Why EMDR is More Effective Than CBT for Treating Depression | Evidence-Based

02/02/2025 By Des Leave a Comment

EMDR for Depression: A Groundbreaking Alternative to CBT

If you’ve ever felt stuck in the overwhelming fog of depression, you’re not alone. Millions of people struggle daily with feelings of sadness, fatigue, and hopelessness. But here’s the good news—new therapies are offering hope and healing. One of the most promising options is Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Initially developed for trauma recovery, EMDR is now gaining recognition as a powerful treatment for depression, often surpassing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in effectiveness.

Let’s dive into why EMDR therapy for depression is making waves and how it can offer you the relief you’ve been searching for.

Why EMDR Stands Out Compared to CBT

Unlike traditional therapies like CBT, which focus on changing thought patterns and behaviours, EMDR works on a deeper level. It engages your emotional brain—the limbic system—for processing emotions, memories, and instincts. Many people with depression carry unresolved emotional pain that CBT alone may not fully address. EMDR specifically targets this emotional pain, providing profound and lasting relief.

During an EMDR session, you’ll use eye movements or various forms of bilateral stimulation whilst reviting distressing memories. This process allows your brain to reprocess and reduce the emotional intensity of these memories. The result? You’re no longer trapped in the past, and you can finally break free from the cycle of depression.

EMDR vs. CBT: What the Research Says

Two significant studies highlight why EMDR therapy benefits people with depression and how it compares to CBT:

Key Insights from the NCBI Study

The EMDR for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review study analyzed 26 randomized controlled trials on how EMDR impacts depression. The findings were impressive:

People who tried EMDR often experienced faster relief than those undergoing CBT.
The benefits of EMDR weren’t just temporary—many participants reported long-lasting improvements and lower relapse rates.
EMDR was particularly effective for individuals with depression linked to trauma or adverse life events.

This study underscores that EMDR therapy does more than alleviate symptoms—it helps heal the underlying causes of depression, making it easier to maintain emotional stability.

Findings from the ResearchGate Meta-Analysis

Similarly, The Efficacy of EMDR in Reducing Depression: A Comparative Study compared the effectiveness of EMDR and CBT for treating depression. Here are the key takeaways:

EMDR outperformed CBT, particularly for people whose depression stemmed from trauma.
Participants in EMDR therapy experienced greater improvements in emotional regulation.
EMDR often requires fewer sessions to deliver noticeable progress, making it a time-efficient option for many patients.

These findings highlight how EMDR for depression addresses the emotional core of the disorder, offering a more complete path to recovery than CBT.

Why EMDR Therapy Works Better for Depression

Several factors explain why EMDR is so effective for treating depression:

Healing the Emotional Root of Depression: Depression is often rooted in unresolved trauma or emotional pain. EMDR targets these memories directly, helping you process them and reduce their impact on your emotional state.
Fast-Acting Relief: EMDR’s bilateral stimulation accelerates the brain’s natural healing process, often delivering quicker results than traditional talk therapies.
Long-Lasting Improvement: Unlike CBT, which may require ongoing maintenance sessions, EMDR has been shown to provide lasting relief, significantly lowering the risk of relapse.
Rewiring Emotional Responses: EMDR rewires how your brain processes and stores negative memories, helping you respond to life’s challenges without being triggered by past trauma.

EMDR for Depression Linked to Neurodegenerative Conditions

While EMDR has proven effective for trauma-related depression, its role in treating depression linked to neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s is still unclear. Current research is limited, but future studies could explore how EMDR therapy could be adapted for individuals with cognitive decline. This research could open new possibilities for alleviating the emotional distress often accompanying these conditions.

Is EMDR Right for You?

If you’ve tried CBT or other treatments and haven’t found lasting relief, EMDR may be exactly what you need. It’s especially beneficial if your depression is linked to trauma, but it can also help those seeking faster, long-term results.

Before starting, you’ll need a thorough assessment by a good EMDR therapist to determine if it fits you. With the proper guidance, EMDR can provide a safe and effective path toward healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can EMDR help with chronic depression?

Yes, EMDR has shown promising results for people with chronic depression, particularly when unresolved trauma is a contributing factor. By addressing deep-seated emotional pain, EMDR can provide relief even in long-term cases. Consulting with a trained therapist will help ensure the right approach for your situation.

How is EMDR different from CBT for trauma-related depression?

While both trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are effective treatments for trauma, they differ significantly in their approaches and mechanisms. Trauma-focused CBT requires individuals to actively confront and relive their trauma, which can be time-consuming and emotionally challenging. In contrast, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess the trauma more efficiently, often resulting in faster relief and less emotional pain.

How long does it take for EMDR to show results?

Many people notice improvements within just a few sessions, although the timeframe varies based on the intensity of symptoms and the complexity of the trauma being addressed. Some may experience relief after 6-12 sessions, while others may need more time.

Can EMDR help with depression if I don’t have trauma?

Yes, EMDR doesn’t just work for big, life-altering traumas—it can also address smaller, unresolved emotional wounds that contribute to depression. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Identifying Targets

Even if you don’t have a specific traumatic event, your therapist will help you identify key memories, emotions, or beliefs that contribute to your depression. These might include:

Moments when you felt rejected, criticized, or unloved.
Situations where you felt powerless or inadequate.
Core negative beliefs about yourself (e.g., “I’m worthless” or “I’ll never succeed”).

Step 2: Bilateral Stimulation

During EMDR sessions, you’ll focus on these targets while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones). This stimulation helps your brain reprocess the memory or belief, reducing emotional intensity.

Step 3: Reprocessing and Healing

As the memory or belief is reprocessed, you’ll begin to see it in a new light. For example:

A memory of being criticized might lose its emotional sting, and you might realize, “That was their issue, not mine.”
A belief like “I’m not good enough” might shift to “I am worthy and capable.”

Conclusion: EMDR Offers Hope for Lasting Relief

Imagine living a life free from the emotional burden of depression. EMDR therapy makes that vision possible by addressing the root causes of depression and delivering long-lasting results. If traditional treatments like CBT haven’t worked for you, EMDR could be the key to unlocking a brighter, more stable future.

Don’t let depression control your life any longer. Consider trying EMDR therapy for depression and take the first step toward the emotional freedom you deserve. Contact an Experienced EMDR Therapist now.

References

Yan S, Shan Y, Zhong S, et al. The Effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Toward Adults With Major Depressive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:700458. Published 2021 Aug 6. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.700458

Sepehry, Amir & Lam, Kerena & Sheppard, Michael & Guirguis-Younger, Manal & Maglio, Asa-Sophia. (2021). EMDR for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research. 15. 2-17. 10.1891/EMDR-D-20-00038.

Keywords: EMDR for Depression, EMDR vs CBT, EMDR therapy benefits.

EMDR Therapy: Answering Your Top 10 Questions and Concerns

01/02/2025 By Des Leave a Comment

Top Ten Concerns About EMDR Therapy

If you’ve heard about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, you might be intrigued—but also a little unsure. It’s natural to have questions, especially regarding something as personal as therapy. EMDR is a unique and powerful approach to healing trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges, but its use of eye movements or tapping can feel unfamiliar or even intimidating.

As an experienced EMDR therapist, I’ve heard many of the same concerns from clients over the years. In this article, I’ll address people’s top 10 questions and concerns about EMDR so you can feel informed, reassured, and ready to take the next step toward healing.

Does EMDR Really Work?

EMDR involves techniques like eye movements or tapping, which might seem unconventional. Does it actually work?

The Answer: Yes, it does! EMDR is backed by decades of research and is recognised as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD by organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Studies show that EMDR can be as effective as traditional therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and often produces results in fewer sessions.

Why It Works: EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity and allowing you to heal. It’s not just about the eye movements—it’s about activating the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate difficult experiences.

Is EMDR Safe?

Will revisiting traumatic memories make me feel worse or re-traumatise me?

The Answer: EMDR is designed to be a safe and controlled process. As your therapist, I prioritise ensuring you feel stable and supported throughout the process. We’ll use grounding techniques and establish safety before diving into trauma work. You’re always in control, and we can pause or stop the session if you feel overwhelmed.

Healing, Not Reliving: EMDR is about processing trauma, not reliving it. The goal is to help you feel lighter and freer, not re-traumatised.

What If I Can’t Do the Eye Movements?

I’m not comfortable with eye movements. Will EMDR still work for me?

The Answer: Absolutely! EMDR doesn’t rely solely on eye movements. We can use alternative forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones, to achieve the same effect. The key is the bilateral stimulation, not the specific method used.

Flexibility Is Key: Your comfort matters, and we’ll adapt the technique to suit your needs.

Will EMDR Work for My Specific Issue?

I’ve heard EMDR is great for PTSD, but what if I’m dealing with anxiety, depression, or something else?

The Answer: EMDR is incredibly versatile. While it’s best known for treating PTSD, it’s also effective for anxiety, depression, phobias, and even chronic pain. We can adapt the protocol to address your specific needs, whether you’re dealing with a single traumatic event or long-standing emotional challenges.

Tailored to You: Your therapy will be personalised to help you achieve your goals.

How Long Will It Take to See Results?

Will EMDR take forever, or will I see results quickly?

The Answer: EMDR is often faster than traditional talk therapies. Many clients report significant improvements in just 6–12 sessions, though the exact number depends on the complexity of the trauma and your individual needs.

Efficient Healing: EMDR focuses on reprocessing specific memories, which can lead to rapid symptom relief.

What If I Don’t Remember My Trauma Clearly?

My memories are fuzzy or fragmented. Can EMDR still help?

The Answer: Yes! EMDR can still be effective even if your memories are unclear. The therapy focuses on the emotional and physical sensations associated with the trauma, not just the narrative details.

Healing Without Details: You don’t need a perfect memory of the event—your brain and body will guide the process.

Is EMDR Therapy Just Hypnosis or Pseudoscience?

EMDR sounds a bit like hypnosis. Is it scientifically valid?

The Answer: EMDR is not hypnosis. It’s a structured, evidence-based therapy grounded in neuroscience. Research shows it helps reprocess traumatic memories by engaging the brain’s natural healing mechanisms.

Science-Backed: EMDR therapy is supported by rigorous research and is widely accepted in the mental health community.

Will I Lose Control During the Session?

What if I feel overwhelmed or lose control during EMDR?

The Answer: Your safety and comfort are my top priorities. We’ll work within your “window of tolerance,” ensuring you feel secure and in control throughout the process. You can pause or stop the session anytime if you feel overwhelmed.

You’re in Charge: EMDR is a collaborative process, and you’re always in control.

Is EMDR Only for Recent Trauma?

My trauma happened years ago. Can EMDR still help?

The Answer: Absolutely. EMDR is effective for both recent and past trauma, including childhood experiences. The therapy helps reprocess stored memories, regardless of how long ago the trauma occurred.

Healing the Past: EMDR can help you address unresolved trauma from any stage of life.

What If I Don’t Feel Anything During EMDR?

What if I don’t feel any emotional response during EMDR? Will it still work?

The Answer: Not everyone experiences intense emotions during EMDR, and that’s okay. The therapy works subconsciously, and progress can still occur even if you don’t feel dramatic changes during the session.

Trust the Process: Healing happens in different ways for different people. I’ll guide you through the process at your own pace.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of EMDR Therapy

If you’ve decided to try EMDR, here are some tips to help you make the most of your sessions:

Choose a Qualified Therapist: Look for someone trained and certified in EMDR, ideally with experience in your specific concerns. How to find a good EMDR therapist.
Be Open and Honest: Share your concerns and goals with your therapist. The more they understand your needs, the better they can tailor the therapy to you.
Practice Self-Care: EMDR can bring up strong emotions, so take care of yourself before and after sessions. Journaling, meditation, or spending time with loved ones can help.
Trust the Process: Healing takes time, and progress might not always feel linear. Trust that your therapist is guiding you toward long-term recovery.
Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about anything. A good therapist will welcome your questions and provide clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How many EMDR sessions will I need?

A: Most people see significant improvement in 6–12 sessions, but the exact number depends on your needs.

Q: Can EMDR be done online?

A: Yes, I can adapt EMDR for online therapy. While in-person sessions are ideal, virtual EMDR can still be effective with the proper setup.

Q: Does Medicare or my Health Fund cover EMDR?

A: Yes, Medicare and all health funds in Australia cover EMDR therapy as an evidence-based treatment. It is the treatment of choice for First responders and veterans. See: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/emdr.asp

Q: Can children and teens benefit from EMDR?

A: Absolutely. EMDR has been adapted for children and adolescents and can be highly effective for young people dealing with trauma or anxiety.

Conclusion

EMDR therapy is a powerful, evidence-based treatment that can help you heal from trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. While concerns are natural, understanding how EMDR works and what to expect can help you feel more confident about taking the first step.

If you’ve been struggling with unresolved trauma or emotional pain, EMDR might be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for. By addressing the root of your distress and helping your brain reprocess traumatic memories, EMDR can empower you to move forward with greater peace and resilience.

Ready to explore EMDR therapy? Contact me today to schedule a consultation and discover how EMDR can help you reclaim your life. Your journey to healing starts here.

How EMDR Therapy Can Help You Heal from Trauma

18/10/2024 By Des Leave a Comment

How EMDR Therapy Can Help You Heal from Trauma, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Whole Again

Trauma can profoundly affect how we feel and respond to the world around us. Many of us may swing between feeling highly stressed and reactive (fight or flight) or completely shut down (freeze).

These responses are natural ways our body tries to protect us when we’ve been through overwhelming experiences. But sometimes, long after the trauma, we can still feel stuck in these patterns EMDR therapy can help you break free from this cycle and reclaim your life after trauma.

Connecting the Senses to the Present

When we’ve been through trauma, it can feel like our brain has trouble processing all the different sights, sounds, and feelings around us. This is why certain sounds, smells, or situations can suddenly trigger old memories or emotions, making us feel like we’re reliving the trauma. Healing from trauma isn’t about forgetting—it’s about processing these memories in a way that helps your brain see them as just that—memories. EMDR therapy can help you stay grounded and feel whole again by processing these sensory experiences, allowing you to move forward with more peace.

Reclaiming Your Sense of Self

Trauma can cause us to feel disconnected from ourselves. You may feel detached from your body, emotions, or sense of identity. This can leave you feeling like you’re “not yourself” or that parts of you are missing. EMDR therapy for trauma works to help you reconnect with these lost parts of yourself. As you begin to heal, you’ll feel more in control and more present in your own life, regaining the confidence and sense of self that trauma may have taken away.

Healing from Reliving to Remembering

One of the most challenging aspects of trauma is feeling like you’re constantly reliving it as if it’s happening all over again. In therapy, we often talk about moving from “reliving” to “remembering”—where you still have the memories, but they no longer control you. EMDR therapy helps you achieve this shift, allowing you to remember the past without being stuck in it. With EMDR, you can reclaim your life by processing your trauma in a way that helps you move forward, feeling lighter and more empowered.

Finding Balance in Your Body

After trauma, many people experience a disconnect from their bodies. You might feel like your body isn’t your own or struggle with balance and coordination. This disconnection can leave you feeling disoriented and unsafe. One of the most potent aspects of EMDR therapy is that it helps you reconnect with your body in a safe and supportive way. By gently reawakening your body’s natural balance, EMDR helps you **feel whole again** and more grounded in your everyday life.

Embracing Your Emotions

For some, trauma leads to emotional numbness, while for others, it causes intense feelings of fear, anger, or shame. In either case, emotions can feel overwhelming or completely out of reach. EMDR therapy helps you learn how to reconnect with your feelings safely. It’s not about being overwhelmed but about learning to experience emotions without fear, bringing more peace and emotional balance into your life.

You’re Not Alone in Hearing Voices or Feeling Disconnected

If you’ve ever felt like parts of yourself are disconnected or heard voices representing different parts of you, you’re not alone. This is a normal response to trauma, and EMDR therapy is designed to help you work with these experiences. In treatment, we’ll explore these parts of yourself with care and compassion, helping you feel more integrated and at peace.

Regaining Control Over Your Life

Trauma can leave us feeling out of control—like we’ve lost our sense of agency over our bodies, our emotions, and even our lives. EMDR therapy is about helping you regain that control. You’ll learn how to manage triggers, understand your emotional responses, and stay grounded in the present moment. It’s not just about surviving anymore; it’s about thriving. With EMDR, you can reclaim your life, rediscover your sense of self, and feel whole again.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

If you’re ready to break free from the cycles of trauma and reclaim your life, EMDR therapy may be the right path for you. Don’t wait any longer to take the next step towards healing and emotional balance. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards feeling whole again.

You deserve to live a life free from the weight of past trauma. Let us help you regain control, find peace, and thrive once more.

How is the new enhanced EMDR 2.0 different from EMDR?

18/08/2023 By Des 2 Comments

EMDR 2.0 is built on the original EMDR protocol but includes several adjustments to improve its efficiency in treating patients with complex PTSD. It still uses the eight-phase protocol of standard EMDR, but does not necessarily replace it.

How does EMDR 2.0 work?

EMDR 2.0 includes a stronger emphasis on activating memory and challenging working memory. Working memory is like your brain’s temporary storage and processing system. It’s what you use to hold onto information for a short time while thinking or doing something. Your working memory is limited, so you can’t hold too much at once.

There are three main things that EMDR 2.0 does

First, the therapist talks to the person to help them put the difficult memory in their mind (working memory). This helps the person prepare for the therapy and understand how it works.
Then, they help the person makes the memory stronger, by helping the person to focus on all aspects of the memory like taste, smell, sound, feel etc.
Finally, the therapist uses different tasks to help the person deal with the memory. These tasks could include superfast eye movements, tapping, counting, clapping and V-steps. The therapist may use tasks that fit the type of memory being worked on. For instance, if the memory has a strong sound part (like a sigh), they might use tasks that involve listening or speaking, like counting or spelling. This helps make the therapy more effective.

Because the working memory has limited capacity, the doing of the tasks competes with the difficult memory and fragments it, helping to process and make it less disturbing.

Is EMDR 2.0 better than standard EMDR?

We need more research. A highlight of a recent study concluded that

“EMDR 2.0 requires fewer desensitization sets than EMDR to reach the same effect, suggesting more efficiency”.

see: The effect of EMDR versus EMDR 2.0.., European Journal of PSychotraumatology 2021

As a long-time practitioner of EMDR, discovering and implementing the EMDR 2.0 protocol has been a significant breakthrough for both my clients and me at EMDR Therapy Sydney. The protocol has allowed us to complete more profound and challenging work in fewer sessions for some cases. However, it depends on the client and where they are in their processing of disturbing memories.

An experienced EMDR practitioner will use both protocols as needed.

EMDR 2.0 is based on the clinical experience of therapy providers lead by Dr Ad de Jongh and Dr Suzy Matthijssen using scientific research on how our working memory affects the recall of traumatic experiences. The premise behind EMDR 2.0 is that by increasing a patient’s motivation, activating their memory more effectively, and challenging their working memory more strongly, the therapy can be even more helpful in treating PTSD.

After a long two days of EMDR 2.0 training with Dr Ad de Jongh and Dr Suzy Matthijssen in Sydney early 2023.

Dr. Suzy Matthijssen is a clinical psychologist-psychotherapist who specializes in trauma treatment. She is also a senior researcher and teaches at the university. Her research focuses on improving trauma treatments, including using intensive trauma treatments and working memory theory. Dr. Matthijssen is the head of the Altrecht Academic Anxiety Centre and the intensive trauma treatment program. She holds leadership roles in the Dutch EMDR association and EMDR Europe, as well as the Future of EMDR project.

Dr. Ad de Jongh is a clinical psychologist and professor of Anxiety and Behavior Disorders at the University of Amsterdam. He is also a professor at several other universities. Ad helped create the Psychotrauma Expertise Center (PSYTREC) and is in charge of the research department. He is an expert in treating anxiety disorders and conducts research on the effectiveness of treatments for various patient groups, including traumatized children, people with intellectual disabilities, and those with complex psychiatric conditions like psychosis. Dr. de Jongh is a recognized EMDR trainer and involved in the Future of EMDR project. He has won multiple awards for his research.