfortable clothing

Potential Side Effects and Considerations

Temporary Increases in Distress

Many people feel more emotionally intense between sessions while the brain works through traumatic material. This usually settles as processing continues.

Vivid Dreams

Vivid or disturbing dreams are common during EMDR treatment. They are a sign the processing system is at work.

When EMDR May Not Be Suitable

EMDR may need to be adapted or postponed if you:

• Have severe dissociative disorders
• Are actively suicidal
• Have uncontrolled substance abuse
• Have severe medical conditions affecting eye movement

The Future of EMDR

EMDR continues to evolve with:

• Online EMDR therapy options
• Group EMDR formats
• Integration with other therapeutic approaches
• Expanded applications beyond trauma

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