Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapeutic approach developed by Francine Shapiro to resolve symptoms resulting from exposure to a traumatic incident. Research has demonstrated the benefits of EMDR in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

EMDR has been shown to be more effective than some alternative treatments and to be at least equivalent to cognitive behavioural (CBT) and exposure therapies.

The theoretical model underlying EMDR treatment is that it works by processing distressing memories. The EMDR model is based on a theoretical information processing model as follows:

• Symptoms occur when the memories of events are not properly processed
• These symptoms can be reduced or eliminated once the associated memory of the event has been processed

EMDR is an integrative therapy, taking elements from traditional psychological approaches including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioural, experiential, physiological, and interpersonal therapies.

Reference: Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols and procedures (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford Press

Points to consider:

Although an effective approach EMDR has caused some consternation among therapists because of the dual attention stimulation, eye movements and sound or tactile stimulation employed during the treatment. Some individuals have criticised EMDR and consider the use of eye movements to be controversial.

EMDR should only be used by those trained to do so.  We are concerned about reports that some practitioners of EMDR have told clients that if EMDR fails for them, that they will be unsuccessful with other techniques.  This is patently untrue - no technique works 100% of the time and what works for one person may not for another, and vice versa.

Staff writer