Using EMDR Therapy as a Christian: Addressing Concerns and Embracing God's Design for Healing

A close-up of an eye with long eyelashes next to the acronym EMDR, representing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, a therapeutic approach for processing traumatic memories.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most researched and effective trauma therapies available today. Yet, I've heard from some professionals and fellow Christians that they worry EMDR might conflict with their faith, worldview, or biblical values.

Others have even heard it dismissed as “not science-based,” or viewed with suspicion because of misconceptions about how it works.

This post is here to clear the air. We'll explore common myths, the scientific foundation of EMDR, and how its very design echoes the brilliance of God's creation—especially our brain's REM sleep cycles.

MYTHS ABOUT EMDR: DEBUNKED

Let’s start by addressing some of the most common myths:

Myth 1: EMDR is “New Age” or Spiritualistic. EMDR is not hypnosis, energy healing, or spiritual channeling. It is a structured psychotherapy approach, developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, that uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help the brain process traumatic memories.

Myth 2: EMDR Isn’t Science-Based. EMDR is one of the most rigorously studied trauma treatments. Over 40 randomized controlled trials have demonstrated its efficacy for PTSD. Organizations endorsing EMDR include:

• The American Psychological Association (APA)

• The World Health Organization (WHO)

• The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

For references:

• Shapiro F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures. 3rd Ed. Guilford.

• Lee, C. W., & Cuijpers, P. (2013). A meta-analysis of the contribution of eye movements in processing emotional memories. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 44(2), 231–239.

Myth 3: EMDR Is “Mind Control.” During EMDR, the client remains fully awake, alert, and in control. Nothing is being implanted or manipulated. Instead, the therapist helps guide you to reprocess memories that are causing distress.

GOD'S DESIGN FOR HEALING: EMDR AND REM SLEEP

Here’s the most beautiful part: EMDR is modeled on something God already designed in us—our sleep.

When we sleep, especially during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, our eyes move back and forth beneath our eyelids. Scientists believe this bilateral stimulation helps the brain process daily experiences, emotions, and even stressors—integrating them into long-term memory in a way that reduces emotional charge.

Scripture teaches that God created us in intricate, marvelous ways:

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Psalm 139:14 NIV)

It turns out REM sleep is one of those wonderful designs! When trauma disrupts normal processing, memories can become “stuck” in raw, emotional form, causing flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, or avoidance.

EMDR simulates this God-given process while you’re awake.

• Bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or audio tones) mimics REM-like brain activity.

• Unlike REM sleep, you stay conscious and choose what you work on.

• This allows you to safely revisit, process, and store traumatic memories adaptively.

Neuroscientific research supports this REM sleep analogy. For example:

• Stickgold (2002) proposed that EMDR’s eye movements mirror REM sleep’s role in integrating emotional memories.

• Recent neuroimaging studies show reduced limbic (emotional brain) activation and increased prefrontal (thinking/planning) regulation after EMDR (Pagani et al., 2017).

References:

• Stickgold, R. (2002). EMDR: A putative neurobiological mechanism of action. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(1), 61–75.

• Pagani, M., Di Lorenzo, G., Verardo, A. R., et al. (2017). Neurobiological mechanisms of EMDR in PTSD treatment: A review of neuroimaging studies. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 11(2), 59–69.

EMDR IS COMPATIBLE WITH A CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW

There is nothing occult, mystical, or anti-Christian about helping the brain heal the way God designed it. EMDR doesn’t replace prayer, Scripture, or spiritual community—it can work alongside them.

As a Christian therapist, I see EMDR as a gift—a tool that aligns with biblical values of restoration, renewal, and hope.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3 NIV)

If you’ve wondered whether EMDR is “okay” for a Christian to use, I hope this encourages you to see it as a practical, evidence-based method of participating in God’s healing work in your life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re curious about EMDR but have questions about how it fits with your faith, I’d be honored to talk with you. Together, we can explore how this scientifically grounded, God-honoring approach can help you move toward healing and wholeness.

Contact me to learn more or schedule a session. redeemingtherapy.com