Learn how EMDR treatment for OCD works, what research says, its benefits, what to expect during therapy, and when it may help alongside ERP treatment.

EMDR Therapy for OCD: Benefits, Research, and What to Expect

People are searching for EMDR for OCD because many individuals with OCD have unresolved traumas, shame, or painful memories. Exposure response prevention is considered a first-line treatment intervention for OCD, but if it doesn’t work, many people look for EMDR for OCD. Emerging research suggests EMDR OCD treatment may benefit some people with obsessive-compulsive disorder, particularly when trauma is present. However, ERP remains the evidence-based treatment for OCD.

A licensed therapist can help family members and friends to support their loved ones. At Therapy Fleet, various treatment plans are offered, including EMDR online, tailored to your needs from the comfort of your home.

Understanding OCD and Its Impact on Daily Life

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental disorder in which individuals have recurrent, unwanted, and unpleasant intrusive thoughts (obsession) and repetitive behaviors (compulsion).

People of all age groups are affected by OCD, and it affects personal, social, and emotional life.

What are Obsessions

Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that a person cannot stop. These unwanted and intrusive thoughts are constant, causing distress and affecting daily life.

Typical obsessions involve:

Fear of contamination or dirt
Fear of illness that one will transmit or contract a disease
Doubt and having a hard time (thoughts of checking door locks, stove)
Unpleasant sexual images or thoughts
Disturbing religious thoughts or fears, like blasphemy
Intense fear that someone very close will die
Extreme stress with ordering, symmetrizing, or exactness
Intrusive thoughts of harming oneself or others

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What are Compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety and relieve distress temporarily. They often contribute to the OCD cycle over time.

Common Compulsive Behavior

Common compulsive behaviors include repetitive behaviors, and the most common are:

Excessive hand washing
Cleaning
Checking
Excessive arranging or ordering of things
Rituals related to numbers, like counting or doing things for certain numbers
Hoarding
Following a strict routine
Reassurance seeking approval

As a result of obsessions (unwanted thoughts), a compulsion (a mental act) occurs, which causes intense distress, guilt, shame, and embarrassment.

OCD usually begins in childhood or the teens, and symptom severity varies.

How Common is OCD

OCD affects nearly half a million children in the U.S. Nearly 10 million people in the United States are affected by OCD, and 80% of those people are undiagnosed. Many people live with OCD symptoms for years.

Approximately 2 in 3 people with OCD can have other mental health issues. According to the National Institute of Mental Health NIMH, approximately 1.2% of U.S. adults experience OCD each year.

What is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based psychotherapy primarily used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is also used for other trauma-related mental health conditions. Francine Shapiro, a clinical psychologist, developed Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy in 1987. During EMDR, therapists use bilateral stimulation such as guided movements, alternating taps, or sounds, to help individuals process traumatic memories. Distressing memories that are not fully processed may reinforce negative beliefs, emotional reactions, and psychological symptoms. EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic events and reduces emotional intensity.

Can EMDR Treat OCD? What the Research Says

EMDR has gained attention for OCD, but EMDR OCD treatment is not considered as first-line care. EMDR may help individuals who have experienced any trauma, comorbid PTSD, or as an adjunct in selected cases.

Research suggests that childhood trauma, abuse, neglect, accident, or other disturbing experiences can increase the chances of developing OCD symptoms and make it more severe in some individuals.

Although ERP is the most evidence-based treatment for OCD, some people continue to experience persistent distress even after completing a course of ERP.

The Connection Between Trauma and OCD

Childhood traumas are often linked with various mental health problems, including OCD. There is a significant relationship between trauma and OCD severity.

If a person experiences a severe traumatic event in the past, they can develop symptoms of anxiety and OCD. Compulsions and obsessions are sometimes deeply rooted in past events. By helping individuals process unresolved traumas, EMDR can be effective in reducing anxiety, driving the OCD cycle

While ERP is a gold standard treatment for OCD, EMDR is considered effective when OCD is associated with trauma.

Example: When EMDR May Be Helpful for OCD

Imagine someone with contamination OCD who has completed more than a year of ERP. Symptoms have improved; compulsions have decreased; Y-BOCS Scale scores have improved from the severe to the moderate range. But still experience intense distress whenever contamination fear triggers. During therapy, a distressing childhood or adolescent memory emerges. The emotional impact of unresolved traumas fuels the anxiety whenever OCD symptoms are triggered. In some cases, unresolved traumatic experiences hold negative beliefs that contribute to emotional distress, even if compulsions have decreased.

In cases like this, experts use a combination of EMDR and ERP to address underlying unresolved trauma and OCD symptoms.

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Clinical Research on EMDR for OCD

EMDR therapy was originally developed to treat PTSD. Still, researchers have increasingly studied its potential use for other mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. Many clinicians believe that EMDR may help reduce intrusive obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

One randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing EMDR with CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) found similar effectiveness and improvements in OCD symptoms between the two treatment groups.
A systematic review in 2021 examined nine studies (including case studies and controlled trials) on EMDR for OCD. It found significant symptom reduction in OCD. Some small studies reported improvements comparable to ERP or medication, including SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). But the evidence is still limited.
A case series (2024) reported that AF-EMDR (attachment-focused eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), alongside CBT, improves OCD symptoms.
Current evidence suggests EMDR can be used alongside ERP or CBT in some cases. It addresses past traumas, worst fears, or symptoms related to traumatic experiences.
According to a study, the EMDR and ERP combined approach can be useful to reduce anxiety and OCD symptoms.
A 2019 review showed that EMDR can be effective in reducing OCD symptoms, but evidence-based research is limited before firm conclusions can be made. More research is needed before EMDR can be recommended for OCD.

When OCD symptoms interfere with social, emotional, work, relationships, or daily life, professional help is required. Schedule an online consultation with Therapy Fleet to explore your OCD treatment options.

Ask an Expert!

Q. What if I have PTSD with OCD?

PTSD and OCD can occur together, and research suggests that PTSD or trauma can increase the risk of developing OCD in some people.

The good news is that both conditions are treatable. EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and may help people with OCD. Exposure and response prevention remains the first-line treatment for OCD.

Rather than relying on a single approach, clinicians combine evidence-based approaches. A mental health professional can determine the right treatment plan based on your symptoms, severity, trauma history, and treatment goals.

What to Expect in EMDR Sessions for OCD

Although every EMDR OCD treatment plan is personalized, most sessions follow the same 8-phase protocol, which includes:

History taking
Preparation and stabilization
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body scan
Closure
Re-evaluation

Therapists use different treatment approaches based on your specific OCD symptoms.

Initial Assessment

During the initial assessment, your therapist gathers information about OCD symptoms, mental health history, current triggers, and any related trauma. Together, you will identify treatment goals and decide on a treatment plan.

Bilateral Stimulation

During the processing phase, the therapist uses bilateral stimulation (BLS) while you focus on distressing memories. Using bilateral stimulation, therapists help identify memories, experiences, beliefs, or current triggers. Over time, the intensity of emotional reactions may decrease as a result of processing.

After each set, you will report what came to your mind (memories or thoughts often emerge). This process continues until the emotional charge decreases significantly.

Number of Sessions and Timeline

The EMDR timeline may vary depending on the OCD symptom severity, trauma history, or treatment goal and is highly individualized. How long EMDR takes to work depends on consistency, therapist experience, and trauma severity. Some individuals notice improvement within 6 to 12 sessions, while others may require a longer treatment duration.

After the Session

Some individuals experience reactions like vivid dreams/nightmares, emotional sensitivity, and headaches after an EMDR session. These reactions are not permanent and often lessen with time.

5 Potential Benefits of EMDR for OCD

EMDR can reduce emotional intensity associated with intrusive thoughts and painful or disturbing memories.
Nearly 70% of individuals show OCD symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event. EMDR can help process traumas that may exacerbate OCD symptoms in some individuals.
EMDR may be used alongside ERP when trauma interferes with the treatment process. Still, larger studies are needed.
Some small studies have reported improvements in OCD symptoms, but more high-quality research is needed.
Research suggests that EMDR treatment is generally well-tolerated with minimal and manageable side effects.

Find the Right OCD Therapist Near You

If you are wondering whether to add EMDR for OCD or not, speaking with a licensed professional is the best place to start.

A licensed OCD therapist can evaluate your symptoms, identify potential contributing factors such as past trauma or co-occurring mental health conditions. After identifying the triggers, your therapist recommends a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms, severity, mental health history, and treatment goals.

OCD is treatable and manageable. At Therapy Fleet, our licensed therapists provide a range of treatment approaches, including EMDR when clinically appropriate. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation and find the right treatment approach near you.

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Conclusion

If OCD symptoms are affecting your daily activities, work, or relationships, seeking professional help can help you find an effective plan tailored to your needs. Early diagnosis and evidence-based treatment can help reduce OCD symptoms and improve overall quality of life.

Although EMDR OCD treatment is not appropriate for everyone, it may benefit some individuals, particularly when past trauma contributes to their OCD symptoms. Speaking with a licensed mental health professional can help determine whether EMDR, ERP, or a combination of treatments is the appropriate approach.

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FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about EMDR OCD treatment.

1. Can EMDR make OCD worse?

Current research has not shown that EMDR makes OCD symptoms worse in the long term. However, some people may experience a temporary increase in emotional distress, intrusive thoughts, feeling emotionally overwhelmed, and increased anxiety while processing.

These reactions can be managed with the support of a trained mental health professional.

2. Who is the best candidate for EMDR therapy for OCD?

People who may benefit from EMDR for OCD are:

Have not responded sufficiently to the first-line therapies
OCD symptoms are linked with past traumatic experiences
People who have both PTSD and OCD symptoms
Individuals experience significant shame, guilt, or trauma-related emotional responses

3. What is the hardest OCD to treat?

No form of OCD is the hardest type of OCD to treat. It can vary depending on severity, co-occurring condition, or duration. Some forms that clinicians may find challenging include:

Poor insight OCD
Scrupulosity (Religious or moral OCD)
Treatment-resistant OCD
OCD with co-occurring mental health conditions

4. When should EMDR not be used?

EMDR may need to be delayed if you have:

Active psychosis
Lack of emotional stability that requires stabilization first
Severe dissociation
Acute substance use
Certain medical or neurological conditions

A trained and qualified therapist can determine if EMDR is appropriate based on your overall mental health and individual needs.

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER

At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to Therapy Fleet’s qualified staff.