Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel overwhelming, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, numbing. But there is hope. One of the leading treatments showing consistent success is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In this post, we’ll explore what EMDR is, what the research says, how it works, who it may help, and how to take the next step, especially if you might benefit from working with a practitioner like Meg at MegYoungLCSW.com.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a structured psychotherapy approach originally developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. It helps people process traumatic memories in a way that reduces the emotional distress associated with them. EMDR combines elements of exposure therapy with guided bilateral stimulation (often eye movements, though sometimes taps or sounds) to facilitate the reprocessing of memories. (Cleveland Clinic)
Research Evidence: What We Know
EMDR has been widely studied and is recognized as one of the most effective trauma therapies available today.
- A systematic review of multiple randomized controlled trials found EMDR to significantly reduce PTSD symptoms, often helping individuals no longer meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD after treatment (Wilson et al., 2018).
- A randomized trial in Indonesia reported that EMDR led to greater reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression compared with a similar therapy lacking the eye movement component (Susanty et al., 2022).
- In a state-of-the-science article, researchers summarized findings from over 30 clinical trials and concluded that EMDR is a safe, effective, and evidence-based treatment for both adults and children with PTSD (de Jongh et al., 2024).
- More recently, studies of intensive EMDR therapy show it can be time-efficient, culturally sensitive, and highly effective for reducing PTSD symptoms, even in short treatment bursts (Butler, 2024).
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also lists EMDR as one of the most effective first-line treatments for PTSD, alongside trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (VA National Center for PTSD).
How EMDR Works
While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, the Adaptive Information Processing model suggests that EMDR helps the brain reprocess “stuck” traumatic memories so they lose their emotional intensity and integrate more adaptively. Neuroimaging studies even show that EMDR can alter brain activity and connectivity in areas related to memory and emotional regulation (Pagani et al., 2021).
Who May Benefit from EMDR?
EMDR is effective for people with PTSD from a wide range of traumas: combat, sexual assault, accidents, natural disasters, and more. It is especially helpful for those experiencing intrusive memories, nightmares, or emotional reactivity even years after the traumatic event.
Taking the Next Step
Healing from PTSD requires courage, but you don’t have to do it alone. Research consistently shows that working with a skilled EMDR therapist can dramatically reduce symptoms and restore quality of life.
If you’re ready to explore whether EMDR could be right for you, consider reaching out. Meg offers a complimentary discovery call to explore working together. Meg specializes in trauma therapy and provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.
Take the first step today: schedule a consultation. You deserve healing. You deserve hope.
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