Is EMDR a type of hypnosis?

Superficially, you can see how EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) and hypnotherapy are sometimes confused but EMDR is not hypnosis. Hypnosis can be very effective, but it is not a form of psychotherapy like EMDR.

They do share a few core principles:

• Both involve guided focus:  In EMDR, the focus is on a specific memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation; back-and-forth eye movements, tapping etc. In hypnosis, the focus is on achieving a trance-like state.

• Both help reframe painful experiences: The ultimate goal of both approaches is to change your relationship with past events or current struggles. They aim to reduce emotional distress and help you develop healthier perspectives and coping mechanisms.

Key Differences Between EMDR and Hypnosis

• Despite the similarities, the differences between EMDR and hypnosis are significant.
• Level of Awareness: This is the main distinction. During an EMDR session, you are fully awake, alert, and in control. You are always aware of your surroundings and can stop the process at any time. Hypnosis helps you enter a trance-like state. In this state, your conscious mind relaxes. This makes you more open to suggestions.
• Conscious vs. Subconscious Work: EMDR mostly engages the conscious mind, while hypnosis guides you into working more with your subconscious.
• The Therapeutic Process: EMDR uses a specific, eight-phase protocol that includes bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping) to help your brain’s natural adaptive information processing system work through traumatic memories. The healing comes from within your own mind’s ability to reprocess. Hypnosis relies on the power of suggestion from the therapist to influence your thoughts and behaviours while you are in a suggestible state.

EMDR vs. Hypnosis: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing between EMDR and hypnosis depends entirely on your personal history, symptoms, and what you are hoping to achieve.

EMDR may be a good fit if you are dealing with:

• Trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

• Anxiety, phobias, or panic attacks (Works best when a phobia is tied directly to a specific past traumatic event or deep-rooted panic, using bilateral eye movements to reprocess the original memory)

• Complicated grief

• Low self-worth or negative self-beliefs tied to past events

• Feeling “stuck” in traditional talk therapy

Hypnosis might be more suitable if you want to focus on:

• Changing specific habits (e.g., quitting smoking)

• Stress reduction and deep relaxation

• Pain management

• Addressing certain types of anxiety or phobias (Works best on habit-based triggers, performance anxiety, or simple isolated phobias by entering a focused, relaxed trance state to reframe responses)

It’s always best to discuss your options with a mental health professional who can help you determine the most appropriate path forward.