EMDR Therapy: Evidence, Everyday Benefits & What Happens Next
If talk therapy hasn’t helped you feel better, you’re not alone.
If you’ve been navigating the symptoms of trauma, anxiety, or depression, you might have heard of EMDR therapy. Short for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, EMDR is a structured, evidence-based treatment approach that helps people heal from distressing experiences without needing to talk through every detail of their trauma.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR therapy is rooted in the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that trauma and negative life experiences can remain “stuck” in the brain’s memory network. These stuck memories are responsible for triggering emotional distress, flashbacks, and anxiety in the present.
EMDR helps clients reprocess these memories using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements or tapping—to support the brain in integrating the memory into a more adaptive, less distressing form.
What Does the Research Say?
EMDR is one of the most researched trauma treatments available today. Organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the American Psychological Association recognize EMDR as a gold-standard therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Recent studies also support EMDR's effectiveness in treating:
Anxiety disorders
Depression
Complicated grief
Substance use recovery
In many cases, EMDR yields symptom relief in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy.
In early sessions, your therapist helps you identify target memories and ensure you have coping tools in place. During active processing, you'll focus on a traumatic memory while your therapist facilitates bilateral stimulation. Over time, the emotional intensity of the memory typically decreases.
Who Is EMDR Best Suited For?
EMDR can be especially helpful for people who:
Struggle with flashbacks, avoidance, or numbness
Feel overwhelmed by traditional talk therapy
Have tried other therapies without lasting relief
Want a structured, evidence-based approach to healing
It's also a useful modality when integrated with other trauma-informed therapies like Parts Work, DBT, and CPT.
Preparing for Your First Session
Getting started with EMDR involves an initial intake session where your therapist assesses your history, current symptoms, and goals. You’ll work together to build safety and readiness before moving into active processing.
Virtual EMDR sessions are also available and can be just as effective as in-person care when delivered by a qualified therapist.
Learn More
At EMDR: The Missing Peace, we offer virtual and in-person EMDR sessions within a safe, collaborative, and trauma-informed framework. If you're ready to explore healing, EMDR might be the right next step.
