top of page
Search

Does EMDR Really Work?

  • Writer: Jessicah Walker Herche, PhD, HSPP
    Jessicah Walker Herche, PhD, HSPP
  • Mar 20
  • 3 min read

If I hadn’t witnessed the effectiveness of EMDR firsthand, I might question it too.


It can look unusual. Eye movements, bilateral stimulation, limited talking - it’s different from what most people expect therapy to be. And when something feels unfamiliar, our brains are wired to pause and scan for risk.


That instinct makes sense.


But when we move beyond first impressions and look at the research - and the clinical outcomes - we get a clearer picture of what EMDR actually offers.



What Does the Research Say About EMDR?


EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most researched treatments for trauma, particularly Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Major organizations - including the APA and WHO - recognize EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for trauma.


Here’s what the research consistently shows:


  • EMDR is more effective than no treatment

    Individuals who receive EMDR show significant reductions in PTSD symptoms compared to those who receive no intervention.

  • EMDR is comparable to exposure-based therapies

    When EMDR is compared to treatments like prolonged exposure, outcomes are often similar. Both approaches can be highly effective in reducing trauma symptoms.

  • The mechanism of change is still being studied

    There is ongoing debate about how EMDR works. Some researchers suggest bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) plays a key role, while others propose that elements shared with exposure therapies—such as memory activation and desensitization—are central.



So while EMDR is widely accepted as effective, the exact mechanisms behind its impact are still being explored.


And this is where clinical experience matters.


Because even when two treatments show similar outcomes on paper, they can feel very different in practice.


Person in a coat walks on a grassy hill during sunrise, casting long shadows. Warm orange hues fill the sky, with distant mountains. EMDR Therapy at Cadence Psychology Studio in Fishers, Indiana.

Why EMDR Feels Safer for Many Trauma Survivors


One of the most meaningful differences with EMDR is how the work is approached.


EMDR follows a structured, 8-phase protocol designed to support both safety and effectiveness.


Curious about the process? Discover how EMDR works step by step and why each phase plays a critical role in healing from trauma.


Before any trauma processing begins, time is spent building internal resources, strengthening emotional regulation, and developing a clear treatment plan.


This matters.


Because trauma work isn’t just about accessing painful material - it’s about having the capacity to stay grounded while doing so.


In EMDR, clients are not thrown into overwhelming experiences. Instead, they are guided through a gradual, contained process that allows the nervous system to process without becoming flooded.


That combination - structure + skill-building + pacing - is often what makes EMDR feel more manageable, even for those who have felt overwhelmed in other forms of therapy.



You Don’t Have To Talk Through Every Detail


Another reason many people are drawn to EMDR is that it does not rely on verbal processing in the same way traditional talk therapy does.


There is still conversation. But the healing doesn’t depend on retelling your story over and over.


Instead, much of the work happens internally - through images, sensations, emotions, and the brain’s natural capacity to reprocess experiences.


For some, this is a relief.


  • You may feel like you’ve already talked about your trauma extensively without real resolution

  • You may not have access to clear memories or words

  • Or you may simply not want to revisit every detail out loud


EMDR allows for processing without requiring full verbal disclosure, while still leading to meaningful shifts in how the memory is held.


Explore this post to learn more about how EMDR is different from talk therapy



So... Does EMDR Work?


Yes - EMDR is an effective, research-supported treatment for trauma.


And just as importantly, many clinicians and clients find that it offers a different experience of healing - one that feels less overwhelming, more contained, and often more efficient.


That said, no single approach works for everyone.


The real question isn’t just “Does EMDR work?”

It’s: “Does EMDR feel like the right fit for you?”



Considering EMDR?


If you’re exploring EMDR, it’s important to work with a therapist who has completed EMDRIA-approved training, ensuring they are practicing within established standards for safety and effectiveness.


At Cadence Psychology Studio, we offer EMDR therapy for individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, and high-functioning distress. Sessions are available in-person in Fishers, Indiana, as well as via secure telehealth throughout Indiana and PsyPact-participating states.


If you’re curious whether EMDR might be a good fit, we’re happy to help you explore that next step.


Call or text 317-747-0574 or visit our contact page to get started.





About the Author


Jessicah Walker Herche, PhD, HSPP, is a counseling psychologist and founder of Cadence Psychology Studio, a therapy practice in Indiana. She specializes in working with high-achieving adults and couples navigate trauma, anxiety, and relationship challenges, offering care that is both clinically grounded and deeply relational.





Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional psychological care, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 


bottom of page