EMDR is ‘Dangerous’ (and Other Myths Debunked by an EMDR Therapist)
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 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 my clinical experience and research.
Read on as I debunk 10 common EMDR myths
Myth 1: EMDR is dangerous
No, EMDR isn’t dangerous. But it does involve confronting the past which can be difficult. Other types of trauma therapy (e.g. trauma-focused CBT) also involve doing this. But EMDR is more focused on resolving the root cause of trauma symptoms.
A key part of how I work using EMDR is tailoring it to the individual. But proper preparation and a trusting relationship needs to be in place before confronting trauma.
Good training is also vital (specific to the UK). It’s important that they’ve done accredited training. Accredited training providers are regulated by EMDR UK/Europe and include supervised practice.
Myth 2: EMDR is only for PTSD
Many people think EMDR is only useful for PTSD and those who’ve been in combat. This was was true when EMDR was invented in the 1980s, which was around the same time that PTSD was recognised.
But since then, 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
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.
You can read more about how traumatic memories are stored here.
EMDR activates your natural ability to process the memories using Adaptive Information Processing.
EMDR doesn’t create what wasn’t already there. So, flashbacks or other trauma symptoms may continue until their root cause is processed. Once that happens, memories are stored in a way that doesn’t cause distress.
“Any trauma therapy – done badly – carries the risk of re-traumatisation. ”
Myth 4: EMDR is just like 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 stay awake, aware, and grounded in EMDR therapy.
Myth 5: EMDR causes you to ‘re-live’ trauma
No, it doesn’t. Any trauma therapy – done badly – carries the risk of re-traumatisation. 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 the 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 movement 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.
The book: Getting past Your Past, written by Francine Shapiro – the creator of EMDR – suggests some useful EMDR-informed self-help tools.
I have also produced an EMDR-informed self-help guide.
Myth 7: EMDR isn’t a proper ‘therapy’
Some therapists believe that EMDR only works when included as ‘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 approach all on its own – encompassing planning, preparation and processing, which is how I use it my own practice.
When EMDR isn’t used in this way, I’d argue that it’s NOT actually 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, showing recent research on 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 is that although the per session cost is often higher, the number of sessions needed is usually lower, making it more cost effective than traditional talk therapy.
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 it 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.
The truth is, 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, isn’t.
If you’re considering EMDR therapy but have more questions, feel free to contact me for a conversation.