Nuances in the memory undermining effects of EMDR and imagery rescripting

Authors voice opinions and concerns about psychological treatments that might create false memories.

Article Abstract

“We reviewed the evidence on the memory undermining effects of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and imagery rescripting. Both therapies appear to undermine memory quality by making memories less vivid and emotionally-negative. Also, while eye movements used in EMDR seem to increase spontaneous false memories, they do not increase the susceptibility to suggestion. Inconsistent findings have emerged on the effects of imagery rescripting on false memory generation. Furthermore, a substantial number of clinicians who use EMDR strongly believe in the notion of repressed memory and EMDR has been associated with the occurrence of recovered memories. The belief in repressed memory might encourage suggestive therapeutic techniques, thereby increasing the risk of false memory creation. Overall, nuance is required on potential memory undermining effects of EMDR and imagery rescripting.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Otgaar, H., & Houben, S. T. L. (2025). Nuances in the memory undermining effects of EMDR and imagery rescripting. Current Opinion in Psychology, 67, 102198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2025.102198