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Nuances in the memory undermining effects of EMDR and imagery rescripting
Henry Otgaar1, Sanne T L Houben2
1Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Netherlands; Faculty of Law and Criminology, KU Leuven, Belgium.
Current Opinion in Psychology
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and imagery rescripting may reduce memory vividness and emotional intensity. EMDR eye movements might increase false memories but not suggestibility, while imagery rescripting effects on false memories are inconsistent.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and imagery rescripting are therapeutic techniques.
- Concerns exist regarding their potential impact on memory quality and accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evidence on the memory undermining effects of EMDR and imagery rescripting.
- To analyze how these therapies influence memory vividness, emotionality, and the generation of false memories.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies examining EMDR and imagery rescripting.
- Analysis of findings related to memory characteristics and false memory formation.
Main Results:
- Both therapies appear to reduce memory vividness and negative emotional content.
- EMDR eye movements may increase spontaneous false memories but not suggestibility.
- Imagery rescripting shows inconsistent effects on false memory generation.
- Clinician beliefs in repressed memory may influence suggestive techniques and false memory risks with EMDR.
Conclusions:
- Nuance is essential when considering the memory undermining effects of EMDR and imagery rescripting.
- Therapeutic techniques and clinician beliefs warrant careful consideration regarding memory integrity.
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