When your teen is hurting, you want answers you can trust—not myths or misinformation. At Marble Wellness, many Ballwin, Chesterfield, and St. Louis families come to us with valid questions and concerns about EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Is it safe? Is it only for PTSD? Will my teen need to relive every awful memory?
Let’s set the record straight by tackling the most persistent myths about EMDR therapy for young people—and give your family the facts you need to confidently pursue healing.
Myth 1: “EMDR Is Only for PTSD or Serious Trauma”
Reality: EMDR was first proven for PTSD, but it’s now broadly recommended for a wide range of emotional challenges that affect teens and young adults. It can be highly effective for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, phobias, grief, bullying effects, and even academic stress. Trauma is not just “big events”—smaller, repeated hurts matter, too, and EMDR helps with both.
Myth 2: “EMDR Is Hypnosis or Mind Control”
Reality: EMDR is not hypnosis. Teens remain fully awake, lucid, and in control throughout every session. No trance states or mind “suggestions”—just structured guidance paired with bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) that helps the brain reprocess and release distressing memories. Your teen can stop or take a break at any time. EMDR is about empowerment, not surrendering control.
Myth 3: “EMDR Erases or Changes Memories”
Reality: EMDR doesn’t erase or change what happened. Instead, it helps your teen’s brain process stuck or overwhelming memories more healthily. After therapy, those memories lose their emotional “sting” and become less distressing, so your child feels more in control and less haunted by the past.
Myth 4: “EMDR Is a Quick Fix or Miracle Cure”
Reality: While EMDR can deliver results surprisingly fast for some, it’s not magic. Healing is gradual, and real change takes commitment—often 6–12 sessions for moderate issues, sometimes longer for complex trauma. Your Marble Wellness therapist will set realistic expectations and go at your teen’s comfortable pace.
Myth 5: “EMDR Isn’t Safe or Is Too Overwhelming for Teens”
Reality: EMDR is carefully designed to prioritize safety and your teen’s comfort. Sessions always start with building resources—coping skills and techniques to manage distress. If your teen feels overwhelmed at any point, the therapist will pause and use calming exercises. More than three decades of research support its safety and effectiveness for kids and young adults, especially when delivered by trained professionals.
Myth 6: “There’s No Real Science Behind EMDR”
Reality: EMDR is one of the most studied mental health treatments worldwide. Organizations like the World Health Organization, American Psychiatric Association, and even the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs endorse it for trauma and anxiety—based on rigorous clinical trials and neuroscientific findings. EMDR’s eye movements are more than a gimmick: functional brain scans show that this bilateral stimulation helps the brain safely reprocess “stuck” memories and promote real healing.
Myth 7: “EMDR Can Cause or Implant False Memories”
Reality: EMDR follows a very structured, non-suggestive process. Therapists don’t plant ideas—it’s about helping your teen’s own memories move from distressing to manageable. Mountains of research show that EMDR does not introduce or encourage false memories.
Parent Questions: What to Expect When Your Teen Starts EMDR
- Will my teen have to talk about everything? No. Unlike standard talk therapy, EMDR lets teens process what’s inside without going into painful detail every time.
- How do I know if it’s working? Look for gradual improvements in mood, sleep, flexibility, or stress coping—even small wins add up.
- Is it private and safe? Yes. Your teen’s sessions are confidential, structured, and fully paced to their comfort.
Why Marble Wellness Is Your Trusted Choice for EMDR Therapy in St. Louis
Our STL-based EMDR therapists are experienced, certified, and compassionate. We understand local families’ needs and will help you decide if EMDR is a good fit for your teen. We offer in-person EMDR in Ballwin and virtual sessions statewide. Choosing EMDR therapy should come with clarity and confidence. Trust Marble Wellness to provide evidence-based information and expert care for your family in Ballwin, Chesterfield, or anywhere in Missouri.
Start EMDR Therapy for Teens in the St. Louis Area
Ready for answers rooted in science and empathy? Schedule a free consultation today—bring your questions, and let’s walk this journey toward hope and healing together.
If you live in the St. Louis metro area and are ready to improve your mental health, our expert St. Louis therapists are here to help. Reach out to our Client Care Coordinator today to discuss your therapy options, both in-person and via online therapy in Missouri.
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Additional Counseling Services at Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO
Marble Wellness Counseling services are designed to help set you on a path of living a more fulfilled, calm, and happy life. Our St. Louis area therapists have a variety of training backgrounds and areas of expertise. We have child and play therapists, therapists for teens, EMDR therapists, men’s mental health experts, couples therapists, and more! We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, trauma & PTSD, life transitions, and maternal overwhelm. Our practice also specifically helps new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. We can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri. No matter where you are in your journey, we are here to help you thrive!
