EMDR guide · depression
EMDR for depression: how it is used and how it compares
Depression sometimes grows out of painful experiences that never settled. That is where EMDR tends to come up, alongside treatments with a longer track record.
The established treatments
For adult depression, the American Psychological Association’s guideline (opens in a new tab) recommends psychotherapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and psychodynamic therapy, as well as antidepressant medication. The UK’s NICE guideline (opens in a new tab) sets out a similar menu. EMDR is not one of the therapies named in either guideline’s main recommendations for depression.
So why do people ask about EMDR?
EMDR works on memories that still carry a strong charge. Some depression is closely tied to such memories: a loss, a betrayal, repeated criticism growing up, or a trauma after which life felt different. When low mood comes with beliefs like “I’m worthless” or “it was my fault” that trace back to specific events, a clinician may suggest EMDR to work on those events. Research on EMDR for depression exists but is smaller and less settled than for PTSD.
Depression with PTSD
Depression and PTSD often occur together. When they do, treating the trauma with an evidence-based therapy, which can include EMDR, may be part of the plan. The trauma therapy comparison lays out those options.
What it might look like in practice
- A thorough assessment of mood, safety and history before any memory work
- Coping and activity-planning skills early on, because depression drains energy
- Processing chosen memories once you feel steady enough
- Regular check-ins on mood, with the plan changed if progress stalls
If medication may help, that needs a prescriber such as a primary-care doctor or psychiatrist. Therapy can continue alongside it.
If you are in danger
Depression can bring thoughts of suicide. Please don’t wait for a therapy appointment.
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org (opens in a new tab). In an emergency, call 911. Therapy referrals are not an emergency service.
With Artie
Artie Gately, LMHC, lists depression among the concerns he uses EMDR for, and he also offers CBT. He is EMDR-trained, works with all ages and is accepting new clients by video for people in Florida. Self-pay is $150 per hour; see fees and insurance. For what depression symptoms (opens in a new tab) look like, NIMH has a clear overview.
See if online EMDR is the right next step
Accepting new clients. Book a free 15-minute consultation through Achieve Growth Therapy's own contact page to talk about EMDR by telehealth, fit and next steps.
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