# Does EMDR Actually Work? (What the Research Says)

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stuck-not-broken-765818/does-emdr-actually-work-what-the-research-says
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/stuck-not-broken-765818/does-emdr-actually-work-what-the-research-says.md
Podcast: [Stuck Not Broken](https://stenobird.com/podcast/stuck-not-broken-765818)
Published: 2026-03-24T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: http://www.stucknotbroken.com
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/b74088fe-4601-4a89-986b-d241305a5d0d.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/stuck-not-broken-765818/episodes/does-emdr-actually-work-what-the-research-says
Duration seconds: 1699

## Resource

EMDR is everywhere — but do you know what's actually helpful? Or if it is at all? EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has become one of the most talked-about trauma treatments around. But most people — and, honestly, many therapists — reduce it to one image: a finger waving in someone's face. That shorthand is costing people clarity about what's actually working. In this episode, Justin Sunseri breaks down what EMDR really is beyond the eye movements, what the research actually says about its effectiveness, and — more importantly — what the science says is doing the heavy lifting when it works. In this episode: The 8-phase structure of EMDR (and where bilateral stimulation actually shows up) What happens when you compare EMDR to other trauma therapies 4 common factors that explain most of therapy's results — across every modality What dismantling studies reveal about eye movements specifically The "Toe Curling" thought experiment that puts it all in perspective Why the research has real weaknesses — and what that means for you What to actually look for in a therapist or healing approach 🌸 Not sure which stuck state you're in? Recognize where you're at and join the free community here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/stuck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=stuck-page It helps you recognize your state. It never tells you what you are. No quiz, no verdict, no card. 🤩 Ready to go deeper? Explore resources at every price point here - https://www.stucknotbroken.com/how-i-can-help-you?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=how-i-can-help 🙂 Don't know the Polyvagal Theory? Catch up here - https://player.captivate.fm/collection/cce134e7-1550-4d33-8e56-738d344c63b0 This and other content produced by Justin Sunseri (“Justi…

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