In recent years, EMDR therapy—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing—has gained recognition as a powerful tool for healing trauma. For Christians seeking emotional, mental, and spiritual restoration, EMDR can be a deeply effective and biblically supported method of therapy when used wisely and prayerfully.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR is a trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain reprocess painful memories so they no longer hold the emotional power they once did.
Originally used to treat PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), EMDR is now widely used for:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression
Grief and loss
Religious or spiritual trauma
Childhood abuse
Low self-worth and negative beliefs
The therapy involves recalling traumatic memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically through eye movements, sounds, or taps), which allows the brain to “unstick” from painful past experiences and process them in a healthier, more integrated way.
How EMDR Helps Christian Clients
It Honors the Truth That God Created Us with Complex Minds The brain’s ability to hold and process memory is part of God's intelligent design. EMDR works with how the brain naturally seeks healing but gets "stuck" due to trauma. This aligns with the idea that God wants to restore us holistically—body, soul, and mind (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
It Offers a Path to Emotional Freedom Scripture teaches that "where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom" (2 Corinthians 3:17). EMDR helps remove the emotional and psychological chains trauma can place on a person’s life, opening the door for deeper peace, freedom, and connection with God and others.
It Can Be Integrated with Prayer and Scripture Many Christian therapists use EMDR in a spiritually integrative way, inviting the Holy Spirit into sessions and using Scripture-based affirmations during resourcing phases. For example, a client may meditate on Psalm 23 ("He restores my soul") or Isaiah 41:10 ("Do not fear, for I am with you") during parts of the session.
It Supports the Biblical Call to Renew the Mind Romans 12:2 calls believers to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” EMDR helps replace lies formed in trauma (“I’m not safe,” “I’m worthless,” “I’m alone”) with God’s truth (“I am protected,” “I am loved,” “I am never alone”).
Addressing Common Christian Concerns
Some Christians may be cautious about EMDR because it involves eye movements or because it feels “too psychological.” However, EMDR is not spiritual in nature—it’s a clinical method that engages the way God designed the brain to heal. When administered by a Christian therapist, it can be fully aligned with biblical values.
It’s important to note: EMDR is not hypnosis, nor is it New Age. It’s a structured, evidence-based method that allows people to face difficult memories in a safe, contained way—often with lasting results.
When EMDR Is Especially Helpful for Christians
Religious trauma or spiritual abuse
Grief and loss
Sexual abuse or assault
Complex childhood trauma
Ongoing anxiety that doesn't respond to talk therapy alone
Whether someone is struggling with memories of the past or feeling emotionally “stuck,” EMDR provides a path toward healing that aligns with the Christian journey of restoration.
Final Thoughts: God Heals, and EMDR Can Be One Way He Does It
As Christians, we believe that God heals in many ways—through prayer, community, Scripture, and yes, even through therapy. EMDR does not replace spiritual growth or faith; rather, it can help remove barriers that prevent deeper connection with God and others.
Interested in Christian counseling that incorporates EMDR? Fill out our contact form to learn more about how faith and evidence-based therapy can work together to bring lasting healing.