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EMDR

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a recognized approach for treating traumatic memories. It helps desensitize distressing experiences that have become stuck in memory and reduce their emotional impact. It can be particularly effective for:

  • Recent or past trauma
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Persistent emotional blocks

Is EMDR Therapy Really Effective?

Since its development, EMDR has demonstrated its effectiveness in numerous controlled studies and across different groups of patients who have experienced trauma. In the field of post-traumatic stress disorder, EMDR is one of the most extensively studied psychotherapeutic approaches, with numerous studies conducted over the past several decades involving patients with PTSD. Research suggests that EMDR can be considered an evidence-based approach for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

EMDR is an effective, comprehensive, powerful, and relatively rapid therapeutic approach, with benefits that can persist over time. Like other evidence-based therapeutic approaches, it incorporates many of the fundamental elements considered essential to effective treatment. It is a holistic approach that addresses emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and physical responses.

Research has also shown that many people experience a significant and lasting reduction in trauma-related symptoms following EMDR treatment, including individuals who have experienced events such as sexual assault, accidents, bereavement, or war.

An Internationally Recognized Approach

EMDR is recognized internationally as an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related difficulties. Major health and mental health organizations have recognized or recommended EMDR, including:

  • American Psychiatric Association — 2004
  • Haute Autorité de Santé (France) — 2007
  • International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies — 2009
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense — 2010
  • World Health Organization — recommends EMDR for PTSD since 2013

Precautions and Contraindications

There are no absolute contraindications to EMDR in general, but certain situations may require additional assessment, precautions, or adaptations before beginning treatment:

  • People who use psychoactive substances;
  • Pregnant women;
  • People with fragile physical health or significant medical complications;
  • People with epilepsy or certain neurological or cognitive disorders.