What to Expect in EMDR Therapy: A Faith-Based Approach to Mental Health

Starting EMDR therapy can feel intimidating if you don’t know what to expect—especially for Christians who wonder how it fits with their faith. The good news is that EMDR is not only effective, but when paired with biblical truth and prayer, it can become a space for deep spiritual renewal.

In EMDR, clients are guided to target distressing memories, beliefs, or experiences, and while holding those in mind, the brain engages in bilateral stimulation (often eye movements or tapping). This process helps the brain store the memory adaptively—reducing emotional intensity and helping clients access more balanced, truthful beliefs (Shapiro, 2018). Research shows EMDR is highly effective in treating PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and even complicated grief (Chen et al., 2014).

Oftentimes, people find that God uses this therapy to gently uncover lies they didn’t realize they were believing—like “I’m unlovable” or “God abandoned me.” As we invite the Holy Spirit into sessions through prayer and reflection, these lies are replaced with truths rooted in Scripture—“I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14), “God will never leave me nor forsake me” (Hebrews 13:5).

Healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means freedom. And EMDR, when integrated with faith, can be part of the freedom Christ promises in John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Clinical Sources:

• Shapiro, F. (2018). EMDR Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures.

• Chen, Y. R., Hung, K. W., Tsai, J. C., Chu, H., Chung, M. H., Chen, S. R., & Chou, K. R. (2014). Efficacy of Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Patients with Posttraumatic-Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLOS ONE.