Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
Choosing Therapy Logo

Newsletter

  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • DefinitionDefinition
  • EMDR for AnxietyEMDR for Anxiety
  • TypesTypes
  • 8 Steps8 Steps
  • BenefitsBenefits
  • EffectivenessEffectiveness
  • Find a TherapistFind a Therapist
  • ExamplesExamples
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics

EMDR for Anxiety: How It Works, Examples & Effectiveness

Headshot of Emma Jane Watson, M.Ed., MSW, LICSW

Written by: Emma Jane Watson, M.Ed., MSW, LICSW

Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD

Reviewed by: Benjamin Troy, MD

Published: December 16, 2022
Headshot of Emma Jane Watson, M.Ed., MSW, LICSW
Written by:

Emma Jane Watson

M.Ed., MSW, LICSW
Headshot of Benjamin Troy, MD
Reviewed by:

Benjamin Troy

MD

Eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a short-term, experiential therapy model that has been proven to alleviate anxiety. It works with the brain’s adaptive information processing system to change the emotional intensity of distressing experiences and memories. It can treat many forms of anxiety, including phobias, performance, social situations, panic attacks, and OCD. Most people attend 2-15 sessions.

Find a supportive therapist that can help with anxiety. BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

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

Visit BetterHelp

What Is EMDR?

EMDR involves working with thoughts, behaviors, emotions and physical sensations similar to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT); however, EMDR is experienced in the moment using bi-lateral stimulation of the brain. Stimulating the adaptive information processing system in the brain produces positive cognitive and emotional changes by reprocessing memories.8 One of the major benefits of EMDR is that the clients do not have to talk in-depth about their painful experiences—instead, they process through them using a standardized protocol.

EMDR therapy initially focused on post-traumatic stress; however, there is a close relationship between a traumatic event or experience and anxiety. The underlying characteristic of both is experiencing some level of distress, fear, or threat.8 EMDR works by targeting the information processing part of the brain that deals with memories associated with painful thoughts, emotions and body sensations. When the EMDR eight step protocol is applied to past events that caused someone harm, they can be reprocessed and changed to harmless memories. This relieves the anxiety, guilt, anger, fear and body tension brought on by negative experiences, beliefs, and thoughts.8

How Does EMDR Work for Anxiety?

EMDR for anxiety works in fundamentally the same way as it does for post-traumatic stress and other disorders. The therapist may change the initial sessions to include some mindfulness practice, meditation, yoga, or body relaxation training to supplement EMDR and help relieve anxiety. It is also common for the therapist to work with clients using some cognitive behavior therapy for negative thinking before initiating actual EMDR sessions.

In some cases, the therapist may suggest anxiety medication for immediate symptom relief while using EMDR for long-term relief of the overall problem. It is up to the client and therapist to create an effective individualized treatment plan.

EMDR’s eight-step protocol is used after completing the agreed-upon early treatment, if there is any. Since EMDR protocol is a manualized treatment, using specific guidelines, there is little deviation in the process when treating anxiety; however, the treatment targets will be unique to the client’s fears, worry, and anxiety-producing situations.8

What Types of Anxiety Can EMDR Treat?

Research has found the following types of anxiety are treatable with EMDR therapy:1,2,3,8,9

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Agoraphobia
  • Fear of flying
  • Phobias
  • Social Anxiety
  • Performance anxiety in general, as well as in athletes and musicians
  • Pre-operative anxiety and other medical situations
  • Caregivers’ anxiety
  • Anxiety related to natural disasters

Traditionally, therapists offered EMDR in a face-to-face, in-office setting. However, many people have adopted online EMDR practices, which can be just as successful.

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.

The 8 Steps of EMDR Therapy for Anxiety

The highly structured elements of EMDR fit into eight steps. These phases guide the path of treatment and offer direction for the course of treatment.10

Phase 1: History-Taking

Like other helpful treatments, EMDR starts with the first phase of treatment that is centered around planning and history gathering. The therapist will look for the client’s readiness for treatment and identify desired outcomes.

Phase 2: Preparation

In the second phase, preparation, the client and therapist work to build their therapeutic alliance. The therapist will begin offering the client training on self-control, metaphors, and “stop signals” to boost their sense of control.

Phase 3: Assessment

During the third phase, the therapist and client work to identify the target memory that creates problems. The pair begin recognizing the irrational, negative beliefs surrounding the memory and work to explore positive beliefs that could neutralize the negative ones.

Phase 4: Desensitization

The desensitization phase asks the client to focus on the memory or image from the previous step while using the eye movement skills. After a set of eye movements, the client is to clear their mind and take a breath before continuing.

Phase 5: Installation

The fifth phase focuses on the installation of positive thoughts previously discussed. These thoughts work to replace the negative ones attached to the unwanted memory.

Phase 6: Body Scan

During a body scan, the client uses self-monitoring skills to attend to their body to notice how their physical state is responding to the treatment. If tension remains, the therapist will address the sensation directly.

Phase 7: Closure

When the full reprocessing is not complete, phase 7 helps bring the client back to a regulated state by using self-control techniques from earlier phases. Then, the client and therapist discuss what to expect between sessions.

Phase 8: Reevaluation

During the reevaluation stage, client and therapist will check in and review progress. If additional treatment is needed, they will identify new targets.

Options For Anxiety Treatment

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


Psychiatry for Anxiety – Looking for anxiety treatment that prioritizes you? Talkiatry can help. Find an in-network psychiatrist you can see online. Get started with our short assessment. Visit Talkiatry

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

The Benefits of EMDR for Anxiety

The benefits of EMDR directly and indirectly extend to a number of far-reaching mental health conditions and concerns. It can help relieve anxiety symptoms and aid the client in regaining their autonomy while at the same time not re-traumatizing them.

Helps the Client Regain Control

Anxiety and trauma-related conditions can strip away someone’s autonomy, while EMDR helps to restore it. By going through the 8 phases of treatment, a person can see progress unfold, which empowers them to gain further control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Can Provide Somatic Symptom Relief

Stress, worry, and anxiety create tension and physical changes in the body. By lowering anxiety, the person’s physical state will be more balanced and stable.

No Need to Re-Traumatize

Some other forms of treatment for anxiety and trauma use a lot of exposure to desensitize and process the symptoms and events. With EMDR, there is little need to experience the full events of the trauma, which will be more comfortable for many clients.

Is EMDR Effective for Treating Anxiety?

The short answer is yes. Dr. Francine Shapiro, who discovered EMDR and wrote the EMDR manual, published a second book called, EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma. Her years of clinical experience, experimentation, and research have shown that EMDR can change the impact of single incident trauma and effectively treat other problems related to fear, distress and threat.6,8

Twenty-five years after EMDR’s introduction there are still naysayers in the psychotherapy community when it comes to EMDR treatment; however, their voices are growing faint due to the mounting research on EMDR effectiveness.1,2,5 Working with a well-trained, competent therapist makes a difference in treatment outcomes when using EMDR. A skillful therapist will not only know the basic methods, but will be well informed about current research on both the effectiveness and the limitations of EMDR therapy.

Things to Consider Before Starting EMDR

EMDR is not like many talk therapy forms of treatment. Its highly structured approach may be jarring to those who are used to other psychotherapy interventions.

Some other things to consider before starting EMDR include:

  • EMDR may only be appropriate for some of your symptoms
  • EMDR may not address current life stressors or concerns
  • EMDR is a specialized treatment and is less widely available
  • Fees of EMDR could vary from other interventions
  • When EMDR ends, people may still need ongoing other forms of therapy

How to Find an EMDR Therapist

Finding an EMDR therapist is fairly easy. Therapists generally publish their education and training on their professional websites. Their credentials also appear when they list themselves on online therapist directories. It can be helpful to set up a phone consultation before beginning with any new therapist to see if you’re a good fit before you begin.

Who Can Offer EMDR?

There are many qualified EMDR therapists who have received EMDRIA-approved training. Any master’s degree level licensed therapist or healthcare professional can be trained to provide EMDR. The training includes at least 10 hours of in-class instruction, 10 hours of supervised practicum and 10 hours of consultation by a certified practitioner. EMDRIA regulates the training of EMDR to maintain its integrity over time. While EMDRIA-approved training does not guarantee the skillfulness of clinicians, it does ensure that their training meets all the criteria for good practice.

What to Ask a Potential EMDR Therapist

Here are some questions to ask your therapist before beginning EMDR therapy for anxiety:

  • What is your training and experience with EMDR therapy for anxiety?
  • Have you treated someone with symptoms similar to mine and was it effective?
  • Will we need 90 minute sessions as opposed to 60 minute? How often?
  • Can you estimate the number of sessions that may be needed?
  • What if EMDR doesn’t work for my anxiety, then what?
  • How will I know when the therapy is complete?
  • Will my insurance cover the sessions?

EFT Tapping / Tapping Solution

Want to learn EFT Tapping? EFT draws on the traditional Chinese medicine practice of acupuncture and involves tapping key points on the hands, face, and body with your fingertips. Many people report tapping lowers anxiety, stress and pain. The Tapping Solution App -Free Trial

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by The Tapping Solution.

Get Free Trial

Examples of EMDR for Anxiety

Although EMDR is manualized, there may be some slight modifications of EMDR step three to fit the treatment needs of the individual with anxiety. Clients may have to process any barriers to effective treatment, such as emotional avoidance, or having dissociative episodes.

Here are some examples of how EMDR works to treat different anxiety types and symptoms:

EMDR for a Phobia

Jennifer had been in therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder with my colleague when I first met her. She made excellent progress and found relief of her PTSD symptoms; however, she had a phobia of seeing pictures of, or actual, unloved, injured, killed, or lost animals. She had severe panic attacks if she saw a picture of an injured pet, or noticed a dog she thought was lost. It was especially disturbing if she saw any kind of dead animal on the roadside, which is common in the rural, remote area where she lived. Jennifer’s anxiety would last for several days after an event. It left her sleepless, feeling panicky, sick to her stomach, and gave her nightmares. She had flashbacks of the images that she was trying to avoid and the panic would return.

Jennifer’s therapist asked me to work with her using EMDR for her PTSD. At the first session, Jennifer was so sensitive that the anticipation of talking about her phobia sent her into panic. Before we began the eight step protocol for EMDR, I provided some psychoeducation about the brain’s limbic system and the impact of fear on body functions. Following the education session, I worked with Jennifer to improve her breathing and relaxation to counter her stress response.  She practiced these skills at home daily. These first two pre-EMDR sessions and “homework” helped prepare Jennifer for EMDR.

During EMDR step one, taking a history, we stopped frequently to use breathing and relaxation to help Jennifer stay within her window of tolerance (the amount of disturbance one can manage without going into severe distress). I reminded Jennifer to notice how well she was able to manage her anxiety with the tools she had learned. This built her confidence and thus increased her window of tolerance. We were able to move on to EMDR step two and install additional resources, such as calm place imagery and present place mindfulness.

Before Jennifer began EMDR step three, we discussed the value of bringing her therapy dog into the session. The dog went with her everywhere, but usually stayed in the car. We agreed to try having the dog present, which turned out to work well. We were able to complete EMDR steps three through seven while the dog laid on the floor next to her, relaxed and quiet. Jennifer had her foot barely touching the dog, but that added level of reassurance allowed her to complete six additional EMDR sessions without ever experiencing an abreaction (getting stuck in a painful emotional state), or a panic attack.

Jennifer’s phobia changed dramatically almost without her noticing. At first, she found that she was able to talk about a beloved dog that had died from cancer. Then she found that she didn’t have to turn away from T.V. shows, the news, or Facebook stories that mentioned or showed pictures of animals that may have been in distress or injured. By the last session, eight weeks later, Jennifer still felt deep love and empathy for all animals, but she was no long paralyzed or terrified by thoughts that see might see an animal that might be abused, injured, or just unloved.

Side note: I often recommend that clients bring something to session that they find comforting. Soft shawls, sweaters, or blankets, a special pillow, or a stuffed animal all work well to provide some soothing comfort. Trained therapy dogs can be helpful if they are indeed trained to provide a calming presence. If the dog takes on a client’s anxieties, or becomes disturbed by a crying client, the treatment fails because focus moves to the dog’s discomfort. The use of therapy animals must be openly and frankly discussed with the therapist, and possibly with her agency or office colleagues.

EMDR For Performance Anxiety

Jessie worked with me to address substance use disorder and PTSD. She was hard working and found relaxation and enjoyment in performing in community theater. Jessie had been an active member in three different theater groups and had become well known for her powerful performances. She was sought after by local directors.

After a few months of treatment, both cognitive behavior treatment and EMDR for PTSD, Jessie told me that she was having trouble with an upcoming play. There were several circumstances that added pressure on her to perform her best. Using EMDR eight step protocol, we processed a few past experiences of Jessie making mistakes and feeling embarrassed and foolish. This work went well. Jessie noticed that the emotion around those events dissipated, so we moved to focus just on the present and future.

Jessie’s anxieties of failing in the upcoming play were out of proportion to reality. Jessie had years of experience, she was always well prepared, she acted with integrity to the role, and she was loved by audiences and her fellow actors. We used EMDR step 5, the installation process, as a stand-alone treatment for one session. Bilateral stimulation created a new pathway for her brain to access her positive beliefs about her achievements and increase her positive sense of self.

The eight stage protocol was very helpful in alleviating Jessie’s anxiety of past, present and future performance fears. Jessie became more confident and relaxed overall. It was the focus on installing positive beliefs based on Jessie’s real accomplishments and positive characteristics that made the most significant difference. Jessie told me that during rehearsals and on opening night, she found a quiet place to do her preparation. Jessie brought her positive beliefs to mind while using some bilateral tapping interspersed with deep breathing. She said that her positive self-assurance grew inside her like a bright light and made her feel vibrant, while her anxiety faded away.

Jessie’s success was due to her own hard work both in therapy and in her everyday life. She was highly motivated, never missed a session, and practiced the coping and soothing skills she learned. Most importantly, Jessie took the EMDR sessions seriously, even when they were very emotionally painful before the relief came. Success in therapy only happens when the client and therapist are working collaboratively at the same pace with equal effort.

EMDR For Fear of Driving

Jeff had an unusual personality disorder and one of the symptoms was anxiety. One of his biggest fears was driving. He would say to me, “What if I get in an accident, or I get lost? What will I do?” For most of us, this is not a debilitating possibility, but is was for Jeff. For days before his appointment, he would be panicked and sick with anxiety over having to drive the short distance to the office.

We settled on EMDR for his fear of driving. Throughout his therapy, we had worked on relaxation, breathing and addressing negative thinking using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He felt safe enough to address his driving anxiety after about 4 weeks in treatment.

Since he was prepared, we went straight to step three of the EMDR protocol. Interestingly, Jeff had never been in a car accident, or even witnessed an actual accident. We worked with imagery of a potential worst case and connected it to his negative thoughts, feelings and body sensations. At the end of that first session, he left my office very grounded and calm.

What happened the following week was surprising. When he sat down to reevaluate his previous session, Jeff calmly said, “I got into a fender bender on my way here.” I was floored by his statement and his demeanor, but didn’t show my surprise. Jeff went on to tell me that he had accidently bumped into the car in front of him when it stopped at a crosswalk. He said that he didn’t feel any panic, he just got out of the car, saw there was no damage and apologized to the driver. The other driver was not particularly distressed and waved him off without exchanging any insurance information. Jeff got back in his car and drove to his appointment, even arriving on time.

My response was, “Jeff, how do you account for your behavior?” He simply told me he didn’t understand it and he seemed confused. Smiling, I went straight to discussing his last session using EMDR. Without much emotion, he said, “Huh…I guess it worked.” This led us to a meaningful discussion about how his anxiety and panic “helped” him, what we call secondary gains. One EMDR session had not only helped with his driving fear, but it opened the door to a profound discovery that became one of the core features of his ongoing therapy.

We returned to EMDR to address other fears. Jeff successfully processed through his agoraphobia. However, due to the impact of his personality disorder, he never became very comfortable around people, but he learned to better manage his emotions and behaviors.

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.com
  • EMDRIA.org
  • EMDR-EUROPE.org
  • What Is Brainspotting?

Stories You Might Like 


Why should I sit in discomfort?

When I first meet someone new for treatment, I start by saying that discomfort and anxiety are just feelings, like any other feelings. Anxiety, in and of itself, is not “bad”—it can even be very important when it works properly. It can teach us what might not be safe. If I am crossing a busy intersection, I need something that lets me know when I have to act. Discomfort helps us to learn, to decipher what we value, what we want, and what we would like to avoid.  Read More

Is OCD a form of Anxiety?

Everyone experiences anxiety or worry at some point in their lives. For people who have obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD, the anxiety of intrusive thoughts is what compels them toward compulsive rituals and/or avoidance. It often feels like they must do these things or else something bad will happen, which can lead to strong feelings of anxiety. But does that mean OCD is a type of anxiety disorder? If not, what’s the difference, and how are they connected? Read More

“How OCD Turns Your Anxiety Against You”

I know it may seem hard to believe, but anxiety is actually useful. It’s an important feeling to have. Anxiety serves to warn us of danger and should work as a protective agent. When the anxiety system in your brain is working correctly you can be alerted to potentially threatening situations and react accordingly. This helps you to survive things more effectively. This is often referred to as the fight, flight, or freeze response. Read More

This content is sponsored By NOCD.

EMDR for Anxiety Infographics

What Is EMDR? Is EMDR Effective for Treating Anxiety? The Eight Steps of EMDR Therapy

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.

  • Arkowitz, H. (2012, August 1). EMDR: Taking a Closer Look. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/emdr-taking-a-closer-look/.

  • Bandelow, B., Reitt, M., Röver, C., Michaelis, S., Görlich, Y., & Wedekind, D. (2015). Efficacy of treatments for anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis. International clinical psychopharmacology, 30(4), 183–192. https://doi.org/10.1097/YIC.0000000000000078

  • Brooker, E. (2017). Music performance anxiety: A clinical outcome study into the effects of cognitive hypnotherapy and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing in advanced pianists. Psychology of Music, 46(1), 107–124. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735617703473

  • Coubard, O. A. (2016). An Integrative Model for the Neural Mechanism of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00052

  • Engelhard, I. M., Mcnally, R. J., & Schie, K. V. (2019). Retrieving and Modifying Traumatic Memories: Recent Research Relevant to Three Controversies. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 28(1), 91–96. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721418807728

  • Jeffries, F. W., & Davis, P. (2013). What is the role of eye movements in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? A review. Behavioural and cognitive psychotherapy, 41(3), 290.

  • Shapiro F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente journal, 18(1), 71–77. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/13-098

  • Shapiro, F., & Forrest, M. S. (2016). EMDR: the breakthrough therapy for overcoming anxiety, stress, and trauma. Basic Books.

  • Valiente-Gómez, A., Moreno-Alcázar, A., Treen, D., Cedrón, C., Colom, F., Pérez, V., & Amann, B. L. (2017). EMDR beyond PTSD: A Systematic Literature Review. Frontiers in Psychology, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01668

  • Menon S.B. and Jayan C. (2010, July). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: A Conceptual Framework. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine. Retreived from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3122545/

Show more

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.

December, 2022
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources. Added “The 8 Steps of EMDR Therapy”, “The Benefits of EMDR for Anxiety”, and “Things to Consider Before Starting EMDR”. New material written by Eric Patterson, LPC, and reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
January 19, 2022
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources.
October 2, 2020
Author: Emma Jane Watson, M.Ed., MSW, LICSW
Reviewer: Benjamin Troy, MD
Show more

Recent Articles

comforting words for someone with anxiety
Comforting Words for Someone With Anxiety, According to a Therapist
Knowing what to say to a loved one in certain situations can always be tricky. It is important to...
';
Anxiety After a Breakup 10 Tips to Cope
Anxiety After a Breakup: 10 Tips to Cope
Breakups often lead to a lot of change, which can make people feel uncomfortable and uncertain. Anxiety after a...
';
Cyberchondria Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Cyberchondria: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatments
Cyberchondria is a disorder in which someone searches excessively for health care information online, but rather than finding relief...
';
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) How It Works, Cost, & What to Expect
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): How It Works, Cost, & What to Expect
Transcranial magnetic stimulation is an alternative treatment for depression and other psychiatric conditions that uses magnets to stimulate certain...
';
Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse How It Works & What to Expect
Motivational Interviewing for Substance Abuse: How It Works & What to Expect
Motivational interviewing is a therapeutic method that was developed to increase someone’s readiness to make a change by helping...
';
Reminiscence Therapy: What It Is & How It Works
Reminiscence Therapy: What It Is & How It Works
Reminiscence therapy targets the “reminiscence bump,” a term psychologists use to describe the time span most easily recalled by...
';
  • DefinitionDefinition
  • EMDR for AnxietyEMDR for Anxiety
  • TypesTypes
  • 8 Steps8 Steps
  • BenefitsBenefits
  • EffectivenessEffectiveness
  • Find a TherapistFind a Therapist
  • ExamplesExamples
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics
Choosing Therapy Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2023 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.