EMDR Therapy for Depression
Do you experience hopelessness, sadness or numbness? EMDR may be the key to unlocking your depression and finally feeling joy and connection. Depression is often deeply connected to unresolved trauma. When we have painful experiences, the natural response of the body and mind is to shut down all emotions and feelings, both good and bad. Past experiences that we have had can negatively impact our beliefs about ourselves, the world, our relationships and the future.
The Connection Between Trauma and Depression
Trauma—whether big “T” trauma such as abuse or assault, or little “t” trauma like ongoing emotional neglect, criticism, or bullying—can disrupt a person’s sense of safety, identity, and self-worth. When these painful experiences remain unprocessed, they often lead to intense emotional distress, shame, and disconnection from the body.
Relational trauma is another key factor in depression. This type of trauma occurs within relationships—whether with family members, partners, or close friends—and includes experiences like emotional abuse, invalidation, or neglect. These relational wounds often lead to negative self-beliefs, insecurity, and a persistent sense of unworthiness, all of which can fuel depressive symptoms.
When these traumatic experiences, both big and small, remain unprocessed, they can lead to overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and disconnection. The emotional pain from both little "t" trauma and relational trauma can become internalized, leading to a cycle where depression takes hold and impacts every area of life.
Common Causes of Depression
While EMDR therapy is widely recognized for its effectiveness in treating depression caused by trauma, it can also be incredibly helpful for those dealing with depression rooted in other factors. Depression doesn't always stem from past traumatic events; it can also arise from chronic stress, difficult life transitions, chronic illness, sleep disorders, grief, medical trauma, ongoing feelings of inadequacy, or persistent negative thought patterns. These underlying issues can still disrupt emotional well-being and contribute to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation.
EMDR can help address depression from these sources by focusing on negative beliefs, unprocessed emotions, and cognitive patterns that contribute to your low mood. For example, someone facing a major life change, such as a job loss or divorce, may experience a shift in self-esteem or identity that leads to depression. EMDR therapy works by reprocessing these unhelpful thought patterns, allowing you to shift your perspective and find emotional relief.
Even without the presence of trauma, EMDR helps you break free from the cycle of negative thinking that keeps you stuck in depression. By targeting the emotional and cognitive roots of your depression, EMDR promotes healing, helping you develop a healthier, more balanced outlook on life and yourself.
What is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR is a unique, structured psychotherapy that helps individuals process and reframe negative emotions and thoughts associated with trauma. Through bilateral stimulation (often eye movements), EMDR facilitates the brain's natural ability to heal emotional wounds. By targeting the root causes of depression—such as unresolved trauma, grief, or adverse experiences—EMDR therapy promotes emotional healing, reduces distress, and enhances resilience.
When used to treat depression, EMDR works by:
Desensitizing painful memories: EMDR helps process the distressing experiences that may be contributing to depressive symptoms.
Reprocessing negative beliefs: EMDR targets harmful self-beliefs formed from past trauma, helping you replace them with healthier, more empowering perspectives.
Restoring emotional balance: By helping the brain “reprocess” the memories and emotions, EMDR helps you regain emotional balance, reducing feelings of sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness.
Integrative Approach
Depression can take a toll physically, emotionally and mentally. In addition to EMDR, many clients benefit from additional adjunctive treatments. To recover from depression, it is effective to implement self-care strategies to increase our overall well-being and prevent relapse. A few treatment options that I may recommend include:
Develop a regular routine
Improve sleep hygiene
Regular exercise (high-intensity if possible)
Yoga and meditation
Mindfulness
Light therapy
Consultation with physicians or naturopaths for medication or supplement treatment
Body work (massage, Reiki, or acupuncture)