EMDR Therapy for Trauma and PTSD in Veterans
For many veterans, trauma doesn’t end when service does. It lingers, sometimes quietly, in ways that can interrupt daily life. Combat exposure, life-threatening situations, and high-stress missions can leave emotional imprints that don’t fade with time. Some of these experiences can even lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).¹
PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, sleeps, and connects with others. It may also show up as:²
- Flashbacks
- Avoidance
- Mood changes
- Constant feeling of alertness
For veterans, PTSD often follows experiences tied to combat or deployment, but not always. Even events that seemed manageable at the time can resurface years later, unexpectedly and powerfully.
This is where EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) has proven effective. EMDR therapy for PTSD offers a different path to healing – it doesn’t require someone to describe every painful memory in detail. Instead, EMDR for trauma survivors helps the brain reprocess trauma in a way that feels safer and more manageable.³
A mental health professional can talk you through EMDR and whether it could benefit your or a loved one’s needs. This article also works as a guide, covering:
- What EMDR therapy for PTSD is and how it works
- Why EMDR is often a good fit for trauma in veterans
- What happens during a typical EMDR session
- How EMDR treatment outcomes compare to other therapies
- Where to access EMDR services through the VA or outside providers
- Additional tools that can support recovery alongside EMDR
What Is EMDR Therapy for PTSD?
For veterans living with PTSD, the idea of describing painful memories in detail can feel overwhelming, or even impossible. EMDR therapy for PTSD takes a different route. Instead of unpacking every part of a traumatic event, it helps the brain move through it in a more gentle way.
The process of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for PTSD follows a clear structure. A licensed therapist guides you in recalling a memory while focusing on a set of external cues, usually side-to-side eye movements, taps, or sounds. These cues don’t erase the memory. Instead, what they often do is help the brain file it away, like something that happened in the past, instead of being ongoing.
In other words, EMDR is less about retelling the story and more about shifting how the nervous system responds to it. ⁴
How EMDR Therapy Works in the Brain
Trauma changes how the brain processes experiences. For instance, for many veterans, the events that caused their PTSD aren’t just memories – they’re reactions that play out over and over. A sound, a scent, or even a quiet moment can trigger a surge of fear or tension. It’s not a lack of strength, but the nervous system doing its best to protect you from something it still doesn’t feel safe around.
EMDR gives the brain a way to revisit stored trauma without becoming overwhelmed. The memories don’t vanish, but they can shift. Over time, the emotional charge weakens, helping you feel less trapped in the past. The following information on bilateral stimulation helps explain how this happens.
EMDR Bilateral Stimulation and Memory Processing
The shift from feeling like you’re trapped in the past to feeling freed begins with something called “bilateral stimulation.”⁵ What this is is simple side-to-side eye movements, taps, or alternating sounds. But for reasons researchers are still exploring, this left-right stimulation helps the brain process old memories more effectively.
EMDR doesn’t ask for a detailed narrative. It doesn’t require full disclosure. Instead, it meets the body where it is – often in a state of alert – and slowly helps it step out of survival mode. This is one reason why it’s often a good fit for veterans who haven’t found relief through other treatments.
EMDR Therapy for PTSD and Trauma in Veterans
Not all trauma looks the same, but many veterans carry it in ways that run deep. Sometimes it shows up as nightmares or flashbacks. Other times, it hides beneath the surface as tight muscles, sudden irritability, or a constant sense of being on edge.⁶
EMDR for trauma in veterans has become one of the most effective tools for easing that response. It’s well-suited to military populations, not just because of how it works, but because of what it doesn’t ask for. There’s no need to retell every detail of what happened. The following information takes a closer look at why EMDR works to improve trauma symptoms in veterans.
Why Combat-Related PTSD Responds to EMDR
Studies show that brain circuit dysfunction may be at play when someone is suffering from PTSD.⁷ Combat experiences in particular tend to flood the brain with information like sounds, images, emotions, and physical sensations all at once. In moments like this, the brain doesn’t always process the memory in a way that feels complete – it holds onto the threat.
EMDR for combat-related PTSD is designed to help veterans revisit these memories without becoming overwhelmed. The therapy allows the brain to reprocess the original event in a safer, more manageable way. This shift helps reduce the emotional intensity tied to specific triggers, so that memories lose their power to provoke fear, anger, or shutdown.
Common Trauma Types Treated in Veterans With EMDR
While combat is a major cause of PTSD, it’s not the only one. Military trauma can take many forms. For instance, EMDR therapy for PTSD has been used to support veterans who’ve experienced:⁸,⁹
- Life-threatening missions or injury
- Military sexual trauma
- Moral injury or survivor’s guilt
- Accidents or loss
- Witnessing harm
- Long-term exposure to stress during service
Because EMDR doesn’t rely on verbal processing alone, it’s often helpful in cases where veterans struggle to talk about what happened or have already tried traditional methods without success.
What to Expect from Veterans and EMDR Treatment
Starting something new can feel like a risk, especially when you’ve already lived through more than most. But veterans and EMDR treatment often work well together. The process is structured, steady, and doesn’t ask you to push through what you’re not ready for.
EMDR sessions are focused on safety and pacing. You stay in control. The goal is to let your brain process what’s stuck, without dragging you back into it.
What a Typical EMDR for Trauma in Veterans Session Looks Like
Each EMDR session starts with a check-in. For example, you and your therapist may pick a memory or feeling to work with – and your therapist can explain how the session will go. From here, the processing begins, usually with side-to-side eye movements, tapping, or sounds.
You don’t talk much during this part of therapy. You just notice what physical and emotional issues come up, and the therapist checks in between sets.
Sessions typically last under 90 minutes, and most include time to calm and reset at the end. Some veterans feel lighter after one session. For others, it takes time.
Trauma-Focused EMDR vs. Other Therapies
Many trauma therapies rely on retelling the story. Trauma-focused EMDR doesn’t.
EMDR isn’t about repeating the details of a distressing event. It’s about shifting how your body responds when you remember it. This difference matters, especially for veterans who’ve already told their stories and still feel stuck.
EMDR gives the brain a new path through old pain. And for many, that’s what makes it work.
EMDR Therapy Outcomes and PTSD Relief
EMDR therapy outcomes vary from person to person, but across clinical studies and veteran accounts, one thing stands out: EMDR is often effective when other approaches have stalled. And for individuals living with the weight of trauma, that kind of shift can be life-changing. For instance, the results of EMDR can look like:
- Less anxiety
- More groundedness
- Reduced reactivity
- Feeling more able to live in the present
PTSD recovery through EMDR has shown strong outcomes across multiple veteran populations. Whether the goal is fewer flashbacks, better sleep, or just getting through the day without a constant sense of threat, PTSD relief with EMDR is possible, and in many cases, lasting.¹⁰
EMDR vs. Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Both EMDR and prolonged exposure therapy are evidence-based treatments for PTSD.¹¹ However, the experience of both is very different.
Prolonged exposure involves revisiting the trauma repeatedly through spoken narrative. It can be effective, but it also demands a lot from the person receiving it.
EMDR takes a gentler route. It still brings the trauma into focus, but in shorter bursts, guided by the brain’s natural pace. For veterans who feel overwhelmed by traditional exposure therapy, EMDR offers a different way through the same door.
Accessing EMDR Therapy for Military Veterans
Getting help shouldn’t be complicated, but for many veterans, it’s can be challenging to access VA EMDR services. For example, more than 50% of veterans who need mental health care don’t receive it.¹²
EMDR therapy for military veterans is offered in two main ways:
- Government programs
- Private care
Let’s explore how you can access care through both of these routes.
Where to Find EMDR Through Veterans Affairs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers EMDR at many of its clinics. Some locations have in-person appointments, while others may offer support through telehealth therapy.
If you’re already using VA health care, ask your provider about trauma-focused therapy. You might need a referral, but they’ll help guide you through it. Some places have a waitlist, but others may be able to get you in quickly.
For most veterans enrolled in VA health care, EMDR is covered at no extra cost.
Finding Trauma Recovery with EMDR Outside the VA
Not everyone wants to go through the VA to find trauma recovery with EMDR. Some veterans prefer more choice, or faster access.
You can still find trauma recovery with EMDR through private therapists. Many of these therapists are trained in trauma work and have experience with veterans. Additionally, some of these professionals accept TRICARE coverage while others may offer lower fees if you’re paying out of pocket.
If you’re not sure where to turn, the team at Mission Connection can help you source a treatment option that suits your needs and lifestyle.
Supporting Veterans’ Trauma Recovery Beyond EMDR
Veterans’ trauma recovery doesn’t always follow a straight line, and while EMDR helps many people move forward, it’s not the only option. Healing can come through different routes.
When EMDR Isn’t the Right Fit:
Not every veteran connects with EMDR. Some need a different approach to treatment – and this isn’t a setback. There are other evidence-based treatments that can help with PTSD, especially in veteran populations.
Here are a few of the common therapy options for PTSD:
- Group therapy: Peer-led group sessions where veterans feel welcome and understood
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps build coping tools and reduce symptom intensity
- Prolonged exposure (PE): Involves revisiting trauma memories to reduce avoidance and fear
- Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): Focuses on changing unhelpful beliefs linked to trauma
- Narrative exposure therapy: Encourages structured retelling of someone’s life story to place trauma in context
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT): Supports psychological flexibility by helping people live with difficult thoughts without feeling the need to avoid them
- Somatic therapies: Such as sensorimotor Psychotherapy and somatic experiencing, which work to ease body-based trauma responses
Trauma recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right therapeutic fit often depends on timing, trust, and what feels most tolerable in the moment.
Combining EMDR With Other Mental Health Support
Many veterans use EMDR alongside other forms of support. This might mean regular talk therapy, peer support, or more holistic approaches, like yoga or breathwork. Additionally, some find that supplementing therapy with medication can help with sleep disturbances or anxiety.
In other words, recovery doesn’t have to mean settling on one thing – recovery plans are often a mix of different approaches. What matters is that healing feels manageable, and that you don’t feel alone in it.
If EMDR becomes part of your treatment picture, it’s because it’s right for your needs. If not, there are still other ways forward.
Reach Out to Mission Connection for Veterans Mental Health and EMDR Guidance
Healing from trauma is rarely straightforward, and for many veterans, knowing where to begin is often the hardest part. Whether you’re considering EMDR therapy for PTSD or simply looking for a treatment path that feels tolerable, the process becomes more manageable when you’re not walking it alone.
At Mission Connection, we understand that recovery from PTSD is not a single action, but a series of small, successive steps. We also know that the right support at the right time can make all the difference. Our team is here to help you explore your options, connect you with trusted professionals, and guide you toward care that honors both your history and your healing process. Ready to take the next step? Contact our team today.
References
- Greenberg, J., Tsai, J., Southwick, S. M., & Pietrzak, R. H. (2021). Can military trauma promote psychological growth in combat veterans? Results from the national health and resilience in veterans study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 282, 732-739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.12.077
- Öhman, A. (2007). Anxiety. Encyclopedia of Stress (Second Edition), 236-239. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-012373947-6.00039-8
- Wilson, G., Farrell, D., Barron, I., Hutchins, J., Whybrow, D., & Kiernan, M. D. (2018). The use of Eye-Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic narrative review. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 923. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5997931/
- Apa.org. (n.d.-i). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/eye-movement-reprocessing
- Amano, T., & Toichi, M. (2016). The role of alternating bilateral stimulation in establishing positive cognition in EMDR therapy: A multi-channel near-infrared spectroscopy study. PLOS ONE, 11(10), e0162735. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5061320/
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Post-traumatic stress disorder. Retrieved May 30, 2025, from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
- Fenster, R. J., Lebois, L. A. M., Ressler, K. J., & Suh, J. (2018). Brain circuit dysfunction in post-traumatic stress disorder: From mouse to man. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 19(9), 535–551. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6148363/
- Hurley, E. C. (2016). Treating military sexual trauma with EMDR therapy. In L. S. Katz (Ed.), Treating military sexual trauma (Vol. 301, pp. 155–173). Springer Publishing Company. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-19558-009
- Murray, H., Pethania, Y., & Medin, E. (2021). Survivor guilt: A cognitive approach. The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 14, e28. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7611691/
- Shapiro, F. (2014). The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: Addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. The Permanente Journal, 18(1), 71–77. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3951033/
- McLean, C. P., Levy, H. C., Miller, M. L., & Tolin, D. F. (2022). Exposure therapy for PTSD in military populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 90, 102607. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887618522000809
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Health Care Services, & Committee to Evaluate the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services. (2018). Department of Veterans Affairs mental health services: Need, usage, and access and barriers to care. National Academies Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499497/
