Your EMDR Questions Answered: A Research-Based Guide

Written By Linda

If you’ve been looking into therapy options for trauma, anxiety, or even lingering negative beliefs about yourself, chances are you’ve come across EMDR therapy. You might have questions like:

“What exactly is it? Does it really work? Will I have to talk about everything in detail?”

In this blog, we’ll walk through the most frequently asked questions about EMDR, backed by research and clinical experience.

What is EMDR therapy?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. What makes EMDR different from traditional talk therapy is the use of bilateral stimulation - usually side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sounds while focusing on specific memories.

EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro and has since been studied extensively. According to the American Psychological Association (APA) and World Health Organization (WHO), EMDR is considered a recommended treatment for trauma and PTSD.

📚 Research Spotlight:
A meta-analysis by Chen et al. (2015) found that EMDR was as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating PTSD, with some studies suggesting it works faster.

How does EMDR work?

The theory behind EMDR is that traumatic memories get “stuck” in the brain with the original images, thoughts, and emotions still intact. EMDR helps your brain reprocess these memories in a way that feels resolved, less emotionally charged, and more distant.

🧠 Research Insight:
Functional MRI studies (Pagani et al., 2017) have shown that EMDR changes brain activity, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation and memory processing - such as the amygdala and hippocampus.

What happens during a session?

An EMDR session is highly structured and tailored to your needs. It typically involves 8 phases: from history taking, preparation, and assessment to reprocessing and closure.

You don’t have to go into every detail of the memory. EMDR focuses on how the memory is stored in your body and brain, not on reliving every moment.

Is it intense? Will it retraumatize me?

EMDR can bring up emotions, but it’s designed to keep you grounded and safe. I am trained to help you develop emotional regulation skills before diving into the more intense work.

🧪 Research Finding:
A randomized controlled trial by van den Berg & van der Gaag (2012) found EMDR to be effective and well-tolerated, even among individuals with psychosis, when clients are properly prepared.

How long does EMDR therapy take?

It depends on the person and the complexity of their trauma. For single-event trauma, 8–12 sessions may be enough (NICE guidelines, 2018), though more may be needed for complex or developmental trauma.

What issues can EMDR help with?

While EMDR is best known for treating PTSD, research also shows benefits for:

🧬 Study Example:
A 2017 study by Carletto et al. found that EMDR significantly reduced depressive symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder.

Will I still be in control?

Yes, absolutely. EMDR is a collaborative and client-centered process. You set the pace, and I check in with you throughout. You can always pause, slow down, or stop if you need to.

Many people describe feeling empowered by EMDR, because the healing feels like it’s happening deep in the nervous system, not just on the surface.

Is EMDR safe?

Yes. EMDR is considered safe and well-tolerated when provided by a trained clinician. The APA gives EMDR a strong recommendation for the treatment of PTSD based on its clinical effectiveness and low dropout rates.

Whether you've experienced a major trauma or carry quiet emotional pain, EMDR offers a powerful path to healing. If you’re curious whether it’s right for you, please schedule a free consultation with me, Linda Chi, licensed Texas and Oklahoma therapist.

References

  • Chen, Y. R., et al. (2015). Efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for PTSD: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS One, 10(9), e0138537. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0138537

  • Pagani, M., et al. (2017). Neurobiological Correlates of EMDR Monitoring – An EEG Study. PLoS One, 12(9), e0182475. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0182475

  • van den Berg, D. P. G., & van der Gaag, M. (2012). Treating trauma in psychosis with EMDR: A pilot study. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 43(1), 664-671. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbtep.2011.09.011

  • NICE (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder: Evidence reviews for psychological, psychosocial and other non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of PTSD in adults. NICE Guideline [NG116].

  • Carletto, S., et al. (2017). The efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of depression: A pilot study. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 1400. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01400

Linda
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What is Trauma and Do I Have Trauma?