How Long Does it Take for EMDR to Work?
Alex Penrod, MS, LPC, LCDC - EMDR Therapist in Austin, TX
A Guide to Timelines for Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
When people ask “How long does it take for EMDR to work?”, they are usually asking one specific question: when they might start noticing meaningful change, such as fewer emotional triggers, reduced emotional distress, improved sleep, or feeling less stuck in trauma-related thought patterns.
For many individuals, early shifts can occur within the first several EMDR therapy sessions. However, the overall duration of EMDR therapy depends on factors such as the complexity of the trauma, nervous system regulation, and whether there are complicating factors like dissociation, panic attacks, or substance use.
It’s also important to separate three questions that often get blended together: (1) how long a single EMDR session lasts, (2) how many sessions treatment may involve, and (3) how long it takes before symptoms begin to change. This guide focuses first on time to noticing change, then explains typical timelines, influencing factors, and when EMDR may need to proceed more slowly for safety and effectiveness.
EMDR was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Francine Shapiro and is now recognized by the World Health Organization, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the EMDR International Association as an effective trauma therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other traumatic stress disorders. It works differently from traditional talk therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy, allowing clients to access and reprocess painful memories without needing to talk about them in detail.
The speed, efficiency, and flexibility of EMDR are what initially drew me to become trained in its use for healing trauma. But speed must be balanced with readiness and tolerability.
Quick Answer: Typical EMDR Timelines
While there is no universal timeline, research studies and clinical experience provide helpful general ranges.
Single-incident trauma (such as a car accident, medical trauma, or other isolated traumatic events):
Many individuals begin noticing improvement within 6–12 sessions, particularly when EMDR targets a single target memory linked to the traumatic event.
Complex PTSD, childhood trauma, or repeated traumatic experiences:
Treatment often unfolds over a longer length of treatment. Research suggests 16 or more sessions may be required, with the duration of treatment varying based on trauma history, attachment patterns, and emotional stability.
Complex trauma with dissociation or dissociative disorders:
Treatment typically involves extended treatment planning, stabilization, and preparation before reprocessing begins. This can lengthen the overall length of time, but is essential for safety and effectiveness.
These estimates reflect the duration of EMDR therapy commonly seen in research and practice, but timelines vary depending on individual needs and goals.
Table of Contents
What Does “Working” Mean in EMDR Therapy?
EMDR “working” does not mean distressing memories disappear or that difficult emotions never arise again. Progress is often reflected in changes such as:
Reduced emotional distress when recalling specific memories or past trauma
Fewer or less overwhelming PTSD symptoms and triggers
Shifts in negative beliefs about oneself or the world
Improved emotional resilience and nervous system regulation
Greater flexibility in emotional and behavioral responses
These changes often reflect shifts in underlying thought patterns, physiological responses, and emotional processing linked to distressing memories. In many cases, early signs of progress begin to appear after successfully reprocessing one or two key memories, even before trauma-related symptoms fully resolve or a PTSD diagnosis is no longer met.
Typical EMDR Timelines by Trauma History
Single-Incident Trauma
Single-event trauma and limited multi-event trauma are often associated with PTSD and are generally more straightforward to treat. In these cases, EMDR may require 6–12 sessions for significant improvement or for individuals to no longer meet criteria for PTSD.
Complex PTSD and Developmental Trauma
Complex and developmental trauma often involves prolonged exposure to traumatic stress, such as childhood abuse, chronic domestic violence, or coercive relationships. Treatment planning in these cases often prioritizes emotional stability and coping mechanisms before deeper reprocessing, and therapy may extend over months or longer. It can be helpful to understand what it means when progress slows or feels stuck, especially in complex trauma work.
Complex Trauma With Dissociation
Some individuals develop dissociative symptoms or dissociative disorders following severe or early trauma. EMDR can still be effective, but treatment usually requires advanced preparation protocols and specialized pacing. Addressing dissociation prior to trauma reprocessing can extend treatment length but supports long-term well-being.
What Affects How Long EMDR Takes?
Several factors influence the length of treatment:
Type of trauma
Single-event trauma often resolves more quickly than complex or developmental trauma.
Current symptoms
Co-occurring mental health issues such as panic attacks, dissociation, or substance use may lengthen treatment.
Client readiness
A strong therapeutic relationship, confidence using coping mechanisms, and reliable support from loved ones can support steadier progress.
Physical health and nervous system regulation
Chronic stress, physical health concerns, and a narrow window of tolerance can complicate trauma therapy.
Frequency of sessions
Most EMDR therapy involves weekly sessions, though frequency may be adjusted based on stability, scheduling, and treatment goals.
Readiness and Preparation Can Shape the Timeline
In many cases, it is not the reprocessing itself that extends EMDR treatment, but the preparation process required to ensure emotional stability and safety.
It may not be appropriate to begin EMDR:
Immediately after a major loss, injury, or other highly disruptive life event
During active, life-threatening substance use
Following a recent suicide attempt or during active suicidal ideation
During psychosis or severe emotional instability
Stabilization may be needed before EMDR when:
Coping mechanisms are not yet reliable between sessions
Emotional distress escalates quickly or feels unmanageable
Current living conditions involve ongoing danger or instability
Adequate support or professional resources are not consistently available
Signs that adequate stabilization is in place:
Coping mechanisms are effective for managing distress between sessions
Safe living conditions and adequate support are available
Professional or emergency resources are accessible if needed
Medical considerations:
Physical health conditions that may be impacted by stress should be evaluated
Pregnant individuals should consult a physician prior to beginning EMDR
Certain medications may interfere with the EMDR process
Timing matters:
EMDR works best when treatment can be relatively consistent
Beginning reprocessing immediately before extended travel or during intense stress may not be ideal
Dissociation and Dissociative Disorders:
EMDR can work well for those with dissociative symptoms and even dissociative disorders; however, precautions and extended preparation protocols are often necessary to ensure clients can remain present and tolerate memory reprocessing safely.
This work requires advanced training and careful pacing. I have the training and experience to support clients with dissociative disorders when EMDR is clinically appropriate.
Understanding the EMDR Therapy Process (The 8 Phases)
EMDR follows a structured treatment process designed to safely reprocess traumatic memories.
History Taking
Review of life experiences, symptoms, and goals to guide treatment planning.
Preparation
Development of coping skills, emotional regulation strategies, and internal resources.
Assessment
Identification of the target memory, associated negative belief, desired positive belief, and distress ratings using Subjective Units of Disturbance.
Desensitization Phase
Bilateral stimulation reduces emotional distress while the traumatic memory is activated.
Reprocessing Phase
Adaptive information becomes linked to the original memory, reducing its impact.
Installation
Positive beliefs are strengthened and integrated.
Body Scan
Residual physical tension connected to the memory is released.
Closure
At the end of each session, grounding and relaxation techniques restore balance.
Re-evaluation
Progress is assessed at the next session and treatment adjusted as needed.
Each client moves through these phases at a unique pace. Some reach the desensitization and reprocessing phases within a few sessions, while others require extended time in the preparation phase, particularly if they experience high levels of emotional distress or have difficulty maintaining stable coping mechanisms. Some traumatic memories may be fully processed in a single session, while others require multiple sessions.
For a more detailed look at what sessions typically involve, you can learn more about what to expect during an EMDR session.
Two Common Follow-Up Questions
How long is an EMDR session?
EMDR therapy sessions typically last 60–90 minutes, though session length and frequency of sessions may vary.
How many EMDR sessions will I need?
The total number of sessions depends on trauma history, symptoms, and goals. Some individuals complete treatment quickly, while others benefit from longer-term therapy focused on complex trauma.
What the Research Says About EMDR Timelines
A substantial body of research supports EMDR as an effective, evidence-based treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research studies cited by the EMDR International Association and the Department of Veterans Affairs include over 30 randomized controlled trials demonstrating EMDR’s effectiveness for both single-incident and multi-event trauma.
Across these studies, many participants show significant symptom reduction within a relatively brief course of treatment, with some no longer meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD after as few as 3 to 12 sessions, depending on trauma type, severity, and study design. These findings help explain why many clients notice meaningful improvements early in the EMDR process, even before treatment is complete.
Research on EMDR for complex PTSD is more limited but growing. A randomized controlled trial published in 2021 found that only 3% of participants with a complex PTSD diagnosis continued to meet diagnostic criteria after 16 sessions of EMDR, suggesting that while treatment timelines are often longer for complex trauma, substantial improvement is still achievable.
In addition to individual trials, meta-analyses have consistently shown that EMDR produces significant improvements in both short-term and long-term outcomes across diverse populations, including survivors of natural disasters, interpersonal violence, and individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions. Taken together, this research supports EMDR as a well-established trauma therapy that can be both efficient and durable, while still requiring individualized pacing based on clinical complexity.
Comparing EMDR With Other Trauma Treatment Options
While EMDR is highly effective, other trauma therapy approaches include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Narrative Exposure Therapy
Traditional talk therapy
Some approaches involve extensive verbal processing or between-session exposure. EMDR often works more directly by targeting how traumatic memories are stored and processed. You can learn more by visiting our in-depth comparison article on the top treatments for PTSD.
Final Thoughts
So, how long does EMDR take to work? While there is no single answer, many individuals begin noticing meaningful changes within several sessions, particularly after reprocessing key traumatic memories.
In my experience as a trauma-focused psychotherapist, some client’s stay the course and process all of their trauma for full benefit while others gain significant relief quickly from targeting one experience and wrap up therapy sooner. At the end of the day it is always your decision how long therapy lasts, a good therapist will support your goals while giving honest feedback about the risks and benefits.
Ready to Begin Your EMDR Journey?
If you’re considering EMDR and want to discuss realistic timelines for your situation, the first step is scheduling a consultation. I’m happy to help clarify whether EMDR is appropriate and what the treatment process might look like for you.
References
de Jongh, A., de Roos, C., & El-Leithy, S. (2024). State of the science: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 37(2), 205–216. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.23012