Mental Health
EMDR Therapy: What It Is, How It Works, and How It Can Help You Heal
By Cait Helton, LMFT
May 30, 2025
Introduction
Ever felt trapped by your past? EMDR therapy could be the key to unlocking your healing.
For many people living with trauma, anxiety, or distressing life experiences, traditional talk therapy doesn’t always provide the relief they need. That’s where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—or EMDR therapy—comes in. Unlike conventional therapy methods, EMDR focuses on helping the brain reprocess painful memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. This innovative technique has grown rapidly in popularity, becoming one of the most trusted and effective approaches for trauma recovery.
In 1987, psychologist Francine Shapiro, developed EMDR therapy is now backed by decades of research and clinical success. It's officially recommended by major health organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), especially for treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Real-world results speak volumes—EMDR has helped veterans, abuse survivors, accident victims, and countless others regain control over their lives without having to relive every detail of their unprocessed memories.
Unlike other therapies that require deep, repetitive discussions about the past, EMDR practice takes a different path. It uses a structured, eight-phase process that combines memory recall with bilateral stimulation—like side-to-side eye movements or tapping. This method helps the brain "unstick" from past trauma and form healthier responses. As a result, this method is not only used for PTSD but also for anxiety, panic disorders, grief, addictions, and more.
Throughout this guide, we’ll answer the questions about EMDR therapy people search for most:
What is it and how does it work?
What does a session look like?
Is it safe, and how long does it take?
Can you do this type of therapy online?
Whether you're curious about starting EMDR therapy, wondering if it's right for you, or just exploring options for trauma treatment, this article is your complete, trusted resource. Let’s dive in.
Reset Your Brain, Reset Your Life
You don’t have to stay stuck in the pain of the past. If you’ve been carrying the weight of painful events, anxiety, or grief, EMDR therapy offers a powerful way forward that many people find more beneficial than traditional individual therapy. It’s not about forgetting what happened—it's about helping your brain reprocess the memory so it no longer controls your present.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, has helped countless people find relief from symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief, and even addiction. Whether the distressing events came from childhood experiences, abuse, combat, or a sudden loss, this approach is designed to target the root cause—not just manage the symptoms.
The brain is naturally built to heal, just like the body. But when a disturbing event overwhelms your nervous system, that healing process can get blocked. This approach uses a proven, structured method to “reset” the brain’s response, allowing painful memories to be stored more like ordinary ones—without the intense emotional charge.
If you’ve tried other types of therapy and still feel stuck, EMDR could be the breakthrough you’ve been waiting for. It’s fast-acting, deeply effective, and doesn’t require you to relive the disturbing events in detail.
Ready to talk to someone? Contact us today and take the first step toward lasting emotional freedom.
Understanding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
What Does EMDR Therapy Stand For?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a specialized form of psychotherapy designed to help people heal from emotional distress linked to disturbing life experiences—especially posttraumatic stress disorder.
The name may sound technical, but the goal is simple: it helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they’re no longer emotionally overwhelming. The "eye movement" part comes from one of the therapy's core techniques—having you follow side-to-side movements with your eyes while recalling distressing memories. This type of bilateral stimulation helps unlock stuck memories and allows your brain to heal naturally, much like it does during REM sleep.
At its heart, EMDR practice focuses on changing how painful memories are stored in the brain—reducing the emotional charge and making them feel more like just another part of your past.
What Is EMDR Therapy Like?
The therapy itself is structured but surprisingly gentle. Sessions typically follow an eight-phase process, and each one builds on the last. Here's what a typical session might look like:
You and your therapist talk about what you want to work on. This could be distressing life experiences, a fear, or a negative belief about yourself.
You’ll focus on a specific memory while following a set of eye movements, taps, or tones provided by your therapist.
Your mind will begin to “free associate.” That means thoughts, emotions, or new memories might come up—this is all part of the healing.
As the session continues, the memory usually becomes less distressing, and you begin to feel more in control.
Many people describe the experience as “weird but effective.” One client shared:
“I didn’t expect it to work, but after just a few sessions, I felt like I could finally breathe again. That memory didn’t feel sharp anymore—it felt like something that happened, not something I was still living.”
Most sessions last between 60 to 90 minutes. You don’t have to share every detail of your memories out loud, and you’re always in control of the pace.
How EMDR Differs from Traditional Talk Therapy
If you’ve tried other treatments before, this might feel like a very different experience—in a good way.
Here’s how EMDR stands out:
You don’t have to talk through every detail of your traumatic experiences. This approach works by stimulating the brain’s natural processing system, not by retelling painful stories.
The focus is on reprocessing, not rehashing. You target how your body and brain store the memory, helping it shift from a source of pain to something more manageable.
There’s little to no homework. Unlike Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR doesn't require worksheets or journaling between sessions. The work happens mostly during your time with the therapist.
This makes EMDR a great option for people who find traditional therapy overwhelming or emotionally exhausting. It’s fast-acting, deeply effective, and often preferred by those who feel stuck in other methods of treatment.
How Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Works
This therapy is more than just moving your eyes side to side —it’s a carefully designed process that helps your brain heal from emotional wounds. Whether you're dealing with recurring negative thoughts, anxiety, or past grief, this approach follows a structured path that guides you from distress to resolution.
The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Theory
The foundation of EMDR therapy is the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) theory. This theory suggests that your brain has a natural way of recovering from difficult events—just like your body heals a physical wound.
But when a traumatic or overwhelming experience occurs, this healing process can get blocked. Instead of being stored as just another memory, the event stays “stuck” in the brain with all its original emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations.
That’s why years later, something as simple as a smell, sound, or image can trigger the same fear, pain, or panic you felt during the original event.
It helps "unstick" these memories and reprocess them so they no longer feel threatening. After treatment, the memory remains, but it feels more like something from the past—not something you're still living through.
The 8 Phases of EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy follows a standardized 8-phase protocol that helps you move safely and gradually through the healing process.
Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning
Your therapist gathers information about your life, symptoms, and goals. Together, you’ll identify target memories, current triggers, and future challenges to focus on in therapy.
Phase 2: Preparation
You learn what to expect from a typical EMDR therapy session and practice grounding techniques, like visualizing a “safe place.” This phase builds trust and emotional stability before diving into the hard work.
Phase 3: Assessment
The therapist helps you activate a target memory by identifying key parts of it: the image, negative belief, emotions, and body sensations. This is where we start to analyze the treatment effects. You’ll also rate distress levels using two key tools:
SUD (Subjective Units of Disturbance): How upsetting the memory feels on a scale from 0 to 10.
VOC (Validity of Cognition): How true a positive belief about yourself feels (rated 1–7).
Phases 4–7: Desensitization, Installation, Body Scan, Closure
These steps involve the core of EMDR therapy:
Desensitization: You focus on the memory while doing bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds).
Installation: You strengthen a new, positive belief to replace the old one.
Body Scan: You check for any remaining tension or distress in your body and process it.
Closure: The session ends with calming techniques to ensure you feel safe, even if the memory isn’t fully resolved yet.
Phase 8: Re-evaluation
At the next session, your therapist checks how you’re feeling and whether the target memory is still disturbing. If new memories or issues have come up, they become the focus for continued work.
EMDR Tools: Bilateral Stimulation (BLS)
At the heart of effective treatment is BLS—a technique that helps activate both sides of the brain while processing difficult memories. BLS can include:
Eye movements: Following the therapist’s fingers or a light moving side to side
Tapping: Alternating taps on your hands, knees, or shoulders
Audio tones: Listening to sounds that alternate between left and right ears
Research suggests that BLS mimics the natural brain activity that happens during REM sleep, when we process memories and emotions. By using this method while recalling uncomfortable thoughts, emotions, or body sensations, the therapist helps the brain finish what it couldn’t during the original event—moving the memory from “stuck and painful” to “processed and peaceful.”
It may sound unusual at first, but its structured process and scientifically grounded tools have helped millions of people reset their minds and reclaim their lives.
What Can EMDR Therapy Treat?
EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but over time, it has proven helpful for a wide range of emotional and psychological issues. Whether someone is recovering from a single traumatic event or struggling with long-term emotional pain, EMDR practitioners offer a path toward healing that doesn’t require years of talk therapy.
EMDR for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (as defined by the American Psychiatric Association) is a psychiatric condition that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event or series of traumatic events. PTSD is one of the most well-known and researched conditions treated with EMDR therapy. In fact, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recommend EMDR as a frontline structured therapy for PTSD.
Many veterans and abuse survivors have found relief through this method. For example, a case study featured by the APA tells the story of Mike, a 32-year-old Iraq War medic who had been haunted by battlefield memories. After beginning this effective treatment, Mike experienced a significant reduction in flashbacks and anxiety, helping him reconnect with his life and family.
Other research has documented EMDR’s success in treating survivors of domestic violence, childhood trauma, and natural disasters. It helps by targeting the root of the disturbing event, reprocessing the memory, and allowing individuals to regain emotional control without having to relive every detailed description.
EMDR Therapy for Anxiety, Panic, and Phobias
While EMDR practice started as a PTSD treatment, it’s now widely used for anxiety, panic attacks, and even specific phobias. That’s because these issues are often tied to unresolved stress or emotional experiences.
It can help:
Calm racing thoughts
Reduce the fear response triggered by certain situations
Address the emotional “memory” behind the anxiety
Install positive beliefs that improve confidence and self-esteem
For instance, someone with social anxiety might trace their fear back to a humiliating event in childhood. By using this reprocessing treatment we allow the brain to process that event differently, which often reduces the anxiety that stems from it.
More therapists are now using this approach for these conditions because it’s faster than many traditional methods and doesn’t require deep, repetitive talk about fears.
Other Conditions EMDR Can Help With
EMDR therapy is also being used successfully to support people dealing with a variety of emotional challenges, including:
Grief and loss – helping individuals process the pain of losing a loved one
Addiction and substance abuse – addressing the complexities that may drive compulsive behavior
Depression – especially when linked to unresolved life events or negative self-beliefs
Performance anxiety – including fear of public speaking, test anxiety, or athletic pressure
Because it focuses on the emotional roots of these issues, many clients report not just symptom relief, but deep, lasting change.
If you're struggling with emotional pain—whether from a major trauma or everyday stress—EMDR therapy may offer a safe, effective solution. It's not just for PTSD anymore. More and more people are discovering its power to unlock healing across many areas of life.
How Effective Is EMDR Therapy?
This therapy isn’t just a trend—it’s backed by years of clinical research like controlled trials and growing recognition from top mental health organizations. From combat-related PTSD to everyday anxiety and grief, this practice has proven to be a powerful tool for emotional healing.
What the Science Says
Dozens of studies have confirmed that EMDR therapy is effective, especially for treating distress related conditions. It works by helping the brain reprocess distressing memories so they no longer cause intense emotional reactions. Researchers believe this process mimics what the brain naturally does during REM sleep—sorting and storing emotional experiences in a healthier way.
A review of more than 30 clinical trials found that EMDR was as effective—or more effective—than other therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Many clients report faster results and greater emotional relief, often within just a few sessions.
Backed by Trusted Institutions
EMDR therapy has been endorsed by several major health organizations worldwide, including:
American Psychological Association (APA) – Listed as a recommended treatment for PTSD
World Health Organization (WHO) – Recommends this practice for both children and adults
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Recognizes this approach as a frontline treatment for combat stress and PTSD
These endorsements give EMDR strong credibility and reinforce its place as a safe, evidence-based therapy for a wide range of emotional and psychological conditions.
Real-World Results: Case Study Highlights
The American Psychological Association has published several case studies demonstrating EMDR’s success:
A combat veteran who struggled with PTSD symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares found significant relief after treatment, regaining emotional balance and sleep.
A survivor of domestic violence was able to reprocess years of emotional and physical scars while rebuilding self-esteem without having to relive painful memories in detail.
A woman recovering from substance abuse and PTSD experienced reduced cravings and fewer emotional triggers after targeted sessions.
These cases show how adaptable the practice can be—not just for trauma but also for co-occurring issues like anxiety and addiction.
Comparing EMDR Results Across Conditions
The Bottom Line
This practice is one of the most thoroughly studied trauma therapies available today. It’s fast, effective, and supported by both science and lived experience. Whether you're dealing with PTSD or simply looking to overcome emotional blocks, therapists ensure a research-backed path toward lasting healing.
Is EMDR Therapy Right for You?
If you’re dealing with trauma, anxiety, or emotional pain that won’t go away, EMDR therapy may be a good option. But like any treatment, it’s important to know what to expect, how it works, and whether it’s the right fit for your needs.
What to Expect From Your First Session
Your first EMDR therapy session is all about building comfort and creating a plan. Here's what typically happens:
Getting to know your therapist: You’ll talk about your history, symptoms, and what you hope to achieve.
Setting goals: Together, you and your therapist will choose which memories, triggers, or beliefs to focus on.
Learning the process: You’ll be introduced to techniques like BLS (eye movements, tapping, or sounds).
Creating safety tools: Your therapist may guide you through calming exercises, like imagining a “safe place” you can return to when emotions get intense.
Once therapy begins, you may experience a range of emotions or physical sensations. Some people feel relief, tiredness, or a wave of emotion, while others report a sense of clarity. It’s all normal—your brain is actively working to process and heal.
EMDR Therapy Side Effects
EMDR is considered a safe and well-tolerated therapy, especially when delivered by a trained professional. But as with any form of mental health treatment, there can be some side effects.
Common (and usually temporary) side effects include:
Vivid dreams or emotional dreams
Feeling emotionally sensitive for a few hours or days
Fatigue or mental fog after deep sessions
Tears or emotional release during or after therapy
These are all signs that your brain is working through old emotional patterns—it’s part of the healing process.
Rare but possible risks (“dangers of EMDR therapy”):
Re-triggering intense distressing symptoms if the therapy is rushed or done without proper preparation
Dissociation or detachment in people with severe PTSD or complex mental health conditions
Overwhelm or panic if safety techniques aren’t in place
That’s why it’s crucial to work with an experienced, licensed EMDR therapist who follows the full 8-phase protocol and adjusts the pace based on your readiness.
Who Should Avoid EMDR or Proceed With Caution?
While EMDR therapy helps many people, there are cases where it may not be the best option—or should only be done under close supervision.
You should proceed with caution if:
You have untreated dissociative disorders (e.g., DID)
You struggle with severe mental health issues, such as psychosis or schizophrenia
You’re in the middle of a crisis situation, like active domestic violence or extreme instability
You have significant medical issues that could be triggered by emotional stress
In these cases, this approach might still be possible, but your therapist will likely recommend stabilizing first with other support strategies.
Final Thought
If you're curious about EMDR therapy and wondering if it’s right for you, the best first step is to speak with a qualified EMDR provider. They can assess your needs, explain the process, and help you decide if this path is a good match for your healing journey.
EMDR Therapy Cost & Accessibility
One of the most common questions people ask is, “How much does EMDR therapy cost, and is it covered by insurance?” The good news is that EMDR therapy is becoming more accessible than ever—both in person and online. Here’s what you need to know.
How Much Does EMDR Therapy Cost?
The cost of EMDR therapy depends on where you live, your therapist’s credentials, and whether you're attending in-person or virtual sessions.
Average Rates by City:
City | Typical Session Cost |
|---|---|
New York City | $150 – $250 per session |
Los Angeles | $140 – $225 per session |
Chicago | $120 – $200 per session |
Austin | $100 – $175 per session |
Denver | $110 – $180 per session |
Miami | $120 – $200 per session |
Portland/Seattle | $120 – $190 per session |
In-Person vs. Virtual EMDR Costs:
In-person sessions may cost slightly more due to office overhead.
Virtual EMDR therapy often falls within the same price range, but some providers offer reduced rates for telehealth services.
Some therapists offer sliding scale pricing based on income, so don’t hesitate to ask during your consultation.
Is EMDR Therapy Covered by Insurance?
In many cases, yes—EMDR therapy can be covered by insurance, but it depends on your specific plan and provider.
Private Insurance
Most major insurance companies cover EMDR under their mental health benefits.
EMDR must usually be delivered by a licensed therapist (e.g., LCSW, LMFT, LPC) who is in-network.
Medicare & Medicaid
Coverage varies by state and therapist.
You’ll need to confirm that the provider accepts these programs and that EMDR is included under your plan.
Tips for Navigating Insurance:
Call your insurance provider and ask:
“Is EMDR therapy covered under my mental health benefits?”Request a list of in-network providers who offer EMDR.
Ask your therapist for a superbill if they’re out-of-network—you may be able to get reimbursed.
Can You Do EMDR Therapy Online?
Absolutely. Virtual EMDR therapy has become increasingly popular and effective, especially since the rise of telehealth during the pandemic.
Effectiveness of Online EMDR:
Studies show that virtual sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions when done correctly.
Therapists use secure video platforms and guide clients through BLS using tools like screen tracking, audio tones, or self-tapping techniques.
Pros of Virtual Sessions:
More flexible scheduling
Access to specialized therapists outside your city
Greater comfort doing therapy from home
Cons to Consider:
Requires a quiet, private space
Some people feel less connected through a screen
Tech issues can occasionally disrupt sessions
Best Practices for Online Treatment:
Use a therapist who is specifically trained in virtual EMDR delivery
Ensure they use HIPAA-compliant platforms
Test your tech setup ahead of time (camera, sound, internet)
Whether you're looking for EMDR therapy in NYC, Chicago, Austin, or want to do EMDR therapy online from anywhere, the options are more accessible than ever.
Bottom Line: EMDR therapy is an investment in your healing—and it’s more available than you might think. Don’t let cost or location stop you from exploring this life-changing treatment.
EMDR Therapy Near You
Finding the right therapist is a crucial step in starting your healing journey. The good news? EMDR therapy is widely available across the U.S., with both in-person and virtual options. Whether you're searching for EMDR therapy near me or in a specific city, there are trusted providers ready to help.
Popular Locations
Here’s a quick guide to major U.S. cities where EMDR therapy is in high demand. Click or search these terms for locally optimized results:
City | Search-Optimized Link Anchor |
|---|---|
New York City | |
Los Angeles | |
Chicago | |
Austin | |
Houston | |
San Diego | |
San Francisco | |
Boston | |
Denver | |
Columbus, Ohio | |
Charlotte, North Carolina | |
Seattle | |
Portland | |
Miami | |
Las Vegas | |
San Antonio |
If you don’t see your city listed, don’t worry—many therapists offer virtual EMDR sessions that can be just as effective as in-person treatment.
How to Find an EMDR Therapist Near You
The best place to start your search is the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) website at emdria.org. Their directory lets you:
Filter by zip code or city
Search by specialty (e.g., trauma, anxiety, grief)
Confirm training and certification status
Questions to Ask When Choosing a Therapist:
Are you certified or trained through EMDRIA?
How long have you been practicing EMDR therapy?
Do you offer virtual or in-person sessions?
What types of trauma or issues do you specialize in?
Take your time and choose someone you feel comfortable with. Healing is personal, and the right therapist can make all the difference.
Whether you're in Seattle, Miami, or anywhere in between, there’s an EMDR therapist out there who’s ready to help you begin your journey toward emotional freedom.
EMDR Therapy Training & Practitioner Insights
If you're a mental health professional—or thinking about becoming one—you might be wondering what it takes to practice EMDR therapy. The good news is that there’s a clear path to certification, and many therapists find it to be one of the most rewarding tools in their practice.
What Is EMDR Therapy Training Like?
To become an EMDR therapist, you need to complete specialized training approved by EMDRIA (the EMDR International Association). The training is thorough, hands-on, and designed to help professionals learn how to safely and effectively deliver EMDR therapy.
Certification Paths:
Basic Training: The first step, which includes a minimum of 50 hours:
20 hours of instructional content
20 hours of supervised practice
10 hours of consultation with an approved EMDR consultant
After completing basic training, clinicians can begin using EMDR with clients.
To become an EMDRIA-Certified Therapist, you’ll need:
A minimum of 2 years of clinical experience
At least 50 EMDR sessions with 25 clients
20 additional consultation hours with an EMDR Consultant
Continuing education to stay current
Cost & Duration:
Basic training typically costs $1,200 to $2,000 depending on the provider.
Most programs are offered over several weekends or as an intensive 5–7 day course.
Online training options are available and becoming more common.
Who Can Practice EMDR Therapy?
Only licensed mental health professionals—or those working toward licensure—can legally offer EMDR therapy.
You may qualify if you are:
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
A Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
A Psychologist (PhD or PsyD)
A Psychiatrist or Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
If you're still in grad school or a post-graduate internship, you can often begin training as long as you're under clinical supervision.
Important Note:
Practicing EMDR without proper training or credentials is not ethical or safe, especially given the intensity of trauma work. Clients should always check that their therapist is EMDRIA-trained and certified or working under an EMDR consultant.
Whether you’re looking to expand your therapy toolbox or specialize in evidence based practices, EMDR training is a valuable, research-backed path that can truly transform lives—including your own as a provider.
Art Therapy vs EMDR: What’s the Difference?
If you're exploring best treatments, you’ve likely come across both art therapy and EMDR therapy. While each can be powerful in its own way, they are based on different methods and philosophies. Understanding how they work—and when one may be more helpful than the other—can guide you toward the right choice for your healing journey.
Key Differences in Approach
Art Therapy
Art therapy uses creative expression—like drawing, painting, or sculpting—as a way to process emotions and explore thoughts that may be hard to put into words. It focuses on non-verbal communication, making it especially helpful for people who struggle to express disturbing thoughts or memories verbally.
Rooted in expressive arts and psychology
Helps clients explore inner thoughts through visual storytelling
Can uncover unconscious memories or feelings
Often used with children, teens, and individuals with developmental differences
EMDR Therapy
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured, science-based therapy that targets specific trauma memories. It helps the brain “unstick” these memories using bilateral stimulation like eye movements or tapping, leading to emotional healing.
Rooted in neuroscience and trauma research
Follows an 8-phase treatment model
Designed to reduce the emotional charge of past trauma
Often used for PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and grief
When One May Be More Appropriate Than the Other
Situation | Recommended Therapy |
|---|---|
Struggling to express trauma memories verbally | Art Therapy |
Seeking evidence-based treatment for PTSD | EMDR |
Working through complex emotional themes | Art Therapy |
Targeting specific traumatic memories | EMDR |
Prefer creative, open-ended self-expression | Art Therapy |
Wanting faster, structured trauma resolution | EMDR |
In some cases, therapists may even combine the two approaches. For example, art therapy might be used to support emotional safety before beginning EMDR, or as a grounding exercise during processing.
Art Therapy vs EMDR: Which One Is Right for You?
It really depends on your needs, comfort level, and therapeutic goals. If you feel overwhelmed talking about your experiences, art therapy can help ease you into the process. If you're ready to face a specific painful memory and want a faster, more structured approach, EMDR might be the better fit.
Both therapies aim to help you heal—but they take different roads to get there.
Search Tip: If you’re still comparing options, try searching “art therapy vs EMDR” in your area or ask potential therapists about how they use these methods in their practice. Finding the right match can make all the difference.
FAQs About EMDR Therapy
What is EMDR therapy and how does it work?
EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a therapy that helps your brain process and heal from traumatic or upsetting memories. While recalling a distressing event, you follow side-to-side movements (like eye movements or tapping), which helps your brain reprocess the memory so it no longer feels overwhelming.
How long does EMDR therapy take?
Most people start to notice results within 6 to 12 sessions, though some need fewer or more depending on their past history and goals. Each session usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
Is EMDR therapy hypnosis?
No, this treatment is not hypnosis. You stay fully awake and in control during the entire session. Unlike hypnosis, it does not put you in a trance—it simply helps your brain process memories in a healthier way.
What does EMDR therapy do?
It helps reduce the emotional intensity of painful memories. It allows the brain to “unstick” those memories and store them more like regular ones, so they stop triggering anxiety, panic, or emotional distress.
Can you do EMDR therapy virtually?
Yes, virtual sessions are available and can be just as effective as in-person sessions. Therapists use secure video calls and guide you through bilateral stimulation using self-tapping, visual cues, or audio tones.
Is EMDR therapy a somatic therapy?
While it is not a somatic therapy in the traditional sense, it does include body awareness and can be used in combination with somatic practices. During treatment, you’ll notice how your body reacts to memories, and your therapist may guide you to process physical sensations as part of the healing.
Does insurance cover EMDR therapy?
Often, yes. Many insurance plans, including private providers and some Medicaid/Medicare programs, cover EMDR under mental health benefits. Just be sure to check with your provider and confirm your therapist’s coverage status.
What happens in EMDR therapy?
A typical session includes:
Focusing on a troubling memory
Engaging in guided eye movements or tapping
Letting thoughts, emotions, or body sensations arise and shift
Repeating until the memory feels less distressing
You’ll also work on replacing negative beliefs with positive ones as part of the healing process.
Is EMDR therapy effective?
Yes. It is backed by research and endorsed by the APA, WHO, and VA. It’s especially effective for PTSD, anxiety, and unresolved psychological challenges related to past experiences.
How much does EMDR therapy cost?
Prices vary by location and provider. On average, it costs between $100 and $200 per session, with some therapists offering sliding-scale fees or accepting insurance. Virtual sessions often fall within the same range.
Still have questions? It’s always a good idea to reach out to a qualified EMDR therapist to learn how this therapy might help your unique situation.
Conclusion
EMDR therapy has become one of the most trusted and effective tools in modern trauma treatment. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, anxiety, grief, or painful memories, it offers a structured, research-backed way to help your brain heal and your life move forward.
What sets this approach apart is its ability to reach the root of emotional pain—without requiring you to relive your memories over and over. Backed by organizations like the American Psychological Association (APA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s a safe, well-studied method that has helped millions of people find peace after pain.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to turn, remember: healing is possible—and EMDR therapy could be the path that gets you there.
If you’re ready to explore EMDR therapy, reach out today to find a qualified provider in your area or online.