How effective is EMDR?

21 November, 2023

When a person’s mental health problems have their roots in a distressing life event, EMDR can be very effective very quickly. Studies have shown that EMDR can significantly decrease PTSD symptoms in just two or three sessions, and that the effect is long lasting (e.g. Ironson, Freund, Strauss, & Williams, 2002 [link removed – page no longer live]; Scheck, Schaeffer, & Gillette, 1998 [link removed – page no longer live]). People who have experienced several traumatic events, neglect or poor treatment as children usually need more sessions than this.

See the research section to read more about the scientific evidence for EMDR therapy. EMDR is endorsed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).