EMDR Therapy: What the Research Says About Healing Through Reprocessing

angelica esposito
Jun 16
3 min read

At AE Therapy, I often meet people who feel stuck—haunted by the past, anxious in the present, and unsure how to move forward. Some have tried talk therapy. Others don’t have the words for what they’ve experienced. For many of them, EMDR offers a new path to healing.

But what exactly is EMDR? And why has it gained so much attention in recent years from both therapists and researchers?

What Is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a structured therapy that helps people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences by targeting the unprocessed memories that keep them feeling overwhelmed or unsafe.

Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn’t rely on lengthy retelling of the event. Instead, it works by helping the brain “reprocess” disturbing memories using bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sound. Through this process, emotional charge is reduced, and new, more empowering beliefs can emerge.

A Brief History

Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR was initially used with Vietnam veterans and survivors of sexual assault. What began as a novel approach soon gained clinical credibility. Over the decades, EMDR has evolved into a comprehensive 8-phase model used by therapists worldwide to treat not only PTSD, but also anxiety, depression, and more.

What Does the Research Say?

EMDR is one of the most extensively researched methods for trauma therapy. It is recommended by leading mental health organizations including:

World Health Organization (WHO)
American Psychological Association (APA)
Canadian Psychological Association (CPA)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Here are some key findings:

Faster results: Research shows EMDR often produces quicker symptom relief than traditional trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT). A 2014 meta-analysis found that EMDR was not only effective but more efficient for many clients, often requiring fewer sessions.
Neurological impact: Brain scans reveal that EMDR can help reduce overactivity in the amygdala (the brain’s fear center) and promote integration of traumatic memories in the prefrontal cortex—leading to emotional relief and a clearer sense of self.
Versatile application: While most studied for PTSD, EMDR is increasingly used for:
- Childhood abuse and neglect
- Phobias
- Complicated grief
- Anxiety and panic
- Chronic pain and illness-related distress

Studies continue to explore its benefits for OCD, attachment trauma, and even performance anxiety.

Why People Choose EMDR

Many people come to EMDR when they feel that talking alone isn’t enough. Some have difficulty recalling what happened but still feel the emotional weight. Others may know what happened but can’t seem to “move past it.”

EMDR offers an alternative—less verbal, more body-mind integrated, and deeply transformative.

In my practice, I’ve seen clients shift from overwhelm to empowerment—from feeling hijacked by intrusive memories to regaining clarity, safety, and calm.

Is EMDR Right for You?

Every person’s journey is unique. EMDR isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, but it can be a powerful tool—especially when integrated with trauma-informed, compassionate care.

If you’re struggling with trauma, anxiety, or emotional reactivity that just won’t go away, EMDR might be a gentle and effective path toward healing. I invite you to reach out if you want to learn more or explore whether this approach is right for you.