How Long Does EMDR Take? Treatment Duration Explained
By: Maria Inoa
Sep 11, 2024
A typical EMDR therapy session lasts 60 minutes. There's no way to know precisely how many EMDR treatment sessions each person will need, but roughly 3-6 months of consistent (weekly to every other week) therapy sessions is adequate for most people.
A frequent question people have about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy is, "How long will it take?" In this guide, we will look at the length of sessions and the average number of sessions for EMDR treatment. We'll also break down what the EMDR process entails, consider factors that affect the length of EMDR treatment, and compare it to other forms of therapy.
Typical Duration of EMDR Therapy
A typical EMDR therapy session lasts 60 minutes. Some therapists offer more extended sessions, such as 90 to 120 minutes, which are usually referred to as intensives.
The number of sessions you will need varies significantly. There's no way to know precisely how many EMDR treatment sessions each person will need. It depends on your history and what you want to work on healing. It also depends on each person and how their brain and body adapt to the EMDR therapy sessions.
I estimate roughly 3-6 months of consistent (weekly to every other week) therapy sessions is adequate for most people. Those with complex PTSD will likely want to plan for more thought, which varies as well.
Related: How Many EMDR Sessions Do You Need?
The Phases of EMDR Therapy
Phase 1: History Taking and Treatment Planning
The first step of EMDR treatment is getting to know your EMDR therapist and then getting to know you. This can take approximately 1-2 EMDR sessions. The EMDR therapist will discuss what brings you into individual therapy now and get a detailed history from childhood. This is because the root causes of our mental health issues are most often found in our early years. It's important to note that when it comes to EMDR treatment, the client does not ever have to go into detail about any of their distressing memories for it to be an effective treatment.
Phase 2: Preparation
The preparation phase is where the EMDR therapist and client continue building rapport. Phase 2 is focused on building coping strategies so that the client can feel strong enough to face their traumatic memories and both the negative feelings and physical sensations that can come up with it. This phase can take various treatment sessions, as mentioned above.
Phase 3: Assessment
During the assessment phase, the client's target memories or traumatic events are identified, and the first target memory is set up for reprocessing. You will also determine the negative belief about yourself associated with the distressing memory and a more positive belief that will be worked into the treatment plan. Phase 3 can take 1-2 EMDR sessions.
Phase 4: Desensitization
The desensitization phase is the heart of EMDR treatment. This is where bilateral stimulation is used to reprocess a traumatic event. Some even refer to EMDR as reprocessing therapy. According to the treatment plan, this phase can take an average of 1-3 EMDR sessions per target memory as according to the treatment plan.
Phase 5: Installation
During this phase of EMDR treatment, the positive belief the client identified earlier will be the focus, as the EMDR therapist wants to ensure that the positive belief is strengthened and "installed" as much as possible. This phase takes 1-2 EMDR sessions.
Phase 6: Body Scan
During the 6th phase of EMDR treatment, a body scan is used to assess what the client feels in his/her body as he/she brings to mind the target memory that has been the focus of the EMDR therapy sessions. The body scan is done to check for any unpleasant body sensations that need to be reprocessed before moving on to the next target memory.
Phase 7: Closure
Closure takes place at the end of each EMDR session. Whether the target traumatic event has been resolved or not, the EMDR therapist always ensures that the client feels calm in their body before wrapping up the session by utilizing one or more coping strategies.
Phase 8: Reevaluation
Similar to the closure phase, the reevaluation phase occurs at the beginning of every EMDR session. This is where the EMDR therapist checks in on the target memory to see what progress has been made and whether it's time to move on to reprocessing the next traumatic memory.
It's important to note that EMDR trauma therapy addresses the past, present, and future. In addition to the 8 phases of EMDR therapy listed above that address both present concerns and past events, there is a future template used by the EMDR therapist to ensure that the client is set up for success down the road. This can take 1-2 treatment sessions and helps to wrap up the EMDR process in a positive way.
Factors Influencing the Duration of EMDR Therapy
Severity of Trauma
Some people seek EMDR treatment for a single distressing memory. Others seek EMDR treatment for multiple traumatic memories. If there are more traumatic experiences to resolve, then you will need more time for the therapy process. Some individuals experience PTSD symptoms or complex trauma. These factors make the therapy process unique to each individual's needs.
Client's Readiness and Stability
Some people need more time to prepare for EMDR treatment due to the overwhelming emotions and sensations that may come up. In these cases, the therapist works with the individual to build internal resources and coping strategies to help them be successful. This is phase 2 of the EMDR treatment process.
Frequency of Sessions
The individual's commitment to the EMDR therapy process is crucial. The more consistent the client is with showing up for their EMDR sessions, the faster their treatment plan can be addressed and their distressing memories resolved. Youcan plan on sessions being weekly to every other week for the first few months.
Therapist's Experience and Approach
The more experienced the therapist is at providing EMDR treatment, the more likely the treatment will move quickly. I highly recommend finding an EMDR therapist certified in EMDR, not just trained. The difference in the skill level is usually vast. I speak of this from my experience as a trained and now certified EMDR therapist.
A skilled EMDR therapist will be able to guide you through the steps of the EMDR treatment process in the most effective way possible.
Comparing EMDR to Other Therapies
There are many treatment options out there for trauma, though some are more effective than others.
EMDR vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a form of therapy that is considered a traditional talk therapy. This treatment option is said to roughly take 6-20 sessions or 3-6 months.
EMDR vs. Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Another form of therapy is Prolonged Exposure Therapy. This approach takes an average of 10-15 sessions, typically 90 minutes each.
Success Rates and Effectiveness of EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy has a success rate of approximately 80-90%. It is the most researched trauma therapy and has been around since its creation in 1987.
What to Expect During an EMDR Session
First Session
The first EMDR therapy session lays the groundwork for the treatment process. It focuses on getting to know the client, what's currently bothering them, and getting an in-depth history of their childhood. This is the first phase of EMDR and can take 1-2 sessions.
It's important to note that the therapist will not force the client to talk about traumatic memories they are not ready to talk about.
After the initial session, the subsequent sessions follow the phases of EMDR treatment as listed above.
Related: How to Prepare for EMDR Therapy
Tips for Maximizing the Effectiveness of EMDR Therapy
It's crucial that you choose an EMDR therapist with whom you feel comfortable. One who creates an environment where you feel heard and seen can develop a sense of trust. A good EMDR therapist will make sure you feel safe.
It's also important to be open and honest with yourself and your EMDR therapist. If you're not, you won't be able to reap the amazing benefits of therapy.
Your therapist will likely teach you new coping skills for self-care during the healing process. Self-care is very important during therapy, especially when you're doing the deep work of EMDR therapy. Taking time to slow down and rest, spending time with loved ones, and being extra kind to yourself are all important parts of the healing process.
Conclusion
Summary of EMDR Duration
As we wrap up our deep dive into how long EMDR takes, let's quickly review what we learned. First, we discussed the length and duration of EMDR treatment, with 60 minutes being the norm for sessions and 3-6 months being a rough estimation of the size of the treatment.
Next, we looked at the EMDR treatment process and the 8 phases of this therapy. Then, we discussed several factors influencing how long EMDR therapy takes, including presenting issues, client readiness, and client commitment to therapy.
Next, we compared EMDR treatment to two other popular forms of therapy, CBT and prolonged exposure therapy. Finally, we briefly discussed what to expect during your first and the following sessions before looking at tips for maximizing the EMDR therapy work.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy can have incredible benefits, and you can see significant improvements in all areas of your life. I encourage you to read my other guides to understand better EMDR treatment and how EMDR works.
Most therapists offer a free phone consultation so that you can ask questions and get a feel for the type of therapist they are. Your well-being is essential. Even if you've tried traditional talk therapy multiple times, there is hope for your healing through EMDR treatment.
