How Effective is EMDR with Anxiety and Depression?

Read the first blog in this series:
What is EMDR? Is it as powerful as they say?
What can I expect from EMDR therapy? A session to session guide.
How is EMDR different from talk therapy?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a very effective therapy that treats most mental health diagnosis and conditions.

Treating General Anxiety Disorder with EMDR

Living with constant worry can feel like carrying a heavy weight that never goes away. For many, finding effective anxiety relief techniques is a top priority to regain a sense of normalcy. EMDR serves as a powerful tool to help calm the nervous system when life feels overwhelming. Bilateral stimulation works by helping the brain process these stuck stress responses more effectively.

By engaging both sides of the brain, patients often notice a significant drop in their baseline heart rate and muscle tension. This process allows the body to shift out of a constant “fight or flight” mode. Regulating the nervous system is a primary benefit that helps individuals feel more grounded and secure.

Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can be incredibly disruptive, often striking without warning. The goal of EMDR therapy is to identify specific triggers that lead to sudden, intense fear. Overcoming panic attacks becomes much more manageable when these triggers are desensitized through guided eye movements or tactile stimulation.

When a person targets a specific memory or sensation associated with a panic episode, the emotional charge begins to fade. This shift allows the patient to view the trigger from a place of safety rather than terror. Gaining control over these moments is a life-changing step toward long-term peace of mind.

Phobias

Phobias are irrational fears of something specific – such as heights, clowns, insects, confined spaces. Although those that experience them know that they are in fact safe, their emotional brain is unable to register that fact. The thought of the their phobia sends them into an uncontrolled physiological and emotional state of panic.

This method helps to neutralize the emotional charge attached to the fear. As the intensity of the memory fades, the physical symptoms of the phobia begin to diminish. Many clients find that following EMDR therapy they are able approach previously terrifying situations with a newfound sense of calm and clarity.

Social and Performance Based Anxiety

Social anxiety and performance-related fears can significantly hinder both academic, professional and personal growth. Whether it is the fear of public speaking or the dread of social gatherings, these conditions often stem from a deep-seated belief about one’s own safety or competence. EMDR helps to target these underlying beliefs directly.

The focus of the therapy would go back to early aversive experiences. Foundational memories could include what would be considered ordinary childhood experiences as an adult, however, the memories stayed highly activating and formative. Examples are blundering the winning point at the state finals, making a funny mistake during a presentation, or being teased in junior high for your clothing choice.

Ultimately, EMDR therapy provides a pathway to reclaiming your autonomy. By addressing the root of the fear, you move beyond mere coping and toward genuine, lasting freedom from the experiences that once defined you.

What does the research say about EMDR’s effectiveness with anxiety?

With 40 years of research, EMDR is considered to be evidence – based. This means that treatment outcomes (results) are based on facts, rather than impressions or subjective feelings. One meta-analysis (combined research from many studies) concludes that ‘EMDR is efficacious for reducing symptoms of anxiety, panic, phobia, and behavioural/somatic symptoms‘. Another reports ‘EMDR therapy may be effective not only for PD [Panic Disorder] but also for specific phobias‘.

Treating Major Depression Disorder with EMDR

EMDR provides a unique window into the emotional architecture that sustains long-term depressive states. While many people rely on standard counseling, this specialized approach targets the way the brain stores and processes difficult life events. It serves as a powerful ally in depression management by addressing the core emotional patterns that fuel a low mood.

Depression often stems from unresolved experiences that remain “stuck” in the nervous system. These memories can act as silent triggers, keeping an individual trapped in a cycle of sadness or hopelessness. Every time something goes wrong, it automatically reminds you that you aren’t good enough, you are weak, you are unworthy or that you are unimportant. EMDR processing disconnects from those memories, and allows for two things to be true – I made a mistake (even a big one), AND I am good enough, strong, worthy and important.

Some examples for early life events that can manifest in depression include being yelled at by a parent/teacher/coach for not trying enough when you did try your hardest. Or childhood trauma, especially neglectful caregiving or persistent bullying and belittling.

What does the research say about EMDR’s effectiveness with depression?

A meta-analysis that included over 1,000 participants concludes that ‘EMDR is effective in treating depression, particularly in severe cases, and highlights its potential as a non-pharmacological intervention‘. Another reports ‘EMDR is more effective in treating MDD than “No Intervention” and CBT, particularly in individuals who have traumatic experience‘. A third focused on long-term benefits of EMDR on Depression ‘EMDR therapy leads to a high rate of remission, and is associated with a decreased number of relapses‘.

How do I Find a Qualified EMDR Therapist?

When looking for a qualified EMDR therapist, the first place to look is on the EMDRIA website. The EMDR International Association is the body that regulates both how EMDR is trained, and the therapists that wish to move up the credentialing process. There are companies that offer EMDR trainings, however they do not hold the same rigorous expectations, including supervised practice. Make sure your therapist has EMDRIA approval before moving forward.

There are several levels of EMDR therapists:

• EMDR in training: Currently participating in the 50 hours of training. This includes lecture, video and live demonstrations of key principles, and practicing with another trainee while an experienced EMDR therapist observes and gives live feed-back. They are also participating in 10 hours of group sessions, where they share their use of EMDR, review lecture material and learn from their peers’ experiences.
• EMDR trained: Completed the 50 hours or training, the 10 hours of group and a post-test demonstrating their knowledge. No further actions are necessary to keep this status.
• EMDR certified: After becoming EMDR trained, these therapist continue their learning by taking at least 12 hours of advanced trainings, have an additional 20 hours of oversight with a higher level EMDR therapist (including audio tapes of actual sessions), and have completed a minimum number of processing sessions. Certification must be renewed every 2 years, an additional 12 hours of advanced trainings is required at each renewal.
• EMDR Consultant in Training (CIT): After becoming certified, they continue to learn by taking another 12 hours of advanced training and have more processing sessions completed. They are also required to have a minimum of 20 hours of oversight from an Approved Consultant (the next levelup). The Approved Consultant will evaluate the CIT’s ability to correctly guide and support newly trained therapists in their use of EMDR with their clients. The audio/video used here will be of the CIT offering consultation to the therapist that is either in training or trained.
• EMDR Approved Consultant: Once all the above requirements are met, the therapist will now have the title of Approved Consultant. This credential requires 12 hours of advanced training and renewal every two years.
• EMDR Trainer: This is the highest level of credentialing for an EMDR therapist. There are believed to be less than 250 trainers in the United States. In addition to being an Approved Consultant, the trainer has to go through a rigorous screening process. The curriculum has to meet very specific criteria about content and length of time spent on topics, the in training practicum experiences, even how the learning management system works. They are also required to answer a series of questions around how they handle certain situations, learner engagement, and being culturally sensitive and aware. Trainer status is renewed every 2 years by answering the training specific short essay questions.

If you have further questions about EMDR, either as a therapist or as a potential client, please reach out to Heather Dunn, EMDRIA Approved trainer, at heather@bluehorizoncounseling.com.

Summary

There is a lot more to EMDR, it requires a minimum or 60 hours in supervised training to be credentialed. This overview is designed to help you feel more prepared before starting EMDR for yourself. Admittedly, it does seem odd that experiencing BLS could have such a significant effect. It has been tested over and over again for 40 years, with strong results supporting this therapy.

Each phase is just as important as the next and need to be done thoroughly and in order. The most common mistakes that new or inexperienced EMDR therapists make is not doing the groundwork. Phases 1 and 2 are imperative to ensure the processing is emotionally safe and tolerable for the client. Unfortunately these phases are often rushed through. Additionally, you want to make sure your therapist is intentional about which memory to start processing through. Starting with an intense trauma, especially if the client is ill prepared, can have significant long-term impacts. It’s often advised to start with a smaller memory as the client gets comfortable with the process, and the therapist can evaluate their ability to stay regulated.

Read more about EMDR:
How Effective is EMDR with Adolescents?
How Effective is EMDR with Children?
How Effective is EMDR with Physiological Diagnosis, such as Bipolar, Neurodivergence and Schizophrenia?
How Effective is EMDR with a Trauma Based Diagnosis – PTSD and Borderline Personality Disorder?

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Read the next blog in our series:
Is EMDR Effective with Anxiety and Depression?

At Blue Horizon Counseling we have several therapists that are passionate and qualified in EMDR therapy. We also offer consultation for EMDR therapists that are looking for additional support as they continue to learn and grow.

You’re Not Alone. Our Therapists are here to help, in Pearland, TX.

Hang in there. This won’t last forever, even if some days feel like it might. You’re planting the seeds for future blossoms. All our therapists at Blue Horizon Counseling offer sessions both in person and via telehealth.  Find the right therapist for you. We accept most major insurance plans.

Written by Heather Dunn, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor, specializing in trauma, dissociation and EMDR. Heather has been practicing for over 20 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge and helpful tips.

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