Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has gained attention over the years, particularly for its effectiveness in treating trauma. EMDR can also be beneficial for patients dealing with trauma related to various medical procedures. However, despite its growing popularity and the substantial research backing its efficacy, numerous myths and misconceptions persist about EMDR therapy. These misunderstandings can prevent people from considering it as a viable treatment option. As a psychologist, I’d like to clear up some of these myths and provide a clearer understanding of what EMDR is, how it works, and why it might be worth considering if you’re dealing with a range of psychological challenges.
Table of Contents
Myth 1: EMDR Therapy Is a “New Age” Therapy with No Scientific Basis
One of the most common misconceptions about EMDR is that it’s new and lacking scientific credibility. This couldn’t be further from the truth. EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has since been extensively studied. Over 30 years of research have shown that EMDR therapy is an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as range of other mental health conditions. Organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Australian Psychological Society (APS) all recognise EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma. EMDR therapy is often compared to other evidence-based treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is also widely used for addressing trauma-related issues.
The basis of EMDR is rooted in psychological principles, particularly in how the brain processes traumatic memories. During a traumatic event, the brain can become overwhelmed, leading to the improper storage of memories. These memories can remain unprocessed and continue to cause distress. EMDR helps the brain reprocess these memories so that they are no longer as emotionally charged, allowing individuals to move forward with their lives.
Myth 2: EMDR therapy Is Just About Eye Movements
When people first hear about EMDR, they often focus on the eye movement component (eye movement desensitisation), thinking that that is the central or only aspect of the therapy. While eye movements are a distinctive feature of EMDR, they are not the therapy’s sole focus. The eye movements, or other forms of bilateral stimulation (like taps or tones), are just one part of a comprehensive therapeutic process.
EMDR is actually an eight-phase approach, which includes a clinical assessment, preparation and mapping of the memories, safety and stabilisation, resource-building, desensitisation, and integration of more adaptive beliefs. The eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation) are primarily used during the latter desensitisation and integration phases, however earlier phases are integral to helping these processing phases to proceed successfully. So, while the eye movements are certainly unique and important, they’re only one element of a much broader and carefully structured therapeutic process. It is the entire 8-phase process which is considered to be EMDR treatment.
Myth 3: EMDR Therapy Erases Your Memories
Another myth is that EMDR somehow erases or deletes traumatic memories and distressing memories. This is not the case. EMDR doesn’t remove memories as such but rather changes the way those memories are experienced.
After trauma, it’s common for memories to be stored in a fragmented or unprocessed way. This can lead to flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and intense emotional reactions. EMDR works by helping the brain reprocess these memories, so they are stored in a more adaptive way. The memories don’t go away, but they become less distressing. You’ll still remember the event, but it won’t carry the same emotional weight it once did. The aim of EMDR is to help you recall the memory in a way that’s less intrusive and more manageable, allowing you to integrate it into your life narrative without it continuing to cause significant distress.
Myth 4: EMDR Therapy Is Only for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
While EMDR is most commonly associated with the treatment of PTSD, and this was primarily where it originated, it’s not limited to this condition. EMDR can also be beneficial for patients dealing with trauma related to various medical procedures. Research has shown that EMDR can be effective for a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, phobias, chronic pain, eating disorders and others. EMDR is also effective for a range of anxiety disorders. The flexibility of EMDR makes it applicable to various psychological problems where unprocessed memories or emotions are at play.
For example, EMDR has been used to help individuals with phobias or depression by addressing past experiences that contribute to their current symptoms. The therapy can also be helpful for those with eating disorders or addictions, where past experiences contribute to these conditions, or even reducing the intensity of urges to use or binge/purge. By reprocessing these memories, individuals can reduce the power that these memories or urges hold over them.
Myth 5: EMDR Therapy Is a Quick Fix
There’s a myth that EMDR is a one-session miracle cure, and while it’s true that some people experience significant relief after just a few sessions, EMDR is not magic. Like any therapy, it requires time, commitment, and a strong therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist. The duration of EMDR therapy depends on various factors, including the complexity of the trauma/memories being processed, the individual’s readiness for therapy, ability to cope with strong emotions, and any co-occurring conditions that might need to be addressed.
EMDR therapists play a crucial role in providing effective treatment, leveraging their specialized training and experience to facilitate quicker healing and alleviate symptoms related to PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
In some cases, clients might see progress relatively quickly, especially if they’re working through a single, isolated traumatic event. However, for those with complex trauma or multiple traumas, EMDR can take longer. It’s important to approach EMDR with realistic expectations and to be prepared to engage in the process fully.
Myth 6: EMDR Therapy Will Be Too Intense and Overwhelming
There is a common fear that EMDR might be too intense or overwhelming, especially for those dealing with severe traumatic events. While EMDR can mean focusing on emotionally difficult memories, the therapy is designed to be safe and manageable. A key component of EMDR is the preparation phase, where the therapist works with the client to develop coping strategies and a sense of safety before delving into the trauma. This might include relaxation techniques, grounding exercises, or creating a “safe place” in the client’s mind that they can return to if the session becomes too overwhelming. Commitment therapy can also be integrated with EMDR to enhance outcomes.
Additionally, EMDR is a collaborative process. The client has control over the pace and the intensity of the therapy. There are actually a number of ways that your psychologist can contain or decrease the emotionality of the processing. This makes it more tolerable, as the client will feel safe and supportive, but can also actually improve the success of the processing because clients do not become so emotionally dysregulated and remain in their “window of tolerance” (see blog on this).
Myth 7: EMDR Therapy Is Hypnosis
Some people mistakenly believe that EMDR is a form of hypnosis. This myth likely arises from the fact that both EMDR and hypnosis involve focusing on internal experiences, but the two therapies are fundamentally different. Hypnosis typically involves a trance-like state where the individual is more open to suggestion. In contrast, EMDR is an active, fully conscious process where the client maintains control throughout the session.
During EMDR, the client is fully aware of their surroundings and can stop the process at any time. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR (such as eye movements) is meant to help the brain process information, not to induce a trance. The goal is to facilitate the brain’s natural healing process, allowing the individual to work through their trauma in a conscious, controlled manner.
Myth 8: EMDR Therapy Is Only for People with Severe Mental Health Conditions
While EMDR is often associated with treating severe trauma, it’s also effective for those who have experienced less severe but still impactful events. EMDR can also be effective for mood disorders. Trauma is not limited to life-threatening events; it can also include experiences like bullying, relationship break-ups, misattunement in early life, etc. For people who experience complex trauma or who have developed maladaptive beliefs about themselves, other people and their world (schemas), these traumas can accumulate over time and significantly contribute to mental health challenges. EMDR can be beneficial for addressing these types of experiences as well, and your psychologist will be able to create a treatment plan to focus on this type of trauma.
Myth 9: EMDR Therapy Doesn’t Work for Everyone
It’s true that no single therapy works for everyone, and EMDR is no exception. However, dismissing EMDR as ineffective based on the experience of a few people is a myth that doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. The vast body of research supporting EMDR’s efficacy demonstrates that it can be highly effective for a significant number of people, especially those dealing with trauma-related issues.
In addition to EMDR, various psychological services are available, offering specialized therapies to meet diverse mental health needs. These services are accessible and often allow for self-referral, ensuring high standards in psychological care.
That said, like any therapy, EMDR requires a good fit between the client and psychologist, as well as a willingness on the part of the client to engage in the process. It’s important to remember that therapy is a highly individual experience, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another. If EMDR doesn’t seem to be working, it might be due to various factors such as the timing, the specific approach taken by the psychologist, or other underlying issues that need to be addressed first. In such cases, it’s crucial to have an open conversation with your psychologist to explore alternative treatments/strategies.
Myth 10: EMDR Therapy is Only for Complete or Visual Memories
A common concern among those considering EMDR is the belief that they need to vividly recall every detail of the traumatic memory, or that they must have a clear visual memory, for the therapy to be effective. This is not the case. EMDR doesn’t require you to have a perfect recollection of the event, nor does it rely solely on visual memories.
Trauma can affect memory in various ways, sometimes leaving individuals with fragmented, blurry, or even completely blocked memories of the event. EMDR is designed to work with whatever memory fragments you have, even if they’re incomplete or primarily emotional rather than visual. During EMDR sessions, the psychologist helps you focus on the aspects of the memory that are accessible, whether it’s a sensation, an emotion, or a specific detail. The bilateral stimulation used in EMDR aids in processing these pieces, gradually helping to integrate them into a more coherent and less distressing form.
Myth 11: You Cannot Integrate EMDR Therapy with Other Treatments
Another myth that often circulates is that EMDR must be used in isolation and cannot be integrated with other therapeutic approaches. In reality, the opposite is usually true. EMDR is highly versatile and can be effectively combined – and frequently IS combined – with other treatments to provide a comprehensive approach to mental health care.
Many therapists incorporate EMDR into a broader treatment plan that might include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, Schema Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and so on. For example, a client might use Schema therapy or IFS techniques to help develop an understanding of themselves whilst simultaneously working through traumatic memories with EMDR. This integrative approach allows clients to benefit from the strengths of multiple therapies, addressing different aspects of their mental health in a holistic way.
Many private practice settings offer integrative approaches including EMDR.
Additionally, EMDR can complement treatments for physical conditions, such as chronic pain or somatic disorders, where psychological factors play a significant role. By addressing the emotional and psychological components of these conditions, EMDR can enhance the effectiveness of other medical or therapeutic interventions.
EMDR is a well-researched, evidence-based therapy that can be incredibly effective for treating trauma and a range of other psychological conditions. Myths and misconceptions about the therapy can prevent or delay people from considering it as an option. Hopefully this article allows you to see these issues don’t need to be a barrier more individuals access the benefits of EMDR.
Dr. Sarah Valentine
Sarah is a Clinical Psychologist and co-director of Cova Psychology. She has worked in a range of settings in both the public and private sectors of mental health system in Melbourne over the past 20 years. Sarah is passionate about helping her clients heal trauma, is an experienced EMDR therapist and also incorporates Schema Therapy and Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) into her work. She is a board approved supervisor and mentor and enjoys supporting psychologists at all stages of their career.
