When I reviewed EMDR, I considered EMDR as a variation of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy. The one difference is the use of eye movements as a tool. But the rest is pure cognitive-behavioral. Thus, it has real utility.
Frequently, nearly every form of therapy has some “gimmick” to it that differentiates it from other forms. As long as it works, however, it’s all good. From what I have seen so far, EMDR is very helpful for PTSD.