EMDR has good evidence for PTSD in adults: UK guidance recommends it and WHO says it should be considered. Many studies were small. Other uses, such as grief or stress, are not well studied.
What a session is
EMDR (eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) is a structured talking therapy for distressing memories. While you briefly bring a memory to mind, the therapist guides side-to-side eye movements, or uses taps or tones.
What the research says
- Trauma and PTSD: UK guidance recommends EMDR for adults with PTSD after trauma not linked to military combat, and WHO says it should be considered. The NHS lists it as a treatment for PTSD. In studies, EMDR eased long-lasting PTSD symptoms in adults. But many studies were small, Cochrane rated the quality of the evidence as very low, and more people stopped early than on a waiting list. Good evidence it helps · NICE, 2018 · WHO, 2013 · NHS, 2026 · Cochrane, 2013
- Soon after a frightening event: Research on therapies started soon after a trauma, including EMDR, is of low or very low certainty. It has not clearly shown that they reduce PTSD symptoms. UK guidance considers EMDR after the first month. Limited evidence · Cochrane, 2019 · NICE, 2018
- Low mood, worry, stress, grief, menopause and pain: NHS pages describe EMDR as a therapy for traumatic memories and list it as a treatment for PTSD. We found no good studies of it for these needs. UK guidance names EMDR only for PTSD. No good evidence yet · NHS, 2025 · NHS, 2026 · NICE, 2018
This page is about adults. For children and teenagers with PTSD, the best research evidence is for CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). Cochrane, 2012
More on this method: EMDR: what the research says
Is it safe?
Going back over painful memories can make you feel worse for a while, so tell your therapist if it does. Like any talking therapy, EMDR can have unwanted effects. UK guidance says EMDR should come from trained practitioners with ongoing supervision. NICE, 2018 · IQWiG, 2023
Sessions on Sissoo complement medical care and never replace it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.
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Checked 25 October 2026. Next check by April 2027. How we rate the evidence.
Frequently asked questions
Does EMDR therapy actually work?
For adults with PTSD, there is good evidence EMDR helps, though many of the studies were small. UK guidance names it for adults with PTSD, and WHO says it should be considered. Other uses, such as grief or stress, are not well studied.
What does the research say about EMDR for trauma and PTSD?
There is good evidence EMDR helps adults with long-lasting PTSD, but Cochrane rated the quality of the evidence as very low. Many studies were small, and more people stopped early than on a waiting list. Soon after a frightening event there is only limited evidence, and UK guidance considers EMDR after the first month.
Can EMDR therapy help with depression or low mood?
There is no good evidence yet: we found no good studies of EMDR for low mood, worry, stress or grief. UK guidance names EMDR only for PTSD. If you feel very low or think about ending your life, call your local emergency number now.
What happens in an EMDR session?
You briefly bring a distressing memory to mind while the therapist guides side-to-side eye movements, or uses taps or tones. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured talking therapy for distressing memories.
Is EMDR safe?
Going back over painful memories can make you feel worse for a while, so tell your therapist if it does. UK guidance says EMDR should come from trained practitioners with ongoing supervision. Please don’t stop or change any treatment without talking to your doctor.
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