The impact of EMDR therapy on past suicidal ideation: Lived experiences of young adults

This study explores effectiveness of EMDR therapy in reducing suicidal ideation and improving mental health outcomes in young adults attending college with a history of trauma.

Article Abstract

“This study explores the effectiveness of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in reducing suicidal ideation and improving mental health outcomes among college-attending young adults (ages 18–24) with a history of trauma. EMDR is a body-based psychotherapy designed to alleviate distressing thoughts and trauma. It gained attention for its positive impact on PTSD and has more recently been applied to other mental health disorders. The literature review highlights risk factors including trauma, mental health disorders, suicidal ideation, and EMDR. The methods detail a phenomenological approach, interviewing four young adults who underwent EMDR and experienced past suicidal ideation. This provided insight into emotional experiences before and after treatment, and how effective EMDR might be for this issue. Results showed that, through thematic analysis, EMDR significantly reduced suicidal thoughts, lessened trauma-related symptoms, and improved overall mental health. Participants described traumatic experiences such as sexual assault, emotional abuse, and family-related trauma, leading to conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Other therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), talk therapy, and antidepressants were tried but found less effective than EMDR in reducing symptoms and improving functioning. These results contribute to growing evidence that EMDR can be effective for this demographic, addressing a critical gap in mental health interventions for young adults, and potentially reducing suicidal ideation and related outcomes. The study also underscores the need for more diverse and accessible mental health resources in educational settings, while acknowledging its limitations.”

Article Access

Open Access

Faehnrich, L. (2025). The impact of EMDR therapy on past suicidal ideation: Lived experiences of young adults. [Undergraduate Honors Theses, University of Northern Colorado, 118].  Open access: https://digscholarship.unco.edu/honors/118/