Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can help you process upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the trauma. By processing these experiences, you can get relief from PTSD symptoms.

What type of treatment is this?

EMDR is a psychotherapy for PTSD. EMDR can help you process upsetting memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the trauma. By processing these experiences, you can get relief from PTSD symptoms.

How does it work?

After trauma, people with PTSD often have trouble making sense of what happened to them. EMDR helps you process the trauma, which can allow you to start to heal. In EMDR, you will pay attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound while you call to mind the upsetting memory until shifts occur in the way that you experience that memory and more information from the past is processed.

Although EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD, there is disagreement about how it works. Some research shows that the back and forth movement is an important part of treatment, but other research shows the opposite.

What can I expect?

During the first stage, you will learn about physical and emotional reactions to trauma. You and your provider will discuss how ready you are to focus on your trauma memories in therapy. To prepare, you will learn some new coping skills.

Next, you will identify the "target", or the upsetting memory you want to focus on--including any negative thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations related to the memory. You will hold the memory in your mind while also paying attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound (like your provider's moving finger, a flashing light, or a tone that beeps in one ear at a time) until your distress goes down. This will last for about 30 seconds at a time, and then you will talk about what the exercise was like for you.

Eventually, you will focus on a positive belief and feeling while you hold the memory in your mind. Towards the end of treatment, your provider will re-assess your symptoms to see if you need to process other targets.

Is it effective?

Yes, trauma-focused psychotherapy (including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most effective types of treatment for PTSD.

What are the risks?

You may feel uncomfortable when focusing on trauma-related memories or beliefs. These feelings are usually brief and people tend to feel better as they keep doing EMDR. Most people who complete EMDR find that the benefits outweigh any initial discomfort.

Group or individual?

EMDR is an individual therapy. You will meet one-to-one with your provider for each session.

Will I talk in detail about my trauma?

No, in most cases you will not be asked to talk about the details of your trauma out loud. But you will be asked to think about your trauma in session.

Will I have homework?

No, EMDR does not require you to complete homework or practice assignments between sessions.

How long does treatment last?

EMDR usually involves 1-3 months of weekly 50-90 minute sessions. Many people start to notice improvement after a few sessions. And the benefits of EMDR can last long after your final session with your provider.

How available is this in the VA?

Low. This treatment is not common in VA. It is more widely available outside VA.

Does the VA have an app for that?

No, currently the VA has not developed an app for EMDR.

Choosing the best treatment for you

Trying to figure out which PTSD treatment is best for you? For more videos about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and other treatments that work, get started with the National Center for PTSD's PTSD Treatment Decision Aid.