Celebrating 30 Years of EMDRIA: Key Takeaways from EMDRIA 2025 Conference
We just returned from this year’s EMDRIA 2025 Conference held in Anaheim, California where we celebrated 30 years of EMDRIA’s dedication to advancing trauma healing worldwide. The atmosphere was full of gratitude, innovation, hope, and deep reverence for the current state of our country and the world.
As we reflected on the past three decades of growth, one theme was clear: EMDR therapy not only changes lives, it has reshaped the very landscape of trauma treatment. Recent research continues to affirm what EMDR clinicians and clients witness every day; EMDR works, and it works for lasting change.
One particularly important study, Intensive EMDR to Treat Patients With Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Series (Bongaerts, van Minnen, & de Jong), highlights just how transformative EMDR therapy can be in an Intensive format for Complex PTSD (CPTSD). Here are our three major takeaways from both the research sessions we attended and the conversations that echoed throughout this year’s conference:
1. EMDR Is the Most Effective Treatment for PTSD — And Beyond
The evidence is clear: EMDR therapy is one of two top evidence-based treatments for PTSD and EMDR is the most effective treatment at reducing PTSD symptoms in the short-term . But it doesn’t stop there. The findings of research show EMDR’s effectiveness also extends to treating anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, and complex PTSD. This is a powerful reminder that EMDR is not just a trauma therapy—it’s a versatile, integrative psychotherapy approach that can support clients with a wide range of struggles.
2. EMDR Is Even More Powerful When Combined with other Modalities and Offered in Intensives
The research confirms what we have seen in our practice; EMDR therapy is enhanced when combined with other modalities bringing even more depth and integration to the healing process! Here at IFS EMDR Therapy Group, we combine EMDR with Internal Family Systems (IFS), somatic work, or attachment-based therapies. Learn more about IFS-Informed EMDR here.
Equally important is the format of session: The standard, traditional 50-minute session one time a week needs to shift, particularly for EMDR. The evidence shows that intensive EMDR, delivered in consecutive extended sessions over days or weeks, allows clients to move through material in a more effective way. This structure has also been shown to help sustain momentum and accelerate breakthroughs that might otherwise take months or years in weekly therapy.
3. EMDR Intensives Reduces Dropout and Speeds Healing
The studies presented at the EMDRIA conference this year also revealed that intensive EMDR is not only effective in the short-term, but also at mid-term and long-term follow-up. More than 70% of study participants no longer met the criteria for the diagnosis they had when they entered treatment.
Even more striking, intensive EMDR:
Reduces dropout rates (clients stay engaged and complete the work)
Is cost-effective (less time and fewer overall sessions needed)
Accelerates healing (reducing the average course of treatment from 1.5 years down to just days, weeks, or months)
The evidence supports what many of us in the EMDR field are already seeing firsthand: intensive EMDR therapy creates profound, lasting change in a fraction of the time.
Looking Ahead
As we mark EMDRIA’s 30th anniversary, we not only celebrate the progress made, but also the possibilities ahead. EMDR continues to expand into new applications, new formats, and new integrations - We are inspired and endeavor to continue to help more people find freedom from suffering and live with greater resilience. If you’re interested in learning more about working with us click here to contact us today.
More Reading:
Is a 4-Day Intensive Right for You? Here’s What to Expect
Small Therapy Practice vs. Big Tech Mental Health: 5 Key Benefits of Choosing a Small Practice
Why Somatic Therapy is Essential for Deep Healing in Trauma Intensives
Authorship: This blog was written by Morgan Levine, LCSW (licensed in MD, DC, VA, PA, and CO). Morgan specializes in intensive EMDR therapy and IFS-Informed EMDR therapy offered in-person in her office or in Immersive Intensive Retreats, as well as virtually. Morgan is passionate about working with adults who want deeper healing and are ready to get unstuck from patterns of perfectionism, overworking, anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, obsessions and compulsions, relationship issues, CPTSD, use of substances or people, attachment wounds, and specific trauma events.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health care nor a recommendation or endorsement for any particular treatment plan, organization, provider, professional service, or product. The information may change without notice. No claims, promises, or guarantees are made about the completeness, accuracy, currency, content or quality of information linked. You assume all responsibility and risk for any use of the information.
