Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) has come a long way since psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro first introduced it in 1989. Today, it sits alongside trauma‑focused cognitive‑behavioural therapy (TF‑CBT) in every major guideline for post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including the most recent update from NICE in April 2025.
Yet many people still wonder exactly how EMDR for PTSD works and whether it is worth choosing over other options. This article looks at the science and the practicalities so you can decide whether EMDR therapy might be right for you or someone you care about.
What Is EMDR Therapy and How Does it Work?
EMDR is a structured, eight‑phase approach designed to help the brain re‑process traumatic memories so that they no longer trigger intense fear, panic or shame. During the key phase of the treatment a therapist may ask you to focus on:
- A distressing image from your past that you are struggling to overcome
- The negative belief attached to it (for example, “I’m helpless”)
- Body sensations that arise when you conjure these memories or emotions
At the same time you’re focusing on this, you follow a moving stimulus ― usually the therapist’s hand, light or sound that alternates left and right. After each short set of eye movements, taps or tones, you briefly report what has changed and the process repeats until the memory feels neutral and a more helpful belief takes hold.
Contrary to popular myth, EMDR is not hypnosis and it does not erase memories. You remain fully awake and in control throughout the process. A standard course of EMDR therapy lasts around 6–12 sessions for a single incident, but longer treatment is common for childhood or multiple traumas which are more complex.
Why Traumatic Memories Can Stay Stuck
Most of the time our brains file upsetting events away in ordinary narrative memory, where we can recall them without reliving them. Severe stress, however, can interrupt this process. The leading Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model suggests that overwhelming experiences become stored in a raw, sensory form, still linked to the survival alarms that went off at the time. It’s interesting to observe how present‑day triggers – be it a smell, a siren, a facial expression ― can then reactivate the old memory as if it is happening right now.
Studies indicate that the bilateral stimulation used in EMDR nudges the brain into a state similar to rapid‑eye‑movement (REM) sleep, a natural time for emotional processing. Following a moving target while holding a vivid image also taxes working memory, which appears to reduce the clarity and emotional punch of the image. Both mechanisms help the memory move out of the “danger” network and into normal autobiographical storage.
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder which is triggered by difficult, frightening and upsetting events from your past. Although often associated with war veterans, PTSD can develop following any event (or series of events) that have been overwhelming.
PTSD can affect anyone, including people who have had indirect exposure to a distressing event or repeated exposure to graphic details of trauma.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD can show up in many ways. You might steer clear of people or places that remind you of what happened, or you may jump at sudden noises and movements. Symptoms can range from mild to severe – how disruptive they are in daily life is what sets the level.
Different Faces of PTSD
- Delayed-onset PTSD appears more than six months after the traumatic event.
- Complex PTSD develops when trauma happens early in life or keeps going for a long time.
- Birth trauma follows a harrowing childbirth experience.
Body-Level Signs
Your body often signals distress before your mind catches up. Common physical clues include sweating, nausea, trembling, pain, and other stress reactions.
Mind-Level Signs
Psychological symptoms may involve vivid flashbacks, intrusive memories, nightmares, irritability, constant alertness, sound sensitivity, and emotions such as fear, guilt, or shame. Concentration can feel like a struggle.
Behaviour-Level Signs
People with PTSD may avoid places linked to the trauma, lose interest in social life or hobbies, act recklessly, or have trouble falling or staying asleep.
Recognising these patterns is the first step toward getting the right help and beginning the healing process.
What Does Research on EMDR Therapy for PTSD Say?
More than thirty randomised controlled trials have tested EMDR for PTSD. Meta‑analyses consistently show large reductions in intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance and hyper‑arousal.
The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies concluded the following in their Adult Prevention and Early Treatment for PTSD report: “There is a strong body of literature suggesting the efficacy of CBT with a trauma focus, […] cognitive therapy, and EMDR for those experiencing clinically significant PTSD symptoms or those who have developed early PTSD (within three months of trauma exposure).”
Another study on ‘Evaluating the effectiveness of tfCBT and EMDR interventions for PTSD in an NHS Talking Therapies service’ (NHS England Digital, 2022*) indicated that in England “the recovery rate following CBT for PTSD was 40.4%, with 61.8% of individuals showing reliable improvement, across 24,452 completed courses of therapy. Over the same period, the recovery rate for EMDR was 45.9% (63.1% improvement) across 5,083 completed courses of treatment.”
How Does EMDR Compare with Other Therapies?
- Effectiveness: Head‑to‑head trials typically find no significant difference between EMDR and prolonged exposure or cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in reducing PTSD symptoms.
- Speed: Several studies report that some clients reach the same level of improvement in fewer sessions with EMDR, possibly because the method works on thoughts, images and body sensations at once.
- Tolerability: Physiological studies show faster heart‑rate and skin‑conductance recovery during EMDR sessions than during imaginal exposure, which may explain why some people find it easier to stay engaged.
- Homework Load: EMDR relies mainly on in‑session work, a benefit if concentration is limited or privacy is hard to find at home.
Who Might Benefit Most from EMDR Therapy?
EMDR can help a wide range of people with PTSD, including those who:
- Experienced a single traumatic event such as a road accident, assault or medical emergency.
- Lived through chronic or repeated trauma, for example domestic abuse or combat.
- Have complex PTSD with dissociation or a history of childhood adversity.
- Struggle with high physiological arousal that makes imaginal exposure hard to tolerate.
- Need a flexible, language‑light approach that adapts well across cultures and literacy levels.
EMDR therapy can help with a wide range of issues, and although every situation and person is unique, exploring your therapy options is a recommended move to find the best treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions for EMDR
Will EMDR erase my traumatic memories?
No. You will still remember what happened, but the memory will feel like something that belongs in the past rather than a current threat.
Is EMDR safer than exposure therapy?
Both treatments are safe when delivered by properly trained clinicians. Some people simply find EMDR easier because attention keeps switching between past and present, reducing the risk of emotional flooding.
What is the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?
PTSD usually refers to problems that stem from a single incident. Complex PTSD is linked to prolonged or early‑life trauma and often involves additional difficulties such as emotional regulation problems or relationship issues. Treatment principles are similar, but complex cases usually need more time.
Does EMDR work for children and teenagers?
Preliminary trials and updated guidelines suggest that EMDR can be adapted effectively for children and adolescents, although specialised training and parental involvement are essential.
Key Points to Remember About EMDR Therapy
- EMDR is an evidence‑based therapy that helps the brain finish processing traumatic memories so they lose their intensity.
- Randomised trials and international guidelines place EMDR on a par with other first‑line treatments for PTSD.
- Sessions are highly structured, rely mainly on in‑session work and often feel more manageable for people who struggle with classic exposure therapy.
- Always look for a clinician who is accredited by a recognised EMDR association and who can tailor the protocol to your history, resilience and goals.
At The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, our experienced, empathetic clinicians work at a pace to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts: Is EMDR Right for You?
If PTSD is overwhelming you, EMDR therapy may be worth exploring. It offers a different path – not simply focusing on symptom management but aiming for deep and lasting emotional resolution.
However, as with any therapy, EMDR is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people may find it challenging, particularly in the beginning, and it requires willingness to engage with facing potentially difficult memories. However, at The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, we will guide you through the process at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. To learn more about what EMDR therapy involves, see our blog: What Is EMDR Therapy?
Or, if you’re considering EMDR for PTSD and want to know if it’s right for you, contact us today to find out more about our treatment plans. We offer personalised, evidence-based care tailored to you, so you can move ahead with confidence.
* Belli SR, Howell M, Grey N, Tiraboschi S, Sim A. Evaluating the effectiveness of tfCBT and EMDR interventions for PTSD in an NHS Talking Therapies service. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist. 2025;18:e6. doi:10.1017/S1754470X24000497
