Is EMDR therapy really controversial? Debunking 10 common myths

EMDR therapy has been around for decades, and the research backs it. Yet, controversies still exist. These are often based on misconceptions, which create fear, confusion, or unrealistic expectations, which could stop people from seeking a therapy that might actually help.

In this article, I’m unpacking some of the most common myths I hear about EMDR. And I’m sharing what I believe to be true based on clinical experience and research.

Read on as I debunk 10 common EMDR myths

Myth 1: EMDR is dangerous

EMDR isn’t inherently dangerous, but it does involve confronting the past, which can be difficult. However, other types of trauma therapy (e.g. trauma-focused CBT) would also involve doing this.

A key part of how I work using EMDR is tailoring it to the individual. So, a single event trauma is less complex to process using EMDR than complex or childhood trauma, which involves multiple distressing experiences. In these cases, proper preparation and an established trusting relationship in therapy are crucial.

I also want to say something about proper training here (specific to the UK). Not every therapist becomes an accredited practitioner, and this is no guarantee of better EMDR therapy. But it is important that they’ve done accredited training. Accredited training providers are regulated by EMDR UK/Europe and include supervised practice.

Myth 2: EMDR is just for PTSD

Many people think EMDR is only useful for PTSD and those who’ve been in combat. This was true when EMDR was invented in the 1980s, which was around the same time that PTSD was recognised.

But since then, research shows that EMDR has developed as an effective way of resolving other types of trauma, including complex trauma (C-PTSD), childhood trauma, and attachment trauma. 

It’s also helpful for other issues, like anxiety and phobias, which often stem from earlier experiences.

Myth 3: EMDR causes flashbacks or other symptoms

Flashbacks are intrusive memories that get triggered by stimuli. They’re the brain’s way of saying ‘hey, something happened!’ If the experience was too overwhelming, it couldn’t be processed at the time. But EMDR activates your natural ability to process the memories. 

EMDR can’t create what wasn’t already there, so the flashbacks or other symptoms may continue until their root cause (i.e. the experience) is processed. Once that happens, the memories are stored in a way that doesn’t cause distress.  

Myth 4: EMDR is the same as hypnosis

Hypnosis involves creating a relaxed ‘hypnotic’ state so that suggestions can be made to help clients shift behaviours or beliefs. But EMDR guides clients to activate their natural ability to process difficult experiences, which is more activating than relaxing.

You also stay grounded to where you are in EMDR therapy.

Myth 5: EMDR forces you to ‘re-live’ trauma

No, it doesn’t. In EMDR therapy, I prepare my clients by ensuring that they can feel safe and present in the room while we process the distressing experiences.

I assess how clients currently manage emotions and work to help them build tolerance for difficult emotions and physical sensations that can accompany EMDR (just like any other therapy). And I reassure clients that they’re in control of the process and can stop if they need to. I also give clients tools to help them cope in between therapy sessions.

Myth 6: You can do EMDR yourself

The alternate bilateral stimulation used in EMDR, like eye movements or tapping, can be soothing if done slowly while focusing on positive imagery or sensations. But it’s wise to proceed with caution when it comes to processing memories. It’s best done with the guidance of a trained EMDR therapist.

Myth 7: EMDR isn’t a proper ‘therapy’

Some therapists believe that EMDR only works when included as a ‘tool’ that gets pulled out when a client needs to ‘process’, rather than an approach that can work by itself. This view misunderstands that EMDR is a holistic and comprehensive therapeutic modality all on its own – encompassing planning, preparation and processing. 

When EMDR isn’t used in a way that encompasses these stages, I’d argue that this is when it's not proper EMDR therapy.

Myth 8: EMDR can’t be done online

This was probably true pre-COVID. But like other forms of therapy, EMDR can be done effectively online. The EMDR International Association investigated this. They provide a review of recent research showing its effective use online.

Myth 9: EMDR is too expensive

While EMDR isn’t a ‘quick fix’, it does generally take less time compared to traditional talk therapy (e.g. general counselling, psychodynamic therapy, or person-centred therapy) to achieve similar results.

This means that although the per session cost is often higher, the number of sessions needed is usually lower, making it more cost-effective overall.

Myth 10: EMDR isn’t effective

EMDR is focused on healing and has a framework of change embedded within it. This isn’t true for all therapeutic approaches. There’s also strong evidence underpinning its effectiveness.

Having said this, if you’ve had EMDR before or heard from someone it didn’t work for, there could be many reasons for this, including your attitude and expectations about therapy, not liking the therapist, or how the therapy was implemented.

The truth is…

EMDR therapy has come a long way since it was first developed, as has the research supporting it. But misconceptions persist, creating unnecessary fear or confusion for people who could genuinely benefit from it.

EMDR is a guided, focused and experiential approach that’s tailored to the individual. It’s not about re-living trauma – it’s about helping the brain do what it’s naturally wired to do – heal.

If you’ve been curious about EMDR but felt uncertain because of something you’ve heard, I hope this article has helped you to better understand what EMDR is and, importantly, is not.