23/09/2025
🧠 Common Misconceptions About EMDR – Let’s Set the Record Straight
Now, if you're seeing this post, then you’ve probably heard of EMDR, especially with how often it’s mentioned in podcasts, therapy spaces, or even by clients themselves.
But while awareness of EMDR is growing, so are common misconceptions.
Here are a few I hear regularly, from clients, from colleagues, and even from therapists who are considering training:
Myth 1: EMDR is a type of hypnosis.
❌ Not true. EMDR is a structured, evidence-based therapy that keeps clients fully awake and in control throughout. There’s no altered state, just focused attention, and support to reprocess distressing memories safely.
Myth 2: You don’t talk at all in EMDR.
❌ This one comes up a lot. While EMDR isn’t a “talking therapy” in the traditional sense, it absolutely involves therapeutic conversation, especially in the preparation phase and during debriefs. You’ll still be using your therapeutic presence, attunement, and clinical skills throughout.
Myth 3: EMDR only works for PTSD.
❌ EMDR is recommended by NICE for PTSD, however, its use is much broader than that. It’s highly effective for complex trauma, anxiety, phobias, pain, and more. Many clients present with difficulties that have a trauma-related underpinning, even if they don’t fit a PTSD diagnosis.
Myth 4: It’s all about eye movements.
👀 Eye movements are one way to provide bilateral stimulation, but they’re not the only method. Tapping, auditory tones, and tactile stimulation are also used. EMDR is about how the brain reprocesses stored distress, not about the movement itself.
Myth 5: You need years of trauma experience before you can train in EMDR.
✅ While some clinical experience is important, you don’t need to be a trauma specialist to start training. If you're a qualified mental health professional with an interest in trauma-informed work, EMDR training will give you the structure and support to grow in this area.
The truth is: EMDR is powerful, but it's also structured, teachable, and grounded in clinical evidence.
You don’t need to fully understand it before starting training, that’s what the training is for. In my EMDR Europe Accredited programme, you’ll learn not just the theory, but how to apply it safely and confidently with real clients. That includes:
✅ Live demonstrations
✅ Practice sessions with supportive supervision
✅ Case examples from real clinical work
✅ Plenty of space for questions and exploration
🎓 My next training takes place 28–30 January 2026 in Torquay (with follow-up sessions in March & July).
Book your place or find out more at:
👉 drbutton-emdrtraining.co.uk/emdr-training-dates
