This article is featured in Harper's BAZAAR and is republished with permission.
First devoped almost 40 years ago for war veterans, EMDR is rapidly gaining mainstream attention as a therapy for PTSD. Clinical psychologist and anxiety specialist Dr Jodie Lowinger explores its potential.
In recent years, conversations around trauma have shifted from the periphery to centre stage, with increasing awareness of the long-term psychological and physiological impact of traumatic life events. Despite this increased awareness, millions of people worldwide continue to suffer from unresolved trauma, often struggling to find effective treatment.
One therapy that has emerged as a promising option for trauma survivors, clinicians and even highprofile figures such as Prince Harry is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). This evidence-based therapy, alongside other scientifically supported cognitive and behavioural interventions, offers a structured and effective approach to reprocessing distressing memories, providing relief where talk therapy alone can fall short.
As a clinical psychologist specialising in anxiety and trauma, and through my clinical practice at The Anxiety Clinic in Sydney, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these modalities to treat trauma. Developed by American psychologist Dr Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR is a structured, eight-phase approach that utilises bilateral stimulation, most commonly in the form of guided eye movements (for example, following moving dots on a computer screen), tapping or auditory cues, while consciously summoning traumatic memories to front of mind. The idea is that this process helps individuals reprocess ‘stuck’ memories, reducing their emotional intensity and integrating them in a healthier way.
One of the key advantages of EMDR is that it does not require patients to verbalise their trauma, at least not extensively. Instead, it allows the brain to rewire distressing experiences so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotional reactions. In essence, EMDR enables individuals to reframe traumatic memories, transforming them from sources of deep distress into recollections that no longer dominate their emotional landscape.
Initially developed as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returned soldiers, EMDR has since been adapted for a broader range of psychological conditions where traumatic life experiences have relevance. For example, it has been used to help survivors of abuse and assault, including those who have endured sexual, physical or emotional abuse, to process traumatic experiences and move forward. In addition, EMDR has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks where trauma has been a contributor by addressing the root cause of the anxiety.
Unresolved trauma also plays a significant role in depression and complicated grief, with EMDR helping individuals reframe painful memories in a way that fosters emotional healing. Similarly, individuals suffering from phobias, whether a fear of flying or social anxiety, have found EMDR effective in dismantling trauma triggers that underlie these fears. Additionally, the therapy has been beneficial for those struggling with addictions and compulsive behaviours by identifying and reprocessing the traumatic triggers that can underlie these patterns. The 2021 Apple TV+ documentary series The Me You Can’t See helped to bring EMDR into mainstream awareness when Prince Harry shared his personal experience with the therapy. He revealed that he sought EMDR to address unresolved trauma related to the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, and the pressures of his royal upbringing. Viewers saw Prince Harry engage in an EMDR session, using bilateral stimulation while recalling distressing memories. His candid discussion about how EMDR helped him regain control over his emotional responses resonated with many, providing further support for the therapy’s legitimacy in the public eye.
Though EMDR has faced its share of scepticism, an increasingly robust body of research lends weight to its efficacy. This includes a 2018 metaanalysis in Frontiers in Psychology that concluded EMDR significantly reduces PTSD symptoms, with results comparable to traditional cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In a 2021 study published in The Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 77 per cent of PTSD patients treated with EMDR no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD post-treatment. Further to this, a 2020 Cochrane Review found that EMDR was as effective as trauma-focused CBT. The Australian Psychological Society, American Psychological Association and World Health Organization all endorse EMDR as a first-line treatment for PTSD alongside other cognitive behavioural treatments, including imaginal exposure and trauma rescripting.
While the exact mechanisms of EMDR are still being explored, many researchers believe it mirrors the brain’s natural trauma-processing functions, similar to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. By engaging in bilateral stimulation, the brain is thought to integrate and resolve distressing memories.
Despite compelling evidence, EMDR is not yet universally utilised by clinical psychologists, with several factors limiting its adoption. Becoming an EMDR-certified therapist requires specialised training, including rigorous coursework and supervised practice, which not all clinicians pursue. Additionally, while some insurance plans cover EMDR, many do not, while many clinicians still favour traditional talk therapy or exposurebased techniques.
Like any therapeutic approach, EMDR has both passionate advocates and sceptics. In its favour is the emerging body of research demonstrating its efficacy and the relief patients report from distressing symptoms. Some critics, however, argue that the eye-movement component is unnecessary and that any benefits stem from exposure-therapy principles. Research on EMDR’s efficacy for conditions beyond PTSD is still emerging.
While debate continues, one thing is clear: EMDR has changed the way many clinicians approach trauma treatment. With increasing endorsements from global health organisations, mounting empirical support and highprofile case studies, EMDR is poised to become an even more integral part of mental health care.
If you or someone you love is struggling with trauma, the key message is this: no one need suffer in silence when scientifically supported interventions by a trained clinical psychologist can have a profound and often liberating impact on your life