What Is EMDR?
A research supported psychotherapy for trauma and anxiety
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a comprehensive method of psychotherapy. EMDR combines well-established therapeutic methods including imaginal exposure, mindfulness, cognitive and self-control techniques into a structured treatment plan developed to meet the specific needs of each person.
EMDR "reprocessing" combines dual attention to a traumatic memory with back and forth eye movements, alternating sound or vibrations. The unique combination of methods in EMDR appears to stimulate an intrinsic capacity of the human brain to resolve emotional disturbance and gain adaptive insights in a manner similar to what occurs spontaneously during dreaming (rapid eye movement) sleep.
Based on the available research a number of theorists believe that during EMDR "reprocessing" the dual attention to the traumatic memory and to alternating left-right sensory stimulation triggers an innate "investigatory response" in the brain that leads to adaptive neurophysiological changes.
Can EMDR help me or someone I know?
EMDR has been shown to be helpful in resolving symptoms caused by traumatic events including intrusive thoughts, panic, phobias, depression, painful sensations, and emotional distress including excessive guilt, anger, grief and fear, recurring nightmares and behavioral symptoms as avoiding formerly enjoyable activities.
Adult, adolescent, and child survivors of single incident traumas, multiple traumas, and of childhood abuse have responded positively to EMDR treatment. Victims of crime, combat veterans, and survivors of disasters have all benefited from EMDR treatment.
It is important to understand that EMDR is not a panacea. While EMDR treatment has helped alleviate a wide range of trauma based symptoms for millions of people around the world, not every person and not every symptom is amenable to treatment with EMDR. An appropriately trained mental health professional will gather information over one or more sessions to determine whether a person is a good candidate for EMDR treatment. Then it may take one or more "reprocessing" sessions to determine whether a person will respond positively to EMDR treatment.
How long will treatment take?
Studies show that symptoms related to a single traumatic incident can often be resolved in a total of three to six sessions. This includes sessions for history taking, treatment planning, preparation, EMDR treatment sessions and reevaluation. Treatment for survivors of multiple traumas will take longer. Survivors of prolonged trauma such as combat trauma and persistent childhood neglect and abuse have also been shown to benefit from psychotherapy with EMDR, but to achieve comprehensive improvements, more lengthy treatment is needed.
EMDR "reprocessing" is offered only within the safety of an established therapeutic relationship and after gathering enough information to develop a specific treatment plan. Your EMDR psychotherapist can often give you an estimate of the anticipated length of treatment after the first two or three visits.
What evidence supports EMDR's effectiveness?
EMDR has been the subject of more controlled research than all other treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) combined. A total of 17 controlled studies have been completed in University, Veterans Administration, HMO and other settings. A number of meta-analyses have evaluated these controlled studies and compared EMDR's treatment effects with those of prolonged imaginal exposure and other methods.
EMDR has been found to be more rapid, efficient or comprehensive in treating symptoms caused by trauma than behavior therapy, biofeedback, active listening or standard cognitive and analytic treatments.
As a result of the extensive research evidence, EMDR is recognized as an empirically supported method of treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by the American Psychiatric Association, the US Department of Defense, the US Veterans Administration, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and government agencies in countries around the world.
Strengthening identity and performance with positive emotions
A great deal of attention has focused on the effects of EMDR in resolving symptoms resulting from traumatic experiences. There is also emerging evidence that an EMDR procedure known as Resource Development and Installation (or RDI) may enhance the positive emotions, thoughts and behaviors associated with positive memories. Dr. Leeds helped pioneer the development of RDI and has published papers on its use.
When clinically indicated, RDI procedures are used by many EMDR trained clinicians working with traumatized individuals to enhance coping skills and emotional balance before starting work on reprocessing disturbing memories. Preliminary research suggests psychotherapy combining a focus on enhancing resources with RDI and resolving reactions to current stressors with EMDR may be helpful in overcoming maladaptive behaviors such as angry outbursts, self-injury, substance abuse, and compulsive sexual behaviors.
RDI procedures are also used with EMDR to assist athletes and business executives to achieve peak performance in pursuing their personal and professional goals.
Articles and news |
EMDR added to SAMHSA's National Registry |
 On May 24th, Chris Lee received an email confirming that "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is now live on the NREPP Web site." This simple confirmation came after a nearly five year saga. EMDR clinicians should know that Chris Lee did the heavy lifting for the NREPP application process. The story begins in 2007 when Robbie Adler-Tapia and I learned that a grant application by the Merced County Mental Health Department to the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission to fund basic training in EMDR was extensively delayed because EMDR was not listed with NREPP. We learned that NREPP listing is the gateway to funding evidence-based programs and practices in most state and federally funded programs. We soon discovered that even though EMDR readily met the criteria for listing, the application had never been made. We agreed to approach Scott Blech at EMDRIA so that EMDRIA would make the application on behalf of EMDR's developer Francine Shapiro. After we explained the significance of NREPP listing, Scott agreed and then in turn convinced Chris Lee, Chair of the EMDRIA research committee to complete the application. We all owe Chris our thanks and a 'coldie.' The application was eventually submitted in early 2009. So we have waited nearly two and a half years for the application to be processed. In her email announcement Sheryl Wilhide, Project Administrator at NREPP added, "Please note the review of interventions and their posting on the NREPP Web site do not constitute any endorsement, promotion, or approval of these interventions by NREPP or SAMHSA." |
For information on EMDR, to find clinicians who have been trained by the EMDR Institute, and to see a list of published EMDR research articles and books visit the EMDR Institute's web site.
EMDR International Association
For general information on EMDR and referral to EMDRIA Certified clinicians and Approved Consultants visit the EMDR International Association web site.
A broad overview of EMDR for clients and clinicians including information on the role of the eye movements and links to prominent professional organizations and government agencies that recognize EMDR as an effective form of psychotherapy.
This article provides information from reviews by a task force of the American Psychological Association on research supported treatments for PTSD including information on EMDR.
This article provides a guide to making an informed choice about EMDR therapy. It includes a discussion of how EMDR works, the steps in EMDR treatment, reported benefits and drawbacks, how to find an EMDR therapist and additional links. Help Guide is sponsored in part by The Rotary Club of Santa Monica and is dedicated to the memory of Morgan Leslie Segal.
Watch a session
If you'd like to watch a portion of a session, go to emdrinaction.com