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4: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and EMDR Therapy

DOI:

10.1891/9780826131683.0004

Authors

  • Böhm, Karsten
  • Böhm, Karsten

Abstract

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious, intrusive, and distressing disorder for patients. Obsessions and compulsions take a considerable amount of time each day. Current therapy guidelines consider both exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive therapy as standard treatment for OCD. Within the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) assessment, the activation of feeling during bilateral stimulation (BLS) is present. When eliciting the steps of the assessment, the goal is to activate the emotion and sensation related to the issue. EMDR Therapy for OCD patients mainly follows the Standard EMDR Protocol and Procedures, including the eight phases and the use of BLS (i.e., eye movements). The treatment plan requires a deep understanding and knowledge of obsessions and compulsions as well as EMDR Therapy. The combination of in vivo desensitization with EMDR therapy is strongly recommended to obtain a long-lasting and effective therapy outcome.