Question 1

What is EMDR?

Accepted Answer

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of psychotherapy that helps people process and recover from distressing memories, trauma, and negative beliefs. It uses bilateral stimulation (like guided eye movements) to support the brain’s natural healing processes.

Question 2

How does EMDR work?

Accepted Answer

EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to activate both sides of the brain while a client focuses on a memory or difficult emotion. This helps the brain reprocess and reorganize troubling experiences so they become less intense and more adaptive over time.

Question 3

What can EMDR help with?

Accepted Answer

Trauma 
Anxiety and panic
Phobias
Grief and loss
Depression
Negative self-beliefs
Other distressing life experiences

Question 4

Is EMDR the same as talk therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. While EMDR takes place within a therapeutic relationship and involves discussion, its core process focuses on reprocessing memories through bilateral stimulation, rather than just talking and analyzing. EMDR is a neurological process, not a cognitive one.

Question 5

Does EMDR involve re-experiencing trauma?

Accepted Answer

Clients will recall distressing memories during the process, but EMDR is structured in a safe, gradual way. Your therapist ensures you have coping skills and support in place before addressing deeper material.

Question 6

Is EMDR evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

Yes. EMDR is supported by extensive research and recommended for trauma and PTSD by organizations like:
American Psychological Association (APA)
World Health Organization (WHO)

Question 7

Is EMDR only for trauma or PTSD?

Accepted Answer

No. While EMDR is best known for helping trauma, it also helps with:
Anxiety
Depression
Stress reduction
Phobias
Attachment difficulties
Negative self-beliefs

Question 8

Will EMDR make me feel worse before I feel better?

Accepted Answer

Some people notice emotional ups and downs early in treatment as memories are processed. This is normal and something your therapist monitors throughout your care.

Question 9

What are the risks associated with EDMR?

Accepted Answer

EMDR is considered a safe and well-researched therapy when provided by a trained clinician. That said, like any therapy that works with emotions and memory, there are some potential risks to be aware of. Some of these risks may include:

Temporary emotional discomfort
 Processing memories can bring up strong emotions such as sadness, fear, anger, or grief—especially early in treatment.

Increased awareness between sessions
 Some clients notice vivid dreams, new memories, body sensations, or emotional shifts as the brain continues processing after sessions.

Feeling tired or “emotionally sore”
 EMDR can be mentally and emotionally taxing, and some people feel fatigued afterward.

Surfacing of unexpected memories
 As the brain reprocesses experiences, related memories may arise that were not originally planned to be addressed.

Overwhelm if done too quickly or without preparation
 EMDR requires adequate stabilization and pacing. When rushed or done without proper grounding skills, clients may feel flooded or dysregulated.

Question 10

When might EMDR therapy not be a good fit?

Accepted Answer

You are in an active crisis
If you’re experiencing suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, severe instability, or immediate safety concerns, therapy first focuses on stabilization and safety.

Substance use is currently interfering with emotional regulation
Active substance dependence can make it harder to stay present and grounded during sessions.

You are seeking insight-only or talk-based therapy
EMDR is more experiential than analytical. Clients who prefer primarily conversation-based processing may prefer a different approach.

You are actively taking certain medications
EMDR may be less effective for some clients who are actively using certain medications, particularly benzodiazepines (such as Ativan, Xanax, Valium, or Klonopin).

Benzodiazepines can dampen emotional activation, reduce access to bodily sensations, or interfere with the brain’s natural memory processing. Because EMDR relies on engaging the brain and nervous system during reprocessing, these medications can sometimes make it harder for the therapy to work as intended.

EMDR FAQs

EMDR Frequently Asked Questions