EMDR therapy – short for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing – has become a well-known name in the world of trauma treatment. If you’ve read about it online or heard someone talk about their experience with EMDR, you might have noticed something curious: while some people swear by it, others seem deeply sceptical.
So why is EMDR therapy so controversial? Is the doubt justified – or is it time to reconsider our assumptions?
In this article, we’ll explore where the scepticism came from, how the science has evolved, and why The Chelsea Psychology Clinic fully supports EMDR as an evidence-based, effective and compassionate treatment option.
A Quick Overview: What is EMDR Therapy?
At its core, EMDR therapy is a structured approach to helping people process and move on from distressing or traumatic experiences. It involves focusing on a troubling memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation – most commonly through guided side-to-side eye movements.
The idea is that this dual attention – keeping the memory in mind while also focusing on external sensory input – allows the brain to reprocess stuck or unintegrated memories. Over time, these memories become less emotionally intense, and people often report feeling lighter, less triggered, and more in control.
It’s an eight-phase treatment model that includes everything from history-taking and preparation, to processing and integration. EMDR isn’t a quick fix, but for many, it leads to deep, lasting change.
The Origins of the Controversy
The controversy around EMDR therapy dates back to its very beginnings in the late 1980s. Psychologist Francine Shapiro developed the approach after noticing that her distressing thoughts seemed to ease when she moved her eyes from side to side. She then formulated a therapeutic method that combined these eye movements with standard psychotherapeutic techniques.
Naturally, the idea that something as simple as eye movements could have a meaningful psychological effect didn’t sit easily with the scientific community. Many believed the early claims were overblown or lacked a clear explanation.
Was it the eye movements doing the work or was it just a form of exposure therapy wrapped in unusual packaging?
This lack of clarity created a split. Some therapists and researchers embraced EMDR’s premise, while others dismissed it as pseudoscience. Even today, some scepticism lingers, especially from those who haven’t seen the recent data or haven’t trained in EMDR themselves.
So… Do the Eye Movements Actually Work?
This is the big question—and one that’s now been investigated in considerable depth.
While the precise mechanism behind EMDR therapy is still being explored, studies suggest that bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) may indeed enhance emotional processing. One prevailing theory is that it replicates processes that occur during REM sleep, when the brain naturally works through emotional experiences. Another explanation is that the eye movements reduce the vividness and emotional intensity of traumatic memories, making them easier to reprocess.
There’s also a psychological concept called “dual attention”—where focusing on two things at once (e.g. a memory and a moving stimulus) helps people maintain emotional safety while confronting painful memories. This may explain why EMDR feels less overwhelming for many people compared to traditional talk therapy.
Regardless of the exact mechanism, repeated research findings suggest that EMDR therapy works, and not just for trauma.
What the Evidence Tells Us Now
Since its introduction, EMDR has been extensively studied and evaluated. The results speak volumes:
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends EMDR for the treatment of PTSD in adults.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) lists EMDR as one of only two evidence-based treatments for trauma.
- The American Psychological Association (APA) also endorses EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD.
In fact, in head-to-head studies with other gold-standard trauma treatments, EMDR consistently performs just as well, and sometimes better. Clients often report meaningful improvements after fewer sessions than with traditional talking therapies.
More recently, EMDR has been explored as a treatment for other issues such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, phobias and complicated grief. While the strongest evidence base is still around trauma, the results in other areas are increasingly encouraging.
Common Misconceptions About EMDR Therapy
Despite the growing body of research, some myths persist around EMDR. Here are a few common ones we often hear:
1. “It’s just a fad.”
Not at all. EMDR has been around for nearly 40 years, and its effectiveness is backed by clinical trials, real-world outcomes, and major health authorities worldwide.
2. “It only works for PTSD.”
While it’s most well-known for treating PTSD and other traumas, EMDR is increasingly being used to support people with anxiety, depression, OCD, and even addiction, especially when those issues have roots in past experiences.
3. “It’s hypnosis or mind control.”
EMDR is neither. Clients are fully awake and aware during sessions. In fact, one of the strengths of EMDR is that it empowers people to face their memories and reclaim their own narrative, with the therapist acting as a guide.
How The Chelsea Psychology Clinic Approaches EMDR
At The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, we take a thoughtful and compassionate approach to EMDR therapy. We understand that new or unfamiliar therapies can feel daunting, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Here’s what sets our approach apart:
- Thorough assessment: We take the time to understand your story, history and goals before recommending any treatment.
- Experienced practitioners: Our EMDR therapists are fully trained, accredited and highly experienced in working with trauma and related conditions.
- Individualised care: EMDR is never one-size-fits-all. We tailor the process to meet your emotional readiness and unique needs.
- Integration with other therapies: EMDR can stand alone, or it can be part of a broader therapeutic journey alongside CBT, psychodynamic therapy or medication support.
We’ve seen how transformative EMDR can be—and we’re committed to offering it with both scientific rigour and human warmth.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
If you’re considering EMDR therapy, you might be wondering if it’s the right choice for your specific situation. Here are a few signs it could be helpful:
- You’ve experienced a traumatic event that still feels “raw” or intrusive.
- You find yourself stuck in the same thought or behaviour patterns, despite trying other therapies.
- You’re dealing with anxiety, low mood or panic that seems linked to past experiences.
- You want a therapy approach that’s structured, time-limited and focused on change.
That said, EMDR isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. What matters is finding an approach that works for you. We’re always happy to have an open, no-pressure conversation to help you figure that out.
Final Thoughts
EMDR therapy may have started out as an unconventional idea, but it’s now one of the most respected and researched therapies for trauma in the world. While its early history raised eyebrows, the science and real-world outcomes have firmly validated its place in modern psychological care.
At The Chelsea Psychology Clinic, we believe in treatments that are both evidence-based and deeply humane. EMDR is exactly that, a powerful, structured and supportive way to move through pain and come out the other side with greater clarity and resilience.
If you’re curious to learn more or explore whether EMDR might help you, please visit our EMDR therapy page or contact us to speak with one of our specialists.
