EMDR is best known as a trauma therapy, so it can be surprising to hear it suggested for low mood. But many people with depression carry painful memories, or old beliefs like "I'm worthless" or "it's always my fault," that keep pulling them down. This guide explains what the research says about EMDR for depression, how it differs from other approaches, who it may suit and what sessions with us look like, in person or online.
This post is general information, not a diagnosis or medical advice.
Can EMDR help depression?
The short, honest answer: it can for some people, and the research is promising but still growing.
EMDR stands for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. It was developed for trauma, and over time researchers have tested it for depression too. A 2024 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that EMDR reduced depression symptoms compared with usual care or waitlist groups, with larger effects in more severe depression. The authors also called for more standardized, longer-term research.
A 2021 review of trauma-focused treatments for depression reached a similar conclusion. Most of the trials it included used EMDR, and the authors described it as a promising approach for depressive symptoms, while noting that larger, more rigorous studies would make the findings more certain.
So EMDR isn't a cure, and it isn't a shortcut. It's one evidence-supported option that may be a good fit, especially when your low mood seems tied to past experiences.
Depression itself, in brief
The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression as one of the most common mental health conditions, with symptoms that range from mild to severe and can disrupt everyday life. Talk therapy is one of the main treatments. EMDR is one form of talk-based therapy, and it can sit alongside other care you choose. Questions about medication are a separate conversation, and we don't give medication advice.
Why a trauma therapy comes up for depression
Depression isn't always rooted in the past. But for many people, it is at least partly connected to experiences that never quite settled, like childhood neglect, bullying, a frightening event, a painful breakup or a loss.
Those experiences can leave behind stuck memories and the beliefs that came with them. You might know in your head that you're not a failure, yet still feel it in your gut whenever something goes wrong. EMDR therapy for depression targets that gap between what you know and what you feel. It aims to help the brain reprocess the memories feeding those beliefs, so they lose some of their emotional charge.
What EMDR involves, in plain words
EMDR follows a structured series of phases. In plain terms:
Getting ready. Your therapist learns your history and goals, and you build skills to calm yourself if feelings get intense.
Choosing a target. Together you pick a memory or a recurring feeling to work on, along with the negative belief attached to it.
Processing. You hold the memory in mind while following side-to-side eye movements, taps or tones. Then you notice whatever comes up, without needing to explain it.
Strengthening a new belief. You build up a more helpful belief, like "I did the best I could," and check how true it feels.
Closing and checking in. Each session ends with you feeling settled, and the next one starts by reviewing what's changed.
You don't need to describe every detail of a memory out loud. For a fuller walkthrough, read our post on what happens in an EMDR session.
EMDR or CBT when you're depressed?
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the best-studied therapies for depression. It works mostly through thinking and doing: noticing unhelpful thoughts, testing them and gradually re-engaging with life.
EMDR works differently. Instead of debating a belief, it works on the memories that formed it. Some people find that once a memory is processed, the belief shifts on its own.
Neither is "better" for everyone. CBT may suit you if you like structure, homework and practical tools. EMDR and depression may be a good match if you've done a lot of thinking about your patterns and still feel stuck, or if specific memories keep coming back. Many therapists combine approaches, and you can talk through the options in your first session.
When depression and trauma overlap
Depression and trauma often show up together. You might have nightmares or flashbacks alongside low mood, or feel numb and disconnected rather than sad. When that's the case, treating the trauma can help the depression too. Our post on PTSD and depression explains how the two can feed each other.
EMDR for depression and anxiety is also common, since worry, panic and low mood often travel together. EMDR therapy for anxiety and depression can work on the shared memories behind both.
Who it may suit, and who may start elsewhere
EMDR may be a good fit if:
your low mood seems linked to particular events or memories
you carry strong beliefs about yourself that don't budge with logic
talk therapy has helped you understand your patterns but not change how you feel
you'd rather not retell painful stories in detail
You might start with other work first if you're in a crisis, if daily life feels too unsteady right now or if there's no clear memory or belief to work with. In that case, your therapist may begin with stabilization, skills or another approach, and consider EMDR later. That's a normal path, not a rejection.
Whatever you choose, keep in mind that the number of sessions varies a lot from person to person. Your therapist will review progress with you along the way.
Does EMDR work for depression online?
Yes, EMDR can be adapted for video sessions. Instead of following a therapist's hand, you might follow a moving dot on your screen, or tap your own shoulders or knees in a rhythm. Many people find it easier to process difficult material in a space where they already feel safe.
We offer online sessions anywhere in Ontario on a secure, encrypted video platform. We email you a link, and there's nothing to download. A private room, headphones and a little time afterward to rest are all helpful.
Questions to ask before you start
If you're considering EMDR, these questions can help you choose a therapist and set expectations:
"How do you decide whether EMDR fits my depression?"
"What will we do before we start processing memories?"
"How will we know if it's helping?"
"Can we combine EMDR with other approaches?"
A good therapist will answer plainly, and won't promise a set timeline or a cure.
EMDR at our offices
EMDR is available with our therapists in person at our offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge and Ottawa, and online across Ontario. Our EMDR therapy page explains more about how we use it.
When you book, mention that you're interested in EMDR for depression, and our admin team will match you with a therapist trained in it.
Cost, billing and your first step
Sessions with our therapists range from $130 to $200, depending on the clinician.
Depending on your plan, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. Coverage varies, so check your plan.
We accept Health Spending Accounts (HSAs).
We can direct bill many insurers, including for sessions with a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). Desjardins is the exception: through TELUS eClaims, we can direct bill Desjardins for sessions with an RSW, RP or psychologist, but not for an RP (Qualifying).
Book a free 15-minute consultation with our admin team to talk about whether EMDR might be a fit.
If you're in crisis: if you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911. If you're having thoughts of suicide, call or text 9-8-8 any time.
Depression can make the past feel heavier than it should. EMDR is one way to help it settle.
Last reviewed: October 2026
Sources
Seok JW and Kim JI. The Efficacy of EMDR Treatment for Depression: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression of Randomized Controlled Trials, Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2024
Dominguez SK and colleagues. Trauma-focused treatments for depression. A systematic review and meta-analysis, PLoS ONE, 2021
National Institute of Mental Health, Depression