How Long Does EMDR Take To Work. Simple & Complex Trauma

At OPEN EMDR, we are committed to making this transformative therapy more accessible to everyone through EMDR at home. Our mission is to provide resources, tools, and support to help individuals take the first step toward healing. Whether you’re exploring EMDR for the first time or seeking to deepen your understanding, OPEN EMDR is here to guide you on your journey to recovery. Together, we can unlock the power of healing and create a brighter, more resilient future.

How Long Does EMDR Take to Work?

EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. Research, including multiple meta-analyses and clinical trials, has demonstrated its success not only in treating PTSD in adults and children but also in addressing depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and even chronic pain.

However, the time it takes for EMDR to work can vary depending on the nature of the trauma, the individual’s personal history, and their current support system. The process follows a clear timeline and protocol to ensure effectiveness.

General Timeline

Initial Sessions (1-2 sessions)

• History Taking and Treatment Planning: The therapist gathers detailed information about the client’s history and identifies specific traumatic memories to target.
• Preparation: The therapist explains the EMDR process and teaches the client self-control techniques to manage emotional distress. This phase ensures the client feels safe and prepared for the work ahead.

Processing Phase (3-12 sessions)

• Desensitization: The client focuses on a traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (e.g., following the therapist’s moving finger with their eyes). This helps reduce the emotional charge of the memory.
• Installation: Positive beliefs are reinforced to replace negative ones associated with the trauma.
• Body Scan: The client notices any residual physical tension while thinking of the traumatic event and the positive belief, ensuring the memory is fully processed.

Reevaluation (ongoing)

• The therapist and client review progress and determine if additional memories need to be processed.

Factors Influencing Duration

• Complexity of Trauma: Single-incident trauma may require fewer sessions (e.g., 6-12 sessions), while multiple traumatic events or complex trauma may require more.
• Client’s Readiness: Clients with a stable support system and readiness to engage in the process often progress more quickly.
• Therapist’s Experience: An experienced EMDR therapist can facilitate more efficient processing.
• Therapeutic Relationship: Building trust and safety with the therapist is crucial and may take additional time depending on the individual.

Expected Outcomes

• Short-Term Relief: Some clients report feeling relief after just a few sessions.
• Long-Term Benefits: Significant improvement is often observed within 6-12 sessions, though more complex cases may require additional sessions.

EMDR therapy is highly individualized, and the therapist continually assesses progress to adjust the treatment plan as needed. While some individuals may experience relief in as few as 3-6 sessions, others may need 12 or more to achieve significant improvement. Similarly, some people may be responsive to online EMDR while others might not.

How Long Does EMDR Take for Complex Trauma?​

Complex trauma, often associated with conditions like Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), involves prolonged exposure to traumatic events, such as chronic abuse, neglect, or repeated interpersonal trauma.

Research shows that EMDR therapy for complex trauma typically takes longer than for single-incident trauma due to the depth and breadth of the issues being addressed.

Timeframe for Complex Trauma

• General Range: Treatment for complex trauma can take several months to a year or more, depending on the individual.
• Number of Sessions: While single-incident trauma might be addressed in 6-12 sessions, complex trauma often requires 20-30 sessions or more. Some individuals may need ongoing therapy for a year or longer.

Factors That Influence Duration

Severity and Duration of Trauma

Clients with a history of chronic abuse, neglect, or multiple traumatic events may need more time to process and heal.

Stabilization Needs

Clients with complex trauma often require additional time in the preparation phase to develop coping skills and emotional regulation techniques before diving into memory processing.

Co-Occurring Issues

Conditions like depression, anxiety, dissociation, or substance use can complicate treatment and extend the timeline.

Readiness and Pace

Some clients may need to work through traumatic memories slowly to avoid becoming overwhelmed, which can lengthen the process.

Therapeutic Relationship

Building trust and safety with the therapist is crucial for complex trauma survivors and may take additional time.

Phases of EMDR for Complex Trauma

History Taking and Treatment Planning (2-4+ sessions)

The therapist gathers a detailed history and identifies specific traumatic memories, as well as current triggers and negative beliefs.

Preparation and Stabilization (4-10+ sessions)

This phase is critical for complex trauma. The therapist helps the client develop coping skills, emotional regulation techniques, and a sense of safety before processing traumatic memories.

Processing Traumatic Memories (10-20+ sessions)

The client works through specific traumatic memories using bilateral stimulation. This phase may take longer for complex trauma due to the number of memories and the depth of emotional impact.

Reevaluation and Integration (ongoing)

The therapist and client review progress, address any remaining issues, and reinforce positive changes.

Expected Outcomes

• Gradual Improvement: Clients often notice gradual improvements in symptoms like flashbacks, anxiety, and negative self-beliefs over time.
• Long-Term Healing: While progress may be slower, EMDR can lead to significant and lasting healing for complex trauma survivors.

How long does EMDR take to work. Our conclusion

The process is tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

At OPEN EMDR, we’re dedicated to making this transformative therapy accessible. No matter your journey, EMDR offers a path to healing, resilience, and hope. Healing takes time, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.