EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) has been gaining serious traction in the trauma therapy world. But despite its growing popularity—and a strong base of research—EMDR is still often surrounded by confusion, skepticism, and a few stubborn myths.
If you’re a trauma therapist considering EMDR training, or you’ve heard conflicting things from colleagues, this post is for you. Let’s clear the air and take an evidence-based look at what EMDR is (and isn’t).
Myth #1: EMDR Is Just Waving Fingers in Front of Someone’s Face
Truth: The eye movements (or other forms of bilateral stimulation) are just one part of a much larger clinical framework.
EMDR consists of 8 structured phases, including thorough history-taking, preparation, resourcing, desensitisation, and installation of adaptive beliefs. The finger movements—or tones or tapping—are largely used during the desensitisation phase to help process traumatic memories, but they’re not “the therapy.”
Think of it this way: the eye movements are a tool, not the whole method.
Myth #2: There’s No Real Evidence Behind It
Truth: EMDR is one of the most researched trauma treatments available today.
It is recognised as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD by the World Health Organisation, NICE the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the APA. There are many randomised controlled trials that support its efficacy, and multiple meta-analyses have shown EMDR to be as effective—or in some cases, more efficient—than CBT for trauma.
One landmark study by Mavranezouli et al. 2020 provided some great evidence that EMDR not only reduces PTSD symptoms but also that it is also cost effective! You can read more about this study here
Myth #3: EMDR Only Works for “Big-T” Trauma
Truth: EMDR is highly effective for both single-incident trauma and complex, developmental trauma.
While EMDR was originally developed for war veterans and survivors of assault, clinicians now use it to treat:
- Attachment trauma
- Chronic abuse and neglect
- Grief and loss
- Medical trauma
- Phobias, performance anxiety, and much more, the evidence base keeps on growing.
Therapists working with complex PTSD often integrate EMDR with parts work, somatic tools, and extended resourcing—but the model itself is flexible and robust.
Myth #4: EMDR Is Too Rigid or Manualised
Truth: EMDR has a strong 8 phases in the standard protocol—but it’s also adaptable.
The 8-phases in the standard protocol provide structure and a framework, but not rigidity. It ensures safety and containment, especially when working with high-risk or dissociative clients. But within that structure, there’s plenty of clinical judgment involved: decisions about pacing, resourcing, memory targeting, and how to adjust interventions based on client needs. And often we have extensions to the standard protocol to enhance the work you are doing.
Think of EMDR more like a well-organised roadmap that really guides your treatment with your clients.
Myth #5: You Have to Be a Certain “Type” of Therapist to Do EMDR
Truth: Therapists from all theoretical backgrounds have integrated EMDR into their work—psychodynamic, somatic, CBT, and relational.
You don’t have to abandon your core orientation to use EMDR. In fact, many therapists find EMDR enriches their current approach. Whether you’re grounded in parts work, body-based practices, or attachment theory, EMDR can enhance—not replace—your therapeutic lens.
Final Thoughts: Stay Curious
If you’ve been hesitant about EMDR because of something you’ve heard—or you tried it once and didn’t connect—don’t write it off just yet. Many therapists find that EMDR not only helps their clients heal faster, but also reinvigorates their own sense of purpose and creativity as clinicians.
Still skeptical? That’s okay. Start by observing a trained EMDR clinician, or join an intro workshop. The more informed your perspective, the more empowered your choices become. You can find out more by accessing our free webinar, an introduction to EMDR therapy. You can find that here
Want to Learn More?
Consider checking out:
- Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro
- EMDR UK website for research and training info
Who are we at Mindsync EMDR Training
Caroline has a special interest in working with neurodiversity, when she is not delivering training Caroline sees clients for 1-1 work as well as running many supervision sessions and fitting in the odd pottery class!
Caroline van Diest – our Senior trainer. Having started her career as a learning disabilities nurse in the NHS, she trained initially in CBT before starting her EMDR journey. Caroline has worked for many years delivering EMDR training for therapists. She is the co-founder of Mindsync EMDR Training. She is a dynamic trainer, with an interest in storytelling. Caroline likes our delegates to have a clear understanding of EMDR. She will use a lot of clinical examples and story telling in her teaching. There is never a dull moment when Caroline is teaching!
Dr Hannah Bryan – is our Facilitator and trainee Trainer. She started her career in the NHS as a Clinical Psychologist. Hannah worked in secondary mental health services. She started her EMDR journey in 2005 and has seen the positive impact EMDR has on clients where other types of therapy seemed very slow going.
She is the co-founder of Mindsync EMDR training. Hannah has worked as a training Facilitator since 2019 and is really passionate about supporting delegates to grow their confidence and skill in EMDR.Hannah has a special interest in using EMDR within a coaching framework, she also sees clients struggling with their mental health due to their past experiences as well as providing supervision in EMDR.