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  • Mental Health Issues
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    • Starting Therapy
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  • DefinitionDefinition
  • DangersDangers
  • Side EffectsSide Effects
  • Myths & MisconceptionsMyths & Misconceptions
  • Getting StartedGetting Started
  • Find A TherapistFind A Therapist
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources

Dangers of EMDR Therapy: Side Effects, Myths, & Misconceptions

Headshot of Stephanie Capecchi, LCSW

Written by: Stephanie Capecchi, LCSW

Kristen Fuller, MD

Reviewed by: Kristen Fuller, MD

Published: August 4, 2023
Stephanie Capecchi, LCSW
Written by:

Stephanie Capecchi

LCSW
Headshot of Dr. Kristen Fuller, MD
Reviewed by:

Kristen Fuller

MD

Tackling trauma can be scary, but therapy techniques such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can be highly effective. Myths and misconceptions regarding the dangers of EMDR therapy, as well as potential side effects, may initially deter some from trying this technique, but when provided by a licensed and trained therapist, EMDR is both safe and effective.1

EMDR & Tapping Resources

Self-Guided Online EMDR Program – Expert-developed EMDR program. 9 in 10 people feel less Emotional Distress after just one session. Free Trial – VirtualEMDR


Want to learn EFT Tapping? EFT draws on acupuncture and involves tapping key points on the hands, face, and body with your fingertips. The Tapping Solution App – Free Trial

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by VirtualEMDR and The Tapping Solution.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a mental health therapy technique that encourages the brain to effectively process memories and triggers that affect the way an individual perceives themselves and the world. EMDR can be practiced virtually as well as in-person.2

EMDR has been approved for treating a variety of mental health concerns, most specifically those related to trauma.6 Here are some of the most common applications of EMDR:

  • EMDR for PTSD can help someone reprocess their memories to reduce fight-or-flight responses3
  • EMDR for depression can help people understand the underlying experiences causing their low self-concept4,5
  • EMDR can reduce anxiety by helping someone deal with their specific causes and triggers1

Is EMDR Safe?

When administered by a licensed, trained therapist, EMDR is incredibly safe. The therapist is trained to help clients learn proper grounding techniques before jumping into processing potentially distressing memories.

Are There Any Dangers of EMDR Therapy?

EMDR is a safe and effective therapy technique if practiced by an EMDR-trained therapist. Though parts of EMDR treatment may sound dangerous, a skilled therapist will help their client prepare for reprocessing prior to treatment. They will thoroughly take the client’s history and teach them coping skills that assist with managing EMDR and any potential side effects.

As with any therapy or mental health treatment that tackles difficult topics or emotions, side effects may occur. When a client sits with an uncomfortable memory, it may cause heightened emotions, but a therapist skilled in EMDR will develop a treatment plan that helps minimize this.

What Are Some Common EMDR Side Effects?

EMDR has been repeatedly shown to reduce mental health symptoms, especially with PTSD, but it can also have some uncomfortable side effects during and after sessions, like feeling more emotional and tired after sessions, or having more unpleasant memories come to the surface.1

Potential EMDR side effects include:

  • Tiredness following therapy: One of the physical side effects that people often report is feeling tired after an EMDR session. This makes sense, since the brain is working hard to reprocess memories and make new connections.
  • Changes in dreams: It is not uncommon for individuals to notice new dreams, or shifts in recurring dreams. Your therapist will check in with you about this throughout the treatment, as it can show that your brain is reprocessing.
  • Feeling more emotionally sensitive: Staying with a disturbing memory can be tiring and it can lead to some emotional sensitivity. Make sure to take time to rest and care for yourself as needed.
  • Remembering additional memories: As you focus on a past memory, other memories may arise. This can of course be unsettling. Your therapist will work with you to determine how to contain and/or work on these additional memories.
  • Discomfort during EMDR: Holding a memory in mind while you work with your therapist may be uncomfortable. This discomfort may include physical sensations (such as muscle tension), tearfulness, or anger. It is important to remember that you are always in control and you can ask for a break if needed. Your therapist will assist you in managing any discomfort that may arise throughout treatment.

Help For Trauma / PTSD

Talk Therapy – Get help recovering from trauma from a licensed therapist. Betterhelp offers online therapy starting at $60 per week. Free Assessment


Online PTSD treatment – Talkiatry offers personalized care from psychiatrists who listen, and take insurance. Get matched with a specialist in just 15 minutes. Take our assessment.


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp and Talkiatry.

EMDR Myths & Misconceptions

Embarking on treatment for PTSD can be overwhelming, especially when considering a treatment that differs from traditional talk therapy. There are many myths and misconceptions about EMDR, which may also add to confusion about whether it’s the right treatment for you. Understanding how EMDR works can better help you assess if it will be beneficial for you.

Some common myths and misconceptions about EMDR include:

  • EMDR is hypnosis: EMDR uses bilateral stimulation, or some sort of movement using both sides of the body, to stimulate the brain’s natural ability to process information. This typically includes eye movements of looking back and forth laterally. This use of eye movement understandably reminds some people of hypnosis, but EMDR is not hypnosis.7
  • EMDR is a brand new therapy: While EMDR is certainly becoming more well known as of late, EMDR was developed over 30 years ago.1 This length of time has allowed many high-quality research studies to be conducted.
  • EMDR can plant false memories: Clients may question whether EMDR is able to create false memories. Without question, EMDR cannot create a memory that was not already there.1
  • EMDR might cause me to go crazy: Any type of mental health therapy has potential to be uncomfortable. While discomfort is likely, going “crazy” or becoming so uncomfortable that you cannot return from it is highly unlikely and has not been reported. Part of EMDR treatment includes thorough preparation in which your therapist will provide you with tools and skills for coping and grounding. If the discomfort feels too strong, you can always request a break.
  • I’ll have to talk about all the details of the trauma at length: One of the benefits of EMDR is that you do not need to share all the details of a painful trauma, nor do you need to rehash every part. The therapist only needs to know a few details in order to help you reprocess. You have control over how much you share when it comes to details of the trauma.
  • EMDR is only for PTSD: While EMDR is most commonly used for PTSD, EMDR can also treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other concerns. Work with your therapist to determine if EMDR is the right technique for you.
  • I can start EMDR on the first day of my therapy: While some people are ready to work on their traumatic memories immediately, EMDR requires thorough history taking, planning, and preparation.8 It will typically require a few sessions before the reprocessing begins.

Tips for Getting Started with EMDR

There are a variety of things you can do to ensure that you have a positive, effective, and safe experience with EMDR. These include finding the right therapist, being open with your therapist about your experience, learning adequate coping and grounding skills, and getting oriented to the therapy.

Follow these tips to safely get started with EMDR:

  • Find an appropriately-trained therapist who has participated in a training endorsed by EMDRIA, the primary organizing body for EMDR.
  • Be open and honest about how you are feeling about EMDR, both prior to and during treatment. As the client, you are in control. If working on a particular memory does not feel right or it feels too soon, be transparent with your therapist. Developing the treatment plan in EMDR is a team effort.
  • Take time to learn coping skills. As part of preparation for EMDR, your therapist will help to assess your current coping skills and will teach you the skills you need to complement any reprocessing you will do in EMDR. Taking the time to practice these skills will help you to handle any discomfort that may arise during treatment.
  • Ask your therapist any questions you have about the process. You will feel more comfortable as you proceed through EMDR if you understand how it works and what a typical session looks like. Feel free to ask lots of questions as you prepare for treatment.
  • Plan well for sessions. Be thoughtful about preparing for your EMDR sessions. If your appointment is in person, put your phone on silent, bring some water, and ensure you have adequate time after your appointment so you do not need to rush to another engagement. If your appointment is virtual, make sure you have privacy, silence your phone, make sure the dogs have gone out – do whatever you need to do to fully focus without any distractions.

How to Find an EMDR Therapist

In order to have the safest and most effective experience with EMDR, finding a properly-trained therapist is key. Look for a therapist who has completed an EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) approved training. If this is not specified in the available information about them, you can call them or request a consultation and ask them about their certifications. You can use an online therapist directory to find a therapist in your area that is skilled in EMDR.

Final Thoughts

EMDR is an evidence-based and well-researched therapy for trauma and other disorders. When offered by an adequately-trained therapist, it is safe and effective despite myths and misconceptions.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Self-Guided Online EMDR Program

VirtualEMDR Expert-developed EMDR program. 9 in 10 people feel less Emotional Distress after just one session. Free Trial – VirtualEMDR

Want to learn EFT Tapping?

The Tapping Solution App EFT draws on acupuncture and involves tapping key points on the hands, face, and body with your fingertips. The Tapping Solution App – Free Trial

Psychiatry, with you in mind

Talkiatry Our Psychiatrists Can Diagnose Your Condition, Prescribe Medication, And Monitor Your Progress. Most psychiatry visits cost patients $30 or less* Free Assessment

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. Take A Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Free Assessment

Starting Therapy Newsletter

A free newsletter for those interested in learning about therapy and how to get the most benefits out of therapy. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

Choosing Therapy  Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty, experience, insurance, or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by VirtualEMDR, The Tapping Solution, BetterHelp, and Talkiatry. *Includes all types of patient cost: copayment, deductible, and coinsurance. Excludes no shows and includes $0 Visits.

For Further Reading

  • EMDR International Association
  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov
  • EMDR vs. CBT: Effectiveness, Differences, & When to Use

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Sources Update History

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Francine, S. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures (Third Edition). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.

  • Virtual Training and Therapy Task Group of EMDRIA (2020). Guidelines for Virtual EMDR Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.emdria.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Virtual_TG_Report_for_Member.pdf

  • Wilson, G., Farrell, D., Barron, I., Hutchins, J., Whybrow, D., & Kiernan, M. D. (2018). The Use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy in Treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder-A Systematic Narrative Review. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 923. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00923

  • Gauhar, Y.W.M. (2016). The Efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of depression. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 10(2), 59-69. DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.10.2.59

  • Behnam Moghadam, M., Behnam Moghadam, A., & Salehian, T. (2015). Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on depression in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) in a 12-month follow up. Iranian Journal of Critical Care Nursing, 7(4), 221-226. https://www.efpe.fr/assets/behnammoghadam-2015-efficacy-of-emdr-on-depression-in-patients-with-myoc….pdf

  • Shapiro, E., & Maxfield, L. (2019). The efficacy of EMDR early interventions. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 291-301. DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.291 

  • Harford, P.M. (2010). The Integrative Use of EMDR and Clinical Hypnosis in the Treatment of Adults Abused as Children. Journal of EMDR practice and research. 4(2), 60-75. DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.4.2.60

  • Hughes, T. Dispelling Myths About EMDR Therapy. Greenwood Counseling Center. Retrieved from https://greenwoodcounselingcenter.com/dispelling-myths-about-emdr-therapy/

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We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.

August 4, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
December 10, 2021
Author: Stephanie Capecchi, LCSW
Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD
Show more

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