Demystifying EMDR: Talking to clients and colleagues with confidence

Explaining EMDR therapy can feel a bit daunting, especially in the early days of practice. I still remember how self-conscious I felt as a newly trained EMDR therapist, particularly when introducing bilateral stimulation. In one session, a client giggled through my hand movements, and I wasn’t quite sure if I was being taken seriously. Around the same time, a colleague would jokingly wave her fingers in front of my face anytime I mentioned EMDR. Amusingly, she’s now a passionate EMDR therapist herself.

These moments stick with us – not because they reflect the therapy’s effectiveness, but because they highlight how vulnerable we can feel when learning something new. EMDR looks and feels different from traditional talk therapies, and that difference can leave therapists unsure of how to explain it with confidence.

Naming the awkwardness (and why it matters)

It’s completely normal to feel clunky when starting out. Introducing bilateral stimulation can feel odd. Explaining how EMDR works can feel even harder. And yet, how we talk about EMDR, particularly in those early conversations, can really shape how clients respond to it. Our confidence has a direct impact on their willingness to give it a go.

Sometimes, it helps to name the difference directly. I’ll often say something like, “EMDR is a bit different from what we’ve done before. It can look unusual, but it’s well-supported by evidence and I think it could be helpful for you. If what we’ve tried so far hasn’t fully shifted things, this might be worth exploring. Are you open to seeing what it’s like?”

Facing scepticism (gently)

EMDR therapy has faced plenty of scepticism over the years, particularly around the eye movement component. Some still see it as too unconventional, despite its strong evidence base. But today, EMDR is widely recognised as an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. It’s endorsed by the World Health Organisation and approved under Medicare guidelines.

That said, therapists still tell me they’ve encountered resistance, sometimes even from within their own workplaces. If you’re the only EMDR-trained therapist in your team, it can feel isolating. In those moments, it helps to stay grounded in the research, share articles, and speak calmly about how EMDR works in practice.

Explaining EMDR in plain language

When introducing EMDR, metaphors can be useful. One I often share is this: trauma is like a splinter in a wound. The body wants to heal, but the splinter gets in the way. EMDR helps remove the splinter, allowing the brain to do what it already knows how to do – heal.

It’s also helpful to manage expectations. Some clients arrive hoping for a quick fix. Explaining that EMDR is an eight-phase model helps set the scene. It’s structured, collaborative, and evidence-based, not a magic wand. During bilateral stimulation, clients don’t need to ‘try’ to make anything happen. Their job is simply to notice what arises, and the brain leads the way.

Building confidence over time

The more you practise talking about EMDR, the easier it becomes. And it’s okay to feel unsure at the start as getting comfortable with a new skill takes time. The key is to keep having those conversations. Each time you explain EMDR clearly and calmly, you’re helping to demystify it for someone else, and building your own confidence in the process.

If you’re looking for some extra support, you might find my free resource helpful. Demystifying EMDR Therapy is a 35-minute recorded webinar that answers common questions about EMDR therapy – what it is, how it works, and how it fits into everyday clinical practice. It’s designed as a straightforward introduction for therapists who are curious about EMDR or who want a refresher. You can use it to boost your own understanding or share it with a colleague who’s interested but not yet trained in EMDR therapy.

I'm Caroline Burrows, an Accredited EMDR Trainer and Consultant. I’m passionate about bridging the gap between EMDR training and clinical practice. If you're looking to learn EMDR therapy for the first time, enhance your EMDR skills, or navigate challenges in your EMDR clinical work, I offer training workshops, on-demand webinars, and consultation. I would love to support your EMDR learning journey.