Trauma treatmentRecognised by the WHO

EMDR

A distressing memory does not have to keep running your life. EMDR takes the emotional charge out of it, so you can think back to it without being swept away.

What is EMDR?

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a form of therapy that reduces the emotional force of traumatic memories. You do not forget the experience, but the memory loses its overwhelming charge.

During a session you call up the distressing memory while at the same time following a distracting stimulus: a moving hand, a light bar or alternating taps on your hands. Because your brain has to process those two things at once, your working memory becomes temporarily overloaded. That allows the memory to be stored again, but now with less emotional charge. It may sound simple, but the scientific basis is impressive.

Scientific basis: EMDR is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO), the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Dutch Trimbos Institute as a first-choice treatment for PTSD. With a single trauma a clear majority of people improve noticeably, often within a few sessions; with more complex trauma the treatment takes longer and more sessions are needed.

Who is EMDR for?

EMDR is used most for trauma and PTSD, but its application is broader. It helps in any situation where an overwhelming experience still affects you:

Trauma and PTSDAnxiety disordersPhobiasPanic attacksGrief and lossDepression with a traumatic basisNegative self-image after distressing experiencesAnxiety after accidents or medical procedures

Important: EMDR is not suitable for everyone or in every situation. A provider always assesses first whether EMDR is the right approach for you. With complex trauma or unstable situations, stabilisation comes first, before the trauma processing begins. As a rule EMDR is not a first choice during active psychosis, severe dissociative disorders or an unstable living situation. In those cases that situation is addressed first.

What can you expect?

✓Results relatively quickly

With a single trauma, people often notice after 2 to 7 sessions that the memory feels less heavy and that they are triggered less easily.

✓Not a talking therapy

You do not have to discuss the traumatic experience at length. EMDR works through the brain, not through language. That can take away a barrier.

✓Online or in person

EMDR can also be delivered effectively online, through video calling with a dedicated EMDR programme. You choose what suits you best.

✓A safe setting

The provider sets the pace together with you. You never have to do more than you can handle.

Related complaints

PTSD Trauma Anxiety disorder Phobia Panic attack

Related treatments

Imaginal exposure Exposure in vivo CBT ACT

Frequently asked questions

How many EMDR sessions will I need?

With a single trauma, people often notice after 2 to 7 sessions that the memory feels less heavy and that they are triggered less easily. With more complex trauma the treatment takes longer and more sessions are needed. Sometimes stabilisation comes first, before the trauma processing begins. How many sessions you need is something you discuss with your provider during the intake.

Is EMDR also possible online?

Yes. EMDR can also be delivered effectively online, through video calling with a dedicated EMDR programme. You choose what suits you best: in person or online. On PsyIntake you can filter for providers who offer online sessions.

Which complaints besides trauma does EMDR work for?

EMDR is used most for trauma and PTSD, but its application is broader. It helps with anxiety disorders, phobias, panic attacks, grief and loss, depression with a traumatic basis, a negative self-image caused by distressing experiences, and anxiety after accidents or medical procedures. It concerns any situation in which an overwhelming experience still affects you.

Is EMDR suitable for everyone?

No, EMDR is not suitable for everyone or in every situation. A provider always assesses first whether EMDR is the right approach for you. As a rule EMDR is not a first choice during active psychosis, severe dissociative disorders or an unstable living situation. In those cases that situation is addressed first, before trauma processing can begin.

Take the first step

You do not have to keep carrying it.

Book an intake with an EMDR-certified provider. Together you will look at whether EMDR is the right approach for your situation.

Book an intake Other treatments

EMDR may be reimbursed from Dutch basic health insurance with a referral from your GP.

Sources: WHO Mental Health Guidelines 2013 · Shapiro (2017), EMDR Therapy for PTSD · Van der Kolk et al. (2007), Journal of Clinical Psychiatry · Trimbos Institute PTSD guideline