Does EMDR Actually Work? (What the Research Says)

EMDR is everywhere — but do you know what's actually helpful? Or if it is at all?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has become one of the most talked-about trauma treatments around. But most people — and, honestly, many therapists — reduce it to one image: a finger waving in someone's face. That shorthand is costing people clarity about what's actually working.

In this episode, Justin Sunseri breaks down what EMDR really is beyond the eye movements, what the research actually says about its effectiveness, and — more importantly — what the science says is doing the heavy lifting when it works.

In this episode:

1. The 8-phase structure of EMDR (and where bilateral stimulation actually shows up)
2. What happens when you compare EMDR to other trauma therapies
3. 4 common factors that explain most of therapy's results — across every modality
4. What dismantling studies reveal about eye movements specifically
5. The "Toe Curling" thought experiment that puts it all in perspective
6. Why the research has real weaknesses — and what that means for you
7. What to actually look for in a therapist or healing approach

🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point—from free content to 1-on-1 coaching. Whether you're just beginning or ready for transformation, there's something designed for where you are right now. 👉 Visit https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you

😬 Need to catch up? Listen to the Polyvagal 101 audio series - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0

✅ Crisis resources:

1. National Suicide Prevention Hotline - 1 (800) 273-8255
2. National Domestic Violence Hotline -1 (800) 799-7233
3. LGBT Trevor Project Lifeline - 1 (866) 488-7386
4. National Sexual Assault Hotline - 1 (800) 656-4673
5. Crisis Text Line - Text “HOME” to 741741
6. Call 911 for emergency

This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“JustinLMFT”) (i.e; podcast, YouTube, Instagram, etc.) is not therapy, not intended to be therapy or be a replacement for therapy.  Nothing in this creates or indicates a therapeutic relationship.  Please consult with your therapist or seek for one in your area if you are experiencing mental health symptoms.  Nothing should be construed to be specific life advice; it is for educational and entertainment purposes only.

Justin Sunseri is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist registered in the State of California (#99147).

Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast! When you do, you will immediately get the next episode as soon as it's available. What's better than having the next episode of SNB ready and waiting for you? (Nothing, that's what.)

Links to research:

1. APA and EMDR - https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/ptsd.pdf
2. WHO and EMDR - https://www.who.int/teams/mental-health-and-substance-use/treatment-care/mental-health-gap-action-programme/evidence-centre/conditions-related-to-stress/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-%28ptsd%29--psychological-interventions---children-and-adolescents
3. VA on EMDR and limits of study - https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/emdr_pro.asp; https://www.healthquality.va.gov/HEALTHQUALITY/guidelines/MH/ptsd/VA-DoD-CPG-PTSD-Full-CPG-Edited-111624-V5-81825.pdf
4. Meta-analysis of EMDR - https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-006X.69.2.305
5. Ten Things to Remember About Common Factor Theory - https://societyforpsychotherapy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Laska-and-Wampold-2014-1.pdf
6. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: part 1 – theory, procedure and use in PTSD - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bjpsych-advances/article/eye-movement-desensitisation-and-reprocessing-part-1-theory-procedure-and-use-in-ptsd/025D573300054876F5B2096F42C983D4
7. A Review of EMDR Literature - https://www.nausstherapy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/emdr-article.pdf
8. A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories - https://emdrmagazine.nl/EM2013-2/A%20meta-analysis%20of%20the%20contribution%20of%20eye%20movements%20in%20processing%20emotional%20memories%20(Lee%20&%20Cuypers,%202013).pdf
9. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for mental health problems: a systematic review and meta-analysis - https://www.research.unipd.it/retrieve/ff4c348a-80f5-47b4-9b7c-2e831918ed05/Eye%20movement%20desensitization%20and%20reprocessing%20for%20mental%20health%20problems%20a%20systematic%20review%20and%20meta-analysis.pdf
10. On EMDR: Measuring the working memory taxation of various types of eye (non-)movement conditions - https://repub.eur.nl/pub/118641/Repub_118641_O-A.pdf