EMDR therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy developed specifically to help people process distressing and traumatic memories. Rather than requiring someone to talk through an experience in detail, it uses a structured, phased approach (including guided attention and eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation) to help the brain reprocess a memory so it feels less distressing and intrusive.

What the evidence says

EMDR is one of the more thoroughly researched trauma therapies, and different bodies weigh that evidence slightly differently:

• The World Health Organization's 2013 guidelines for managing conditions related to stress list EMDR alongside trauma-focused CBT as a therapy to consider for adults with PTSD.
• The American Psychological Association's clinical practice guideline (originally 2017, updated 2025) lists EMDR as a treatment option for PTSD in adults, positioned as a second-line/conditional recommendation behind cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and trauma-focused CBT. Other national and international guidelines, including WHO's, generally rate EMDR closer to those first-line options.
• A Cochrane review of 70 studies found EMDR and trauma-focused CBT similarly effective for chronic PTSD in adults, with both remaining recommended treatments of choice in major guidelines such as the UK's NICE.

In short: EMDR is a real, evidence-based option for trauma, not a fringe or alternative technique, but it isn't uniquely superior to other trauma-focused therapies either. Which approach fits best depends on the person and the specific difficulty.

How it's regulated in South Africa

EMDR South Africa is the professional association for EMDR therapy in the country. Its practitioner membership requires a relevant Master's degree (Clinical, Counselling, or Educational Psychology, or Clinical Social Work) or psychiatric qualification, registration with the HPCSA or SACSSP, and completion of accredited EMDR training and supervision hours: the same professional accountability structure that governs psychology practice generally in South Africa.

My own training

I am trained in EMDR and use it as one of the techniques available for processing traumatic and distressing life experiences, for single-incident trauma as well as longer-term traumas such as sexual, physical, and emotional abuse. See more about my approach. It's one tool among several I draw on, used where it's actually the right fit for the person and what they're working through, not applied by default.