EMDR vs. SSRIs: Which Works Better for Trauma and PTSD?
- seanoconnorlmhc
- 2 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you are navigating the aftermath of trauma, PTSD, or anxiety, you have likely asked yourself, “Should I try EMDR therapy or go on medication?” It is a common and understandable question. When symptoms feel intense, persistent, or disruptive, people want relief and they want it to last.
The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. Both EMDR therapy and SSRIs can play an important role in trauma treatment. Understanding how they work, what the research shows, and how they support healing can help you make an informed and empowered decision.
In this blog, we explore EMDR vs. SSRIs for trauma, what each approach does well, and how to decide which path, or combination, may be right for you.
First, Let’s Talk About How Trauma Gets “Stuck” in the Brain
Trauma isn't just a memory, it’s something your brain and body hold onto when it doesn’t get processed properly. This can show up as:
Flashbacks or nightmares
Panic attacks or chronic anxiety
Dissociation or numbness
Feeling constantly “on edge” or “checked out”
Traditional talk therapy can help, but it often isn’t enough to fully resolve trauma. That’s where trauma-focused options like EMDR or SSRIs come in.
What Is EMDR Therapy?
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess stuck trauma memories, so they no longer feel overwhelming. It doesn’t require you to retell every detail of what happened—instead, it activates the brain’s natural healing process.
What Are SSRIs?
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant medications often used to treat anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce emotional reactivity.
Common SSRIs include:
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
These medications are typically prescribed by a psychiatrist or primary care doctor.
EMDR vs. SSRIs for Trauma: What the Research Shows
A landmark 2007 clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry compared EMDR therapy with SSRIs for people living with PTSD. Here’s what stood out:
🔍 Key Findings:
Both EMDR and SSRIs reduced symptoms after 8 weeks.
EMDR led to significantly greater improvements in trauma symptoms and co-occurring depression.
Those who completed EMDR maintained progress long-term. Many who stopped SSRIs experienced a return of symptoms.
EMDR showed a higher rate of full recovery from PTSD symptoms.
In everyday terms:
🧠 EMDR helps heal the trauma at its root.
💊 SSRIs help manage the symptoms but may require long-term use.
Let’s Be Real: This Isn’t Anti-Medication
🚨 Important disclaimer: This blog is not a substitute for medical advice.
We’re not here to say SSRIs are “bad” or that EMDR is “better for everyone. ”In fact, SSRIs have helped many of our clients quiet the mental noise enough to even get into the therapy room. For some people, medication is a necessary and life-saving step. For others, it’s a bridge. For some, it’s not the right fit at all.
This post reflects a combination of personal clinical experience, client outcomes, and emerging research in the trauma field. But ultimately - decisions about psychotropic medications should always be made in consultation with a licensed physician or psychiatrist.
So, Which One Is Right for You?
SSRIs can be helpful, especially when symptoms feel intense or when you're just trying to stabilize enough to function day-to-day. They may provide a “breathing room” effect—creating space for therapy to begin.
But medication alone doesn’t resolve trauma. It may help quiet the symptoms, but it doesn’t process the pain.
“We don’t medicate broken bones - we set them so they can heal. EMDR is like a cast for the brain - it helps the trauma heal correctly.”
At Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling, we specialize in trauma-informed care that addresses both the symptoms and the root cause. Our EMDR therapists often work with clients who:
✅ Are already on SSRIs but still feel stuck
✅ Want to try a medication-free approach to healing
✅ Feel like traditional talk therapy hasn’t been enough
The Big Picture: EMDR Is Designed for Healing, Not Just Coping
While SSRIs can be incredibly valuable for symptom stabilization, EMDR aims for resolution—so you don’t have to manage symptoms forever.
At Peaceful Living, we work with clients who are ready to:
Stop reliving their past
Understand why they feel the way they do
Heal their relationships
Build emotional resilience that lasts
Meet the Therapist: Sean O’Connor, LMHC
Sean O’Connor is a trauma-informed therapist at Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling who works with adults navigating PTSD, anxiety, and the long-term effects of trauma. Sean integrates EMDR therapy with a grounded, relational approach that prioritizes safety, trust, and nervous system regulation.
Sean is known for his steady, thoughtful presence and collaborative style. He helps clients understand how trauma affects the brain and body, while supporting them in moving at a pace that feels manageable and empowering. His work is rooted in the belief that healing happens when clients feel both supported and understood.
Sean works from a “what happened to you” perspective and is especially attuned to clients who feel stuck despite years of insight, coping strategies, or medication.
About Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling
Peaceful Living Mental Health Counseling provides trauma-informed therapy for adults, teens, and children.
We offer:
👉Virtual therapy across NY, NJ, CT, and FL
👉In-person therapy in Scarsdale and Westchester, NY
👉EMDR therapy for PTSD, anxiety, and complex trauma
Our therapists focus on healing the nervous system, not just managing symptoms.
Related Blogs From PLMHC
Go Deeper in Your Healing Journey
🎁 Learn More About The EMDR Therapy Progress Journal
📚 Check out our blogs, where our therapists break down EMDR concepts, trauma education, and practical healing strategies you can start today.
Ready to Explore EMDR Therapy?
If you are deciding between EMDR vs. SSRIs for trauma, you do not have to figure it out alone. We help clients explore all options with care, clarity, and respect.
👉 Book a free 15-minute consultation to see if EMDR therapy with Sean O’Connor or another PLMHC therapist is the right fit for you.
You deserve care that gets to the root, not just the surface.
If you are in crisis, call 988 (U.S.) or your local emergency number.
Comments