As a Christian therapist, I believe deeply in the power of both faith and clinical excellence. I often work with clients who carry the heavy burden of trauma, and one of the most effective tools I use in my practice is EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). At the same time, I recognize how important it is for Christian clients—and Christian clinicians—to feel confident that their therapy aligns with biblical truth.
EMDR wasn’t created from a Christian perspective, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be used in a Christ-centered, biblically sound way. In fact, I’ve found that EMDR can be beautifully adapted to reflect our faith and support clients in healing not just psychologically, but spiritually.
Let me walk you through how I personally integrate EMDR therapy within a Christian worldview.
Understanding EMDR as a Clinician
EMDR is an eight-phase, evidence-based approach that helps clients process trauma. It’s based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, which suggests that traumatic memories can become “stuck” in the brain and continue to cause emotional pain, distorted beliefs, and reactivity.
Using bilateral stimulation—like eye movements or tapping—we help the brain reprocess those memories in a way that’s adaptive, safe, and healing. The memory doesn’t disappear, but it loses its emotional charge and its grip on the person’s life. That’s powerful—and for many clients, life-changing.
Why EMDR Aligns with a Christian Framework
While EMDR wasn’t designed from a biblical worldview, its core mechanisms don’t contradict Scripture. It’s simply a method—a tool—that can be used for good or misused, depending on how it’s applied. That’s why I approach it with prayerful discernment and theological integrity.
As Christian counselors, we’re called to evaluate not just the technique but the worldview behind it. When I use EMDR, I do so from a place of faith—grounding the process in truth, honoring the Holy Spirit’s presence, and seeking healing that glorifies God.
How I Integrate Faith into EMDR
1. Inviting Jesus into the Memory (Modified Ego State Work)
In the traditional EMDR protocol, clinicians might use imagery where the client imagines a stronger version of themselves offering support to their younger self. But with clients who are spiritually open, I often ask something different:
“What would it be like to invite Jesus into that memory with you?”
I give space for them to picture Christ entering that painful scene—bringing His comfort, strength, and presence. I’ll ask:
- “What do you see Jesus doing?”
- “What does He want you to know right now?”
- “Can you picture Him taking that burden and giving you something in return—maybe peace, truth, or hope?”
This imagery is more than comforting—it’s redemptive. It allows clients to experience God’s healing in the very place where they once felt most broken.
2. Using Scripture in Resourcing and Installation Phases
In the early phases of EMDR, we help clients build resources—inner tools they can draw from when things get hard. For Christian clients, Scripture can be one of the most powerful resources of all.
Some of my go-to verses include:
- “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” – Psalm 139:14
- “Nothing can separate me from the love of God.” – Romans 8:38–39
These verses can be used as target beliefs in Phase 5 (Installation), replacing negative thoughts like “I’m not safe” or “I’m not lovable” with biblical truths that reflect God’s perspective.
3. Framing EMDR as a Tool for Renewing the Mind
Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That’s exactly what EMDR supports. It doesn’t just manage symptoms—it helps shift deeply held beliefs and emotional patterns.
I often explain it to Christian clients this way: “EMDR is one tool that God can use to help you renew your mind, just like Scripture describes. It allows old lies to be replaced with truth—not just intellectually, but deep in your heart and body.”
Scriptural Support for Integration
I believe EMDR can be deeply congruent with the teachings of Scripture. Here are a few passages I reflect on often:
- Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
- True healing happens when our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs align with God’s truth. EMDR, in His hands, becomes a way to facilitate that transformation.
- 2 Corinthians 10:5 – “Take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
- So many trauma survivors struggle with distorted beliefs about themselves. Through EMDR, we help bring those thoughts into the light—where they can be surrendered and replaced with Christ-centered truth.
- Hebrews 13:5 – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
- This is a truth I often anchor clients to when they’re reprocessing memories of abandonment or fear. Even when God didn’t feel present in those moments, He never left them.
Ethical Considerations in Faith Integration
It’s important to approach this kind of integration ethically. Here are some of the boundaries I always follow:
- Informed Consent: I never bring in Scripture, prayer, or imagery of Jesus unless the client has expressed openness to it.
- Client-Led: The client determines how much faith to bring into the session. I follow their lead.
- Sound Theology: I’m careful not to over-spiritualize trauma or suggest that faith alone should have “fixed” the issue. Healing takes time—and God often works through therapy.
Final Thoughts
EMDR is an incredible gift in my clinical toolbox. When used thoughtfully, prayerfully, and in alignment with biblical truth, it becomes more than a clinical technique—it becomes a space for true transformation. For Christian clients, that means healing not just of the mind, but of the soul.
If you're a Christian clinician wondering how to use EMDR in a faith-integrated way, I want to encourage you: It’s possible. And when done well, it’s incredibly powerful.
If you’re interested in learning more, or you’d like guidance on how to ethically and theologically adapt EMDR in your practice, feel free to reach out or join one of my consultation groups. I’d love to support you on your journey.