Baseer Maroof, LCSW · Raleigh, NC · Adults 21+
EMDR
A structured way of processing the trauma memory. Here’s what to expect and what the evidence says.
In short
- In EMDR you hold the trauma memory in mind while paying attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound.
- It usually takes about 3 months of weekly 50–90 minute sessions, with no homework.
- VA/DoD 2023 strongly recommends it; APA 2025 lists it as second line.
- Whether the eye movements themselves add anything is still debated.
The basicsWhat helpsHow it worksEvidenceCheck with a doctor
Compared
EMDR next to the others
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Guidelines
How the guidelines rate it
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Good to know
What it’s like
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is an individual therapy focused on processing the memory of the trauma. Many people notice improvement after a few sessions. (National Center for PTSD)
The eye movement question
APA’s guideline notes one meta-analysis that found EMDR worked better with eye movements than without, and a later one, including five PTSD studies, that didn’t replicate it. (APA 2025)
No homework
EMDR doesn’t require practice between sessions, which suits some people better than CPT or PE. (National Center for PTSD)
Sources
All sources, linked3 references⌄
- National Center for PTSD. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD. www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/emdr.asp
- Schnurr PP et al. (2024). The Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder: synopsis of the 2023 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine (2024). doi:10.7326/M23-2757. www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/MH/ptsd/PTSD-in-Annals-2024.pdf
- American Psychological Association (2025). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults. www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline
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