How Often Should You Do EMDR? A Complete Guide to Treatment Frequency

January 17, 2025

How Often Should You Do EMDR? A Complete Guide to Treatment Frequency

One of the most common questions people have about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is "How often should I do EMDR?" Understanding the optimal frequency for EMDR sessions is crucial for planning your treatment journey and maximizing the therapeutic benefits.

The Standard EMDR Treatment Schedule

Typical Session Frequency

The standard recommendation for EMDR therapy is once per week, with each session lasting 60-90 minutes. This frequency allows for:

Optimal Processing Time: Sufficient time between sessions for your brain to integrate the work done in therapy
Emotional Stability: Time to practice coping skills and manage any emotions that arise between sessions
Practical Scheduling: Balancing therapy with work, family, and other life commitments
Insurance Coverage: Most insurance plans cover weekly sessions

Treatment Duration

Most EMDR treatment plans span 8-12 sessions for single-incident trauma, though this can vary significantly based on:

Type and Complexity of Trauma: Single incidents vs. complex, developmental trauma
Individual Response: Some people process more quickly than others
Treatment Goals: What you want to achieve through therapy
Support System: Available resources outside of therapy

Factors Influencing EMDR Frequency

Type of Trauma

Single-Incident Trauma

Car accidents, natural disasters, single assault events
Often requires 6-12 weekly sessions
Can sometimes be processed more intensively (2x per week initially)

Complex Trauma

Childhood abuse, repeated traumatic experiences, combat trauma
May require 6 months to several years of treatment
Consistent weekly sessions are typically recommended

Developmental Trauma

Early childhood attachment wounds, chronic neglect
Long-term treatment with consistent weekly sessions
May include breaks for integration periods

Individual Processing Speed

Everyone's brain processes information differently. Your therapist will assess:

Integration Capacity: How quickly you process between sessions
Emotional Regulation: Your ability to manage emotions that surface
Life Stability: Current stress levels and support systems
Previous Therapy Experience: Past therapeutic work that may support EMDR

Current Life Circumstances

High-Stress Periods

During major life changes, job stress, or relationship difficulties
May benefit from more frequent sessions (2x per week)
Or may need to space sessions further apart to avoid overwhelm

Stable Periods

When life is relatively calm and predictable
Standard weekly frequency often works best
Allows for deep processing without additional stress

Intensive EMDR Programs

What Are Intensives?

Intensive EMDR programs offer concentrated treatment over shorter periods:

Weekend Intensives: 3-6 hours over 2-3 days
Week-Long Programs: Daily sessions for 3-5 consecutive days
Retreat-Style: Multi-day immersive experiences

Who Benefits From Intensives?

Intensive EMDR can be particularly effective for:

Time Constraints: People who can't commit to weekly therapy for months
Geographic Limitations: Those traveling from out of town
Rapid Progress: Individuals who want to accelerate their healing
Specific Target: Focused work on particular traumatic memories

Considerations for Intensives

Before choosing an intensive program, consider:

Support System: Need for strong aftercare support
Emotional Capacity: Ability to handle intense processing
Integration Time: Allowing time after the intensive for integration
Cost: Often more expensive upfront but may be cost-effective overall

Signs You Might Need Different Frequencies

When More Frequent Sessions Might Help

Consider 2x per week sessions if you:

Are experiencing significant symptoms affecting daily functioning
Have strong support systems and emotional regulation skills
Want to accelerate treatment for specific reasons
Are recovering from a recent traumatic event

When Less Frequent Sessions Might Be Better

Consider bi-weekly or monthly sessions if you:

Are in a period of high life stress
Need more time for integration between sessions
Have limited financial or time resources
Are in maintenance phase of treatment

The Importance of Consistency

Why Regular Sessions Matter

Consistency in EMDR therapy is crucial because:

Momentum Building: Regular sessions maintain therapeutic momentum
Skill Reinforcement: Consistent practice of coping techniques
Trust Development: Strong therapeutic alliance through regular contact
Processing Continuity: Ongoing integration of traumatic material

Missing Sessions

Life happens, and missing occasional sessions is normal. However:

Try to Reschedule: Maintain consistency when possible
Practice Skills: Use coping techniques between sessions
Communicate: Let your therapist know about schedule challenges
Self-Care: Increase self-care during breaks from therapy

The Integration Period

What Happens Between Sessions?

The time between EMDR sessions is when much of the healing happens:

Memory Processing: Your brain continues to process traumatic memories
Neural Integration: New neural pathways form and strengthen
Emotional Regulation: Practice of coping skills in daily life
Insight Integration: Making sense of therapy insights in your life context

Supporting Integration

To maximize benefits between sessions:

Journaling: Track thoughts, feelings, dreams, and insights
Mindfulness Practice: Regular meditation or grounding exercises
Healthy Lifestyle: Good nutrition, sleep, and exercise
Support Networks: Connect with friends, family, or support groups

Special Considerations

For Mental Health Professionals

Therapists undergoing EMDR training should:

Space Out Sessions: Allow processing time between personal EMDR sessions
Consult Supervision: Process countertransference and personal reactions
Maintain Boundaries: Separate personal therapy from professional work

For Children and Adolescents

Younger clients may benefit from:

Shorter Sessions: 30-45 minutes instead of 60-90 minutes
More Frequency: Sometimes 2x per week initially
Parent Involvement: Including parents in preparation and support
Play-Based EMDR: Using developmentally appropriate approaches

For Complex PTSD

Those with complex trauma may need:

Longer Treatment: Extended therapy over months or years
Phase-Based Approach: Starting with stabilization before trauma processing
Multiple Modalities: Combining EMDR with other therapeutic approaches
Consistent Pacing: Regular weekly sessions to maintain safety

Working With Your Therapist

Assessment and Planning

Your EMDR therapist should:

Conduct Thorough Assessment: Evaluate your specific needs and circumstances
Develop Individualized Plan: Create a treatment plan tailored to your situation
Monitor Progress: Regularly assess how you're responding to treatment
Adjust Frequency: Modify session frequency based on your progress and needs

Communication Is Key

Maintain open communication with your therapist about:

Processing Between Sessions: Share insights, challenges, and dreams
Life Stressors: Update them on changes in your circumstances
Treatment Pace: Discuss whether the current frequency feels right
Therapeutic Goals: Review and adjust goals as needed

Financial Considerations

Insurance Coverage

Most insurance plans cover EMDR therapy when:

Medical Necessity: Treatment is deemed medically necessary
In-Network Providers: Using therapists within your insurance network
Pre-Authorization: Some plans require pre-authorization for treatment
Documentation: Proper documentation of diagnosis and treatment plan

Cost-Effective Strategies

To make EMDR therapy more affordable:

Sliding Scale: Many therapists offer sliding scale fees
Group EMDR: Some practitioners offer group EMDR programs
Training Clinics: University clinics may offer reduced rates
Employee Assistance Programs: Some EAPs cover therapy sessions

Long-Term Benefits of Proper EMDR Frequency

Accelerated Healing

When you find the right frequency, EMDR can:

Reduce Symptoms Quickly: Many people see improvement in 8-12 sessions
Create Lasting Change: Properly processed memories remain resolved
Build Resilience: Stronger coping skills and emotional regulation
Improve Quality of Life: Better relationships, work performance, and overall wellbeing

Prevention of Relapse

Proper EMDR frequency can help prevent:

Symptom Return: Incomplete processing may lead to symptom recurrence
Avoidance Patterns: Consistent therapy prevents avoidance of difficult material
Future Trauma Impact: Better preparedness for handling future challenges

Conclusion

The optimal frequency for EMDR therapy depends on many factors, including the type and complexity of trauma, individual processing speed, current life circumstances, and treatment goals. While weekly 60-90 minute sessions are the standard recommendation, your specific needs may vary.

Work closely with a certified EMDR therapist to develop a treatment plan that feels right for you. Remember that healing is not a race, and the pace of your EMDR journey should support sustainable, lasting transformation rather than quick fixes.

Whether you choose weekly sessions, intensive programs, or something in between, the key is consistency and communication with your therapist. The right frequency will help you process traumatic memories effectively while maintaining emotional stability and building the resilience needed for lasting healing.

Therapy session scheduling calendar

Your healing journey is unique, and finding the right EMDR frequency is an important part of creating a treatment plan that works for you.