Common Questions About EMDR Therapy

Author: Angela Holmes-Cruz, LMHC

If you’re considering EMDR therapy, it’s normal to have questions. Many people feel curious and hopeful but also unsure about what EMDR actually involves or whether it will feel too intense.

Below are some of the most common questions clients ask about EMDR therapy, along with my honest answers to them.

Is EMDR therapy safe?

Yes! EMDR is considered a safe, well-researched, trauma-informed therapy when provided by a trained clinician.

An important part of EMDR is preparation. Before any processing begins, ample time is spent building grounding skills, coping strategies, and a sense of emotional safety. EMDR is not about pushing through distress or forcing anything to happen. The work is guided carefully and adjusted based on how your nervous system responds. This is something we work on together it the early phases of EMDR.

Is EMDR emotionally intense?

It can be, but not always.

Some EMDR sessions involve strong emotions, while others feel calm, reflective, or even subtle. Many people share that they notice changes in thoughts, emotions, or body sensations rather than feeling overwhelmed.

EMDR is designed to help distress decrease over time. If something feels like too much, the pace can always be slowed or paused.

How many EMDR sessions do I need?

There is no single correct answer to this, because everyone’s experience is different.

Some people notice meaningful shifts after a few sessions. Others work with EMDR over a longer period, especially when addressing complex or long-standing experiences.

The number of sessions depends on factors such as what you want to work on, your current stress level, and how much support you have outside of therapy. This is something that will be discussed and revisited as therapy unfolds.

Do I have to talk about my trauma in detail?

No (that’s something I love about EMDR). You do not have to share every detail of what happened.

Most of EMDR processing happens internally. You may be asked to notice thoughts, emotions, or physical sensations, but you stay in control of what you share out loud. You do not even have to share the specific event you are working on; we can go through the process with a “private event”.

This can feel especially relieving for people who worry about being retraumatized by retelling their story.

Can EMDR be done online?

Yes! EMDR can be effective both in person and online when it is done thoughtfully and with appropriate support.

Online EMDR allows people to engage in therapy from their own space, which can feel regulating and accessible. Others prefer the structure of in-person sessions. Neither option is better or worse. What matters most is feeling safe, supported, and able to stay present during session.

For online sessions, you will be sent a secure link that your therapist guides throughout the session. Depending on what you have available and what feels most supportive, different forms of bilateral stimulation may be used.

Does EMDR work for anxiety, or only trauma?

EMDR is commonly associated with trauma, but it can also be helpful for numerous other mental health concerns, such as anxiety, panic, depression, negative self-beliefs, and more.

Many people experience anxiety that is connected to past experiences, even if those experiences are not initially thought of as trauma. EMDR can help the brain reprocess these patterns so they feel less activating and less intrusive in daily life.

What if I don’t remember specific traumatic events?

You do not need clear or detailed memories for EMDR to be helpful.

EMDR can focus on emotions, body sensations, or beliefs such as “I’m not safe” or “I’m not good enough,” even when specific memories are unclear. Therapy can work with what feels present now rather than forcing recall.

How will I know if EMDR is right for me?

EMDR is not the right fit for everyone at every stage of healing.

A trauma-informed therapist will take time to understand your goals, stress level, and readiness before recommending EMDR. Sometimes EMDR is introduced gradually, and sometimes other approaches are more supportive initially.

Asking questions and moving at your own pace is part of the process.

Final Thoughts

Considering EMDR therapy often brings up both hope and uncertainty… and that makes sense. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting.

If you are exploring EMDR therapy in Sarasota, FL, or online EMDR therapy anywhere in Florida, a consultation can be a supportive way to ask questions and decide what feels right for you.