EMDR Therapy Effectiveness

I remember sitting in my first EMDR session—nervous, slightly panicked, and a little numb. I didn't want to revisit the trauma again, but I also didn't want to feel this way for the rest of my life. Waking up in a panicked sweat, reaching over to make sure my husband was still breathing. Afraid to sleep. Afraid to go back to work each day. Avoiding anything that reminded me of that horrible moment. It was unbearable.

My therapist met me with warmth and attunement. She asked me to recall the trauma, but in pieces. It was intense at first—I felt sick to my stomach—but then, seemingly out of nowhere, the distress began to lift. It took some time to work through it completely, but since then, I have not felt any distress about that memory. I knew I had to figure out how to offer this same healing to others.

What is EMDR?

EMDR, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy, is a well-researched, evidence-based treatment recognized across the globe. Major organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs all endorse EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma. In fact, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies strongly recommends EMDR therapy.

The Evidence Speaks for Itself

EMDR therapy's effectiveness is particularly remarkable in treating PTSD, with some studies showing 84% diagnosis remission rates. Research also demonstrates that EMDR is highly effective for anxiety and depression, with many patients experiencing significant symptom reduction or even complete remission.

All that to say: it works.

As someone who has experienced EMDR firsthand and as a therapist who has used EMDR as my primary treatment method for years, I have witnessed extraordinary changes—both in my clients' lives and in my own.

Does EMDR Work for Everyone?

Now, if studies show 82-84% effectiveness, will it work for everyone? As with any treatment, some people may struggle with it or find it less effective. One of the greatest challenges we see at Connect involves clients dealing with complex trauma.

Single-incident trauma often responds remarkably quickly—we can usually achieve remission within 8 to 10 sessions. Complex trauma (which deserves a whole blog post of its own) is a collection of stacked experiences that remain stuck in the nervous system. We can work on processing one memory, but it's often connected to another experience, which means treatment takes considerably longer.

The Bottom Line

EMDR has transformed not only my life but the lives of countless clients I've worked with. While it may not be the right fit for everyone, the research—and my personal and professional experience—demonstrates that it's one of the most powerful tools we have for healing trauma.

If you're struggling with PTSD, anxiety, depression, or the lingering effects of trauma, EMDR might be the breakthrough you've been looking for.

Ready to learn more about EMDR therapy? Contact us at Connect to schedule a consultation and discover if EMDR is right for you.