EMDR Therapy Online
The Evidence behind EMDR
The research. The evidence. The answers.
Evidence at a glance
35+
Years of research
30+
Randomised controlled trials
5
Major international clinical guideline bodies recommend or recognise EMDR for PTSD
90+
Countries represented by EMDR professional associations worldwide
Over 35 years of research
Understanding one of the world's most researched trauma therapies
Trauma can leave memories feeling as though they are still happening in the present. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the world's most extensively researched psychological treatments for trauma. More than three decades of scientific research have established EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),1–9 and researchers continue to investigate how it helps people recover following traumatic experiences.11 Today, EMDR is recommended in major international clinical guidelines and is used by trained psychologists around the world.4–9
This page explores what current research tells us, what remains uncertain, and why EMDR has become one of the leading evidence-based treatments for psychological trauma.
Explore the research
What does the research show?
More than three decades of scientific investigation
Since the first published study in 1989, EMDR has been evaluated in:
Systematic reviews
Meta-analyses
Long-term follow-up studies
Overall, research indicates that EMDR is an effective treatment for PTSD and produces outcomes broadly comparable to other recommended trauma-focused psychotherapies, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT).2–9
Like all psychological treatments, however, no therapy is effective for everyone. Treatment recommendations should always be based on an individual's history, presenting concerns and therapeutic goals.
Bilateral stimulation
Forms of Bilateral Stimulation
Although the name Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing suggests that eye movements are essential, they are simply one form of bilateral stimulation (BLS). During EMDR, bilateral stimulation may be provided through:
Eye movements
Guided side-to-side eye movements — the original and most extensively researched form.
Alternating auditory tones
Gentle tones that alternate between the left and right ears.
Alternating tactile stimulation
Alternating taps or pulses on the left and right side of the body.
These approaches are all used within the standard EMDR protocol. Your psychologist will recommend the method that is most appropriate and comfortable for you.
Researchers continue to investigate exactly how bilateral stimulation contributes to treatment. Eye movements remain the most extensively researched form, while auditory and tactile stimulation are widely used in clinical practice.2, 11
“EMDR can help people process distressing experiences when talking alone hasn’t been enough.”
The brain's networks
Measurable change, mapped in the brain.
Neuroimaging research has linked EMDR with changes in activity within the brain's fear, memory, and emotional regulation networks, offering biological insight into psychological recovery.
What happens in the brain?
What brain imaging studies suggest
Modern brain imaging has allowed researchers to study changes in brain activity following successful trauma treatment. Studies have reported changes in networks involved in emotional processing, attention and memory following EMDR therapy.10, 11 These findings are consistent with the improvements many people experience during successful treatment. However, researchers continue to investigate exactly how these changes occur, and there is currently no single accepted explanation for the neurobiological mechanisms underlying EMDR.10, 11
Before treatment
Traumatic memories may feel vivid, emotionally overwhelming and as though they are happening in the present.
After successful treatment
Many people report that the memory remains, but feels less emotionally distressing and becomes more integrated into their life story.
Landmark research
Key studies that shaped our understanding
Select a year to see the study that shaped it.
1989
The first clinical study
Dr Francine Shapiro published the first controlled study of EMDR, demonstrating significant reductions in distress associated with traumatic memories and establishing the foundation for future research.1
2007
EMDR compared with medication
A randomised clinical trial by van der Kolk and colleagues compared EMDR, fluoxetine and placebo in adults with PTSD.
At six-month follow-up, participants who received EMDR maintained greater improvements than those treated with fluoxetine. Particularly strong outcomes were reported among participants whose PTSD developed following trauma experienced in adulthood.3
2013
Understanding bilateral stimulation
Lee and Cuijpers examined the contribution of eye movements — the original form of bilateral stimulation used in EMDR.
Their meta-analysis concluded that eye movements contributed additional reductions in the vividness and emotional intensity of distressing memories during recall.2
2025
EMDR matches gold-standard therapy
A review of EMDR research since the 2018 NICE guidelines found EMDR was significantly better than waitlist or usual care, with no significant difference between EMDR and trauma-focused CBT — both improved PTSD symptoms.12
One study found EMDR the most cost-effective intervention compared to ten others, with shorter treatment duration and a lower time burden on patients.12
Today
Ongoing research
Research continues to evaluate EMDR across different populations, trauma-related presentations and delivery formats, including secure online therapy.11
International clinical guidelines
Recognised in major guidelines for PTSD
EMDR is recognised within several major international clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of PTSD.
World Health Organization
Recommends EMDR as a psychological treatment for adults with PTSD.7
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Recommends offering EMDR to adults with PTSD, particularly when symptoms persist beyond three months following trauma.4
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies
Includes EMDR among evidence-based psychological treatments for PTSD.9
American Psychological Association
Recognises EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD within its clinical practice guideline.8
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense
Includes EMDR among the recommended trauma-focused psychotherapies for PTSD.5
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the evidence
Does EMDR really work?
Yes. EMDR has been evaluated in numerous randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses and is recognised internationally as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD.2–9
Is EMDR better than trauma-focused CBT?
Current evidence suggests that EMDR and trauma-focused CBT produce broadly comparable outcomes for PTSD. Rather than one treatment being universally superior, psychologists recommend the approach that best suits an individual's needs and preferences.4, 5
Does EMDR only work because of eye movements?
Researchers continue to investigate the role of bilateral stimulation in EMDR. Eye movements are the most extensively researched form of bilateral stimulation and appear to contribute to reducing the vividness and emotional intensity of distressing memories.2 Auditory tones and tactile stimulation are also widely used in clinical practice. Research continues to explore whether different forms of bilateral stimulation produce comparable therapeutic effects.11 Importantly, EMDR's effectiveness has been demonstrated across numerous clinical studies, even though researchers continue to investigate exactly how the therapy works.11
Can EMDR be provided online?
Yes. Emerging research suggests that EMDR delivered via secure videoconferencing can be effective for appropriately selected clients when conducted by a psychologist trained in EMDR. Suitability is assessed on an individual basis.11
Is EMDR only used for PTSD?
No. Although EMDR has its strongest evidence base for PTSD, it is also used clinically for other trauma-related presentations. Research into these applications continues to grow, although the strength of evidence varies depending on the condition being treated.6, 11
How many sessions are usually needed?
There is no fixed number. Treatment length depends on many factors, including the nature of the trauma, whether multiple traumatic experiences have occurred and your individual therapy goals. For many adults with PTSD, treatment commonly involves approximately 8–12 sessions, although additional sessions may be appropriate in more complex presentations.4
Our approach
Evidence-based, and tailored to you
At Barnardt & Fleming Private Practice, EMDR is always provided as part of a comprehensive psychological assessment and treatment plan.
We take time to understand your history, ensure that EMDR is appropriate for your needs, and tailor treatment to your pace and goals. Our aim is not simply to reduce symptoms, but to help you process distressing experiences safely and move forward with greater emotional freedom.
If you would like to discuss whether EMDR may be appropriate for you, we welcome you to contact our practice.
Evidence Base
References
- Shapiro, F. (1989). Efficacy of the Eye Movement Desensitization Procedure in the Treatment of Traumatic Memories. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2(2), 199–223.
- Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231–239.
- van der Kolk, B. A., Spinazzola, J., Blaustein, M. E., Hopper, E. K., Hopper, J. W., Korn, D. L., & Simpson, W. B. (2007). A randomized clinical trial of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), fluoxetine, and placebo in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: Treatment effects and long-term maintenance. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(1), 37–46.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2018). Post-traumatic stress disorder (NG116).
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs & Department of Defense. (2023). VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder (Version 4.0).
- Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols and Procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
- World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress.
- American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Adults.
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. (2018). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Prevention and Treatment Guidelines.
- Pagani, M., Högberg, G., Fernandez, I., & Siracusano, A. (2013). Correlates of EMDR therapy in functional and structural neuroimaging: A critical summary of recent findings. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 7(1), 29–38.
- de Jongh, A., et al. (2024). State of the science: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Journal of Traumatic Stress.
- Simpson, S., et al. (2025). Clinical and cost-effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for treatment and prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. British Journal of Psychology.
Research in psychology continues to evolve. This page is reviewed periodically to reflect current peer-reviewed evidence and internationally recognised clinical practice guidelines.
When you feel ready
Speak to us about EMDR
Please get in touch with either Kirsten Barnardt or Karen Fleming to discuss whether EMDR may be appropriate for you.