If you’ve ever been told to ‘just be strong’ or ‘snap out of it,’ you might have thought, If only it were that simple. You’re not weak. You’re human. Your nervous system has been trying to protect you, even when that protection now feels confusing.
This guide is for you, the real you—the one who is busy dealing with difficult emotions, and wanting to feel better without getting lost in confusing choices. We’ll walk through EMDR and TMS Therapy in plain language, so you can understand how each one works, what the experience is like, and how to choose a next step that feels easy and doable. There’s no pressure here, only clarity, care, and choices that meet you where you are.
What Is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured therapy that helps your brain process what once felt unmanageable. You and your therapist choose a target, such as a memory, body feeling, or belief like “I’m not safe.” While holding that target lightly in mind, you follow gentle left–right stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones). This back‑and‑forth stimulation supports your brain’s natural ability to heal and update old patterns.
What it feels like: You stay present and in control. You don’t have to retell every detail if you don’t want to. You’ll notice thoughts, images, or sensations rise and fall. Your therapist checks in frequently, helps you stay grounded, and concludes each session in a way that leaves you feeling steadier.
Over time: Many people notice less emotional charge around triggers, more flexible thinking, and a softer inner voice. You won’t erase the past; you’ll change how it resides in your body and mind.
What Is TMS?
TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) is a clinic‑based treatment that targets mood‑related brain regions with gentle magnetic pulses. You’ll sit in a comfortable chair, and a small coil will rest against your head while you receive brief pulses in a specific pattern chosen by your provider.
What it feels like: You’re awake the whole time. Some people feel tapping or tingling on the scalp. Sessions are short and typically happen on most weekdays for several weeks. There’s no anaesthesia, and you can return to your usual activities afterward.
When it’s considered: TMS is often chosen when depression hasn’t improved enough with therapy or medication, or when someone wants a carefully supervised non‑drug option.
EMDR vs TMS at a Glance
| EMDR | TMS | |
| What it is | A talk therapy that helps your brain reprocess difficult memories and feelings. | A non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses on the scalp to stimulate brain areas linked to mood. |
| How it works | You recall a target memory or feeling while following gentle left–right stimulation (eye movements, taps, or tones). | You sit in a chair while a device gives short magnetic pulses to a specific area of your head. |
| Often helps with | Trauma/PTSD, anxiety, phobias, and depression linked to life events. | Depression (especially when meds/therapy haven’t helped enough), OCD, and some anxiety conditions. |
| Session length | About 60–90 minutes, usually weekly or bi-weekly. | About 20–40 minutes, usually 5 days a week. |
| Course length | A focused course can last from weeks to a few months, varying by goals and history. | Often 4–6+ weeks of near-daily sessions; maintenance may follow. |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive, therapy-based. No medication required. | Non-invasive device. No anesthesia or surgery. |
| Common side effects | Heightened emotions, fatigue, or vivid dreams in the days following sessions. | Scalp discomfort or mild headache during/after sessions. |
| When to avoid/use caution | If you feel unsafe between sessions, you may need extra stabilization first. | If you have a history of seizures, metal implants near the head, or certain medical conditions, get medical clearance. |
| Best fit if | You want a therapy process that untangles the “stuck” impact of past experiences. | You prefer a device-based option, or you’ve tried medication/therapy and want something different. |
| Not ideal when | You can’t attend therapy consistently or practice coping skills between sessions. | Daily travel time or scheduling would be too hard right now. |
EMDR vs TMS — How to Choose (With Kindness)
Instead of searching for a “perfect” answer, try asking: What can my today‑self follow through with for the next few weeks?
- Your goals
- If specific memories, triggers, or beliefs keep resurfacing, EMDR may be a fit.
- If low mood is the main barrier (especially after trying therapy or meds), TMS may fit.
- Your time & routine
- EMDR: Weekly or bi‑weekly, 60–90 minutes.
- TMS: Short sessions but near‑daily visits for 4–6+ weeks.
- Your comfort level
- EMDR: A guided therapy journey; you’ll learn coping tools you can use outside sessions.
- TMS: A device‑based option with minimal talk; often paired with therapy for full support.
EMDR vs TMS for PTSD (Which First?)
If PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) shows up as intense memories, body alarms, or repetitive negative thoughts, EMDR can be a kind first step because it works directly with those patterns in therapy. If depression is the bigger barrier to showing up for treatment, TMS may come first to lift mood enough to start. Or both can be administered at different times.
A little more context:
PTSD can feel like your body is stuck in “on‑guard” mode, even when you’re safe. EMDR helps your brain reprocess what happened, so triggers lose their charge. If low mood or exhaustion dominates, a TMS series may help create momentum, making therapy feel more manageable. The best choice is the one you can follow through with right now.
EMDR vs TMS for Depression (When to Consider Each)
For depression tied to past events or negative beliefs, EMDR may help soften the root patterns and build coping skills. If you’ve already tried therapy and medication without enough relief or prefer a non‑drug option, TMS may be considered. Many people benefit from both at different stages of care.
A little more context:
EMDR can shift the heavy, self‑critical narratives that fuel low mood, while TMS targets brain areas involved in mood regulation. Some start with TMS to lift energy, then use EMDR to address underlying themes. Others begin with EMDR and add TMS later. Your plan can unfold in chapters, at your pace.
Pros & Considerations (at a glance)
| Pros | Considerations | |
| EMDR | Works directly with memories, beliefs, and body responses; skills you can use outside sessions; no medication required. | Emotional waves can rise during/after sessions; consistent attendance and practicing coping skills between visits are required. |
| TMS | Non‑drug, non‑surgical option; short sessions; can help when therapy/meds haven’t helped enough. | Requires near‑daily clinic visits for weeks; possible scalp tenderness/headache; medical screening needed for some conditions. |
Three Real‑Life Scenarios (You Might See Yourself Here)
- “What‑ifs keep me up.” You function at work, but small triggers send your body into overdrive. EMDR can help your nervous system update old predictions, so your body doesn’t brace for danger where there isn’t any.
- “I feel flat and stuck.” You’ve tried therapy, maybe medication, and you still feel numb or exhausted. TMS may help lift mood and energy, especially when talk therapy alone hasn’t been enough.
- “I want both clarity and momentum.” You start with EMDR to calm specific triggers and later consider TMS if mood remains depressed—or vice versa. Healing can happen in chapters.
A Simple Self‑Check List
- Do I have specific memories or beliefs that feel “stuck”? → Consider EMDR.
- Is my main concern ongoing low mood despite therapy/meds? → Consider TMS.
- What can I realistically attend: weekly therapy or near‑daily clinic visits?
- What kind of support helps me show up: conversation and skills (EMDR) or a device‑based routine (TMS)?
- Which option fits my schedule and energy right now?
There’s no wrong answer. The “right” choice is the one you can keep showing up for.
What the First 30 Days Can Look Like
With EMDR
- Weeks 1–2: Stabilization and planning, coping skills, goals, and a clear roadmap.
- Weeks 3–4: Targeted processing at a pace you choose. You’ll track small wins: less reactivity, more ease in your day, better sleep.
- Between sessions: You’ll practice grounding tools so everyday life slowly starts to feel lighter.
With TMS
- Weeks 1–2: Daily (weekday) sessions become part of your routine. Some people notice early changes in sleep, energy, or focus.
- Weeks 3–4: Many notice their low mood beginning to shift. Your provider checks in and adjusts the plan if needed.
- After sessions: You go back to your day, work, errands, and family. Some mild scalp tenderness or headaches may occur and usually ease over time.
Who Should Talk to a Clinician First?
- If you’re in an immediate crisis or feel unsafe, please reach out for urgent help first.
- If you have a seizure history, implanted devices, or metal in/near the head, get medical guidance before device treatments like TMS.
- If intense emotions spike between sessions, your therapist can help you slow down, build more coping skills, and adjust the pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About EMDR and TMS
A Kind Next Step
You don’t have to power through alone. Both EMDR and TMS can help your brain feel safer and your days feel lighter. The best choice is one that you can stick with, and you get to choose it at your own pace.
If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Our Mental Health Resource Specialists can assist you in finding expert help and support in your community. Contact us now for more information on this free service.
About the Author: Habib Ahmad is a technical content writer. He writes about issues like stress, anxiety, and depression and is a regular contributor at mental health websites like Mindfully.com. Follow him for clear and engaging content on mental health and wellness topics.
If you live in the Austin area and EMDR feels like the next step, you can book an EMDR consult and discuss it with a clinician who will meet you exactly where you are.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: https://www.pexels.com/photo/pensive-couple-with-laptop-sitting-on-floor-4246241/
The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.
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