How Many EMDR Sessions Do You Need?

Short Answer: There is no single number of EMDR sessions that everyone needs. Some people work on a specific concern over a smaller number of sessions, while others use EMDR over a longer period or for several different concerns. How many sessions someone uses can depend on what they're working on, their goals, and their individual pace.

Key Takeaways

• There is no single number of EMDR sessions that applies to everyone.
• The number of sessions can vary depending on what you're working on and your individual goals.
• Doing more sessions or doing them closer together doesn't automatically mean faster progress.

Why There Isn't One Set Number of Sessions

EMDR does not have one session count that applies to everyone. What someone chooses to work on can vary considerably, from one specific experience or concern to several different memories, triggers, or issues.

The number of sessions may also differ depending on whether someone is working through PTSD, anxiety, grief, or another distressing experience.

The amount of time someone spends using EMDR can also vary. Some people focus on one particular issue, while others return to EMDR at different times to work on different concerns.

What Factors Influence How Many Sessions You Need?

How many sessions a person completes depends on several practical factors:

• What You're Working On: Someone focusing on one specific concern may use a different number of sessions than someone working through several memories, triggers, or concerns.
• Your Goals: Someone using EMDR for one particular issue may approach sessions differently from someone returning over time to work on several concerns.
• Your Individual Pace: There isn't a required pace for moving through EMDR. Some people spend more time with a particular focus, while others change what they work on between sessions.

Managing Your Sessions with Virtual EMDR

Therapist-guided EMDR typically takes place through scheduled appointments. Virtual EMDR adapts core EMDR elements into a structured, self-guided online format.

With Virtual EMDR, you manage when you do sessions and how you pace them. You can also work on different concerns over time rather than following a predetermined number of sessions.

Conclusion

There is no single number of EMDR sessions that applies to everyone. How many sessions you use can depend on what you're working on, your goals, and your individual pace.