Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is recognized as an established, proven method for healing from trauma by major health organizations, including the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro, whose first study included people with persistent traumatic memories of childhood sexual abuse, physical and sexual assaults, emotional abuse, and Vietnam War experiences. Subsequent research confirmed EMDR as an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a potentially debilitating condition marked by recurring, frightening episodes during which a person relives a traumatic event.
Applications Beyond Trauma
EMDR also shows promise for other mental health conditions. A 2025 study found EMDR improved symptoms for people with personality disorders. A 2021 review of 90 studies on EMDR therapy for conditions other than PTSD noted benefits for people with addiction, anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and pain. According to Elizabeth Ressler-Craig, a clinical supervisor at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, “EMDR works well as an adjunct to psychotherapy by helping people move past a pivotal negative event that might not qualify as trauma but is still disrupting their daily life.”
How EMDR Therapy Works
Guided by a trained, licensed mental health professional, EMDR sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, typically meeting once or twice a week for a total of six to 12 sessions. Initial sessions resemble traditional psychotherapy, discussing current problems and identifying links to past experiences. The unique aspect involves the concept that distressing memories are improperly processed. During the desensitization phase, a person holds an image of the distressing memory in mind while engaging in two-sided stimulation—typically tracking eye movements but also possibly using tones in headphones or shoulder/knee tapping. The therapist asks about negative beliefs associated with the memory and desired positive beliefs to replace them. During a “body scan” phase, the person observes physical reactions while thinking about the memory, with lingering tension or unpleasant sensations addressed. To find a certified EMDR therapist, individuals can search the websites of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) or Psychology Today. Therapy costs are usually no different from standard licensed mental health provider rates.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-is-emdr-therapy-and-who-can-it-help