EMDR: what is it and how can it help after a distressing experience?

Some memories remain stuck. An accident, a robbery or another traumatic event can still cause anxiety months or years later. EMDR is a treatment that helps make such memories less intense, so you can think about them more calmly.

What does EMDR stand for?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The method was developed in the late 1980s by the American psychologist Francine Shapiro. During the treatment, you recall a distressing memory while simultaneously performing a distracting task, such as following the therapist’s fingers with your eyes or listening to clicks through a headset.

Who is EMDR suitable for?

EMDR is mainly used for complaints that have arisen after a shocking event. Examples include:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
fear or panic after an accident or incident
reexperiences, nightmares or panic reactions
painful memories that affect daily life

EMDR is also used for some anxiety disorders and a negative self-image that is related to previous experiences.

How does a treatment work?

In the first session, you discuss with the therapist which memories cause the complaints. Then, you work on one memory per session. You briefly recall the image while moving your eyes or listening to sound. After each short series, the therapist asks what comes to mind. Many people notice that the memory becomes less vivid and less loaded after a few sessions. The number of sessions varies from person to person; sometimes a few sessions are enough, sometimes more is needed.

Supported and recognized

EMDR has been extensively studied and is mentioned in Dutch guidelines as a treatment for PTSD. The World Health Organization (WHO) also lists EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma-related complaints.

What should you look for when choosing a therapist?

Choose a therapist who is specifically trained in EMDR, for example through the EMDR Netherlands Association. Also ask if the treatment is covered by insurance: this depends on your symptoms, your insurance, and whether the therapist has a contract with your health insurer.

Curious about whether EMDR is right for you? See therapists who offer EMDR.