Understanding EMDR: When It Works—and When It May Not

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has gained significant popularity in recent years, and as a result, I receive many inquiries about this form of treatment. Understandably, people are drawn to EMDR because it can help resolve certain types of trauma in just a few sessions. I'd like to share where I've seen EMDR work well, and what the research currently supports its use for. 

Developed in 1987, EMDR is a therapy designed to help individuals process traumatic experiences, particularly those contributing to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It’s believed that bilateral stimulation—typically through guided eye movements—helps regulate the nervous system enough for a person to safely access and process distressing memories. When effective, EMDR can help the past truly feel like the past—no longer intruding on the present. 

What EMDR Is Most Effective For 

EMDR is most effective for single-incident traumas or clusters of similar events that involve intense emotional distress. Common examples include: 

• Car accidents 

• Natural disasters 

• Physical or sexual assaults 

• Witnessing a death or near-death event 

The more emotionally charged the memory, the more EMDR can often help. EMDR therapy has also shown effectiveness in reducing specific fears, such as fear of flying, test anxiety, and some symptoms related to OCD. 

Where EMDR May Be Less Effective 

In my clinical experience, EMDR is less effective for attachment-related trauma—that is, emotional injuries rooted in relationships. Examples might include: 

• Feeling neglected by a parent who prioritized work over emotional connection 

• Feeling misunderstood due to ADHD or other neurodivergent traits 

• Feeling abandoned after a close friend ended your relationship 

This isn’t to say EMDR offers no benefit in these cases. It can be useful in identifying the roots of feelings like neglect, abandonment, or misunderstanding—especially through techniques like the “float-back” method. However, in my experience, EMDR therapy does not resolve these types of relational wounds any faster than traditional talk therapy. 

Emotional Readiness Matters 

EMDR is an emotionally intense form of treatment. It intentionally brings up distressing emotions, images, and sensations tied to traumatic memories. Because of this, EMDR is not appropriate for everyone at every stage of their healing journey. 

If a client is experiencing significant emotional instability, EMDR may not be a safe or effective option—yet. That’s why I conduct thorough assessments to determine whether someone is ready for the treatment. If not, we focus first on building the emotional tools and stability needed to prepare for EMDR therapy. 

A Powerful Tool, Not a Cure-All 

While EMDR can be profoundly helpful for certain types of trauma, it’s not a “silver bullet” for all forms of psychological pain. For individuals wanting to work through relational or attachment-based traumas, I often recommend integrating EMDR with relational psychoanalytic therapy—or pursuing relational therapy on its own. I am trained in both approaches and tailor treatment based on each client’s needs. 

To learn more about relational psychoanalytic therapy and how it can support healing from complex, relationship-based trauma, feel free to explore the My Approach page.