PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD

Available en Español

What type of treatment is this?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an individual therapy for PTSD in which you will focus on processing your memory of the trauma.

How does it work?

Trauma memories can be stored differently from other memories, making them hard to process or make sense of, but easy to be triggered by cues in your daily life. Trauma can also leave people with negative thoughts about themselves. 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 and any thoughts or physical feelings that come with it. The back-and-forth movement helps you to stay in the present while allowing the brain to process information from the past and bring in new ways of feeling about the event. This will help you see the trauma as a negative memory that is no longer so distressing. You also will start to identify more positive beliefs that can help you to feel better.

Video

How does EMDR work?

Hear providers explain how EMDR may help you process your trauma.

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 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. Toward the end of treatment, your provider will reassess your symptoms to see if you need to process other targets.

Video

What Can I Expect?

Learn what you'll be doing in EMDR sessions.

Is it effective?

Yes, EMDR is one of the most effective types of treatment for PTSD.

Video

Is It Effective?

Hear providers describe how EMDR helps patients.

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 1-to-1 with your provider for each session.

Will I talk about my trauma?

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

Video

Will I need to talk about my trauma?

Hear more about the focus of your therapy sessions.

Will I have homework?

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

How long does treatment last?

About 3 months of weekly 50- to 90-minute sessions. But 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 VA?

Somewhat. EMDR is offered in many VA medical center specialized PTSD programs. It is more widely available outside VA.

Does VA have an app for that?

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

How do you choose the best treatment?

Are you trying to figure out which PTSD treatment is best for you? The PTSD Treatment Decision Aid is an online tool with more videos and information about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and other treatments that work. You can use the decision aid to compare treatment options and make a summary of your treatment goals and preferences to share with your provider. Together, you can work to choose the treatment option that is best for you.