How Many EMDR Sessions Do You Need to See Results?
Clinically Reviewed by: Katie Moran, LCSW
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a highly effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. But, if you’re considering EMDR, you might find yourself asking one question: How long does EMDR take? The short answer is that it depends. Several factors can impact how long EMDR takes, including the type and complexity of the trauma, the client’s readiness for therapy, and if the client has any other mental health conditions.
When you work with an EMDR therapist at Octave, they’ll work with you to understand your unique situation. They’ll also guide you on how many sessions you might need.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different factors that impact EMDR timelines and why it's so important to find a timeline that works for you.
What is EMDR Therapy and How Does it Work?
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal from trauma or distressing memories. In an EMDR therapy session, you will recall a distressing memory. At the same time, you'll do bilateral stimulation, such as quick side-to-side eye movements. This helps your brain to reprocess the memory so that you don’t have as strong an emotional response.
There are 8 EMDR therapy phases. These include:
History and Treatment Planning: You and your therapist discuss your goals and history. You’ll also develop a treatment plan.
Preparation: Your therapist describes EMDR to you and answers any questions you may have about the process.
Assessment: You and your therapist will identify the memory to be reprocessed. Your therapist will also take a baseline assessment of your emotional response to the memory.
Desensitization: You’ll recall the targeted memory while taking part in bilateral stimulation like side-to-side eye movements or tapping.
Installation: You’ll pair a positive belief with the targeted memory, repeating this out loud. For example, “I am safe now”. This will replace any negative beliefs about the targeted memory.
Body Scan: Your therapist will guide you through a body scan to identify if there is any discomfort remaining in your body. If there is, you’ll repeat the desensitization phase.
Closure: Your therapist will help you return to a calm, comfortable state so the session can come to an end.
Revaluation: At the start of the next session, your therapist will reevaluate how you’re feeling. This is done to decide if you’ll continue to focus on the current memory or move on to the next one.
While EMDR is often described as using rapid eye movements, it isn’t just about eye movements. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess memories and heal. This bilateral stimulation, which can include eye movements, tapping, and/or alternating sounds, is just one part of an 8-phase approach that is personalized to your unique situation.
Typical EMDR Session Timeline
On average, it takes 6-12 sessions to treat one targeted issue. While some individuals may see results sooner, others might need more extended care. It’s also important to note that, while EMDR is phase-based, progress isn’t always linear. For example, the desensitization and installation phases are often repeated several times until the sensations associated with the memory are no longer as intense.
Sessions are often 60-90 minutes long. Initial sessions, like history and treatment planning, may be on the shorter end of the spectrum. Later sessions, when you’re focusing on desensitization and installation, may be scheduled for longer to ensure that you have enough time to properly progress through the steps.
EMDR therapy is usually scheduled for once or twice per week. However, your therapist may suggest a different schedule based on your needs.
What Influences EMDR Duration?
Several factors can impact EMDR therapy duration. These include:
Type and severity of trauma: People with single traumas usually see results faster. In contrast, those with complex traumas may require more sessions to notice changes. If you have a more complex background, then your therapist may progress through the steps more slowly to ensure that you stay safe and comfortable.
Client readiness and support systems: Being ready to receive treatment can influence how long it takes to see results. If you already have strong coping and emotional regulation skills, then you may be able to progress through EMDR therapy more quickly. Individuals with strong support systems can also experience quicker progress.
Co-occurring conditions: If you have a condition like depression or anxiety, then you may need more EMDR sessions to see results.
Frequency of sessions: EMDR might be offered weekly or biweekly (2 sessions per week). If you’re receiving more frequent EMDR therapy, then you might need fewer sessions.
Therapist skills and training: A highly trained therapist is more likely to help you see results sooner.
How Quickly Do People Start to See Results?
Some people feel better after just a few sessions. Others need more time to stabilize before starting trauma reprocessing. You might also notice some changes, like better emotional regulation, while continuing to work through the trauma. It’s important to ensure that the healing is done at your own pace and that your EMDR therapy is personalized to you. Therapy that is done at the right pace will be more effective than therapy that is rushed.
How to Know if EMDR is Working
Signs that you are making progress in your EMDR therapy include:
Reduced emotional charge, meaning that you feel less anxious or overwhelmed when recalling the memory
Changes in beliefs, such as thoughts like “I’m unsafe” being replaced with more positive beliefs like “I’m safe now”
Improved sleep, including a reduction in insomnia and nightmares
Improved mood, including a reduction in depression and anxiety
Reduced trauma symptoms, like panic attacks, flashbacks, and dissociation
Changes in how you respond to triggering situations, such as feeling calmer
Sometimes, progress isn’t always about symptom relief. As you progress in EMDR therapy, you might also start to notice that you have more clarity over your emotions. You may also see positive changes in your life. This could include setting healthy boundaries or practicing self-care.
Is There a Set Number of EMDR Sessions?
There’s no set number of EMDR sessions, and this is a good thing. Flexible, individualized care can lead to better outcomes. The number of EMDR sessions will be based on your personal needs and goals. Having no set number of sessions also allows you and your therapist to change your treatment plan based on how you’re feeling and progressing.
Octave’s Approach to EMDR Therapy
Octave’s licensed, trauma-informed professionals provide treatment plans that are tailored to your trauma history and pace. This means that your treatment plan will be tailored to suit you. There are also options to combine EMDR with other modalities, like talk therapy and mindfulness. This can create a more holistic approach and help you develop coping skills that can leave you with greater emotional resilience.
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FAQs
Q: How many EMDR sessions for PTSD?
A: The number of EMDR sessions for PTSD can vary depending on your unique situation. However, the average number of sessions is 6-12.
Q: Can EMDR work in just a few sessions?
A: Yes, some individuals report reduced symptoms after just a few sessions. In fact, some studies show that individuals with single traumas experience relief after just 3 sessions of EMDR.
Q: What if I don’t feel better after 6 sessions?
A: The amount of time that EMDR takes varies, and it can take longer for individuals with more complex trauma or history to see results. If you’re feeling concerned that you’re not making progress, try talking to your therapist. They can help you understand why you might not be noticing changes yet and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
Q: Is EMDR supposed to feel intense?
A: EMDR involves recalling past traumas, so it can bring up intense emotions. However, your therapist is trained in methods to help you self-regulate to reduce these feelings.
Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
Not sure how many sessions you’ll need? Let our trauma-informed Octave therapists guide you. Schedule an EMDR consultation today.