Experiencing cancer is a peculiar stressor within the infrastructure of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because this debilitating disease involves ongoing stressors and is both acute and potentially chronic. The experience can include a wide range of associated adverse events, such as tumor detection, diagnosis, severity of disease, and prognosis; aggressive treatment; disfigurement and bodily dysfunction; side effects of treatment; impaired physical, social, and occupational functioning; and sometimes, recurrence and diagnosis of terminal illness. This article provides a detailed description of the clinical application of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) Adapted for Adolescents and Adults Living with Ongoing Traumatic Stress for the patients with cancer. This protocol administers the eight phases of EMDR individual treatment to a group of patients using an art therapy format (i.e., drawings) and the butterfly hug (a self-administered bilateral stimulation method to process traumatic material). A previous study (Jarero et al., 2015) showed that after 6 sessions of EMDR-IGTP, there was a significant decrease in PTSD symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. Effects were maintained at 90-day follow-up. In this article, we discuss how this protocol can be used to effectively provide intensive EMDR treatment to large groups of patients, and we provide detailed instructions for its provision to address one of the major psychological dimensions of cancer: the ongoing traumatic stress responses experienced by patients with cancer. A clinical example illustrates the treatment process.

This article presents four brief reports that illustrate EMDR’s potential in addressing a range of pathologies and problems. These include traumatized groups, families and couples, sex offenders, and individuals with performance anxiety. Each brief report provides a short summary of the research, highlights current EMDR research, and points out what is needed for future investigations. Preliminary results suggest that the EMDR–integrative group treatment protocol may be an effective means of providing mental health care to large groups of people affected by critical incidents. The report titled “EMDR in Couples and Family Therapy” provides an overview of the field and describes the various ways in which EMDR is being incorporated. The presenting issue with performance anxiety is debilitating evaluation anxiety at the prospect of having to perform some important activity in front of an audience that matters a great deal to the client. Sex offender treatment is enhanced by an effective means of resolving psychological mechanisms that contribute to the dynamics of the offense chain.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents and Ongoing Traumatic Stress (EMDR-PRECI) in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression symptoms related to the work of first responders on active duty. Participants were randomly assigned to two 60-minute individual treatment sessions (N = 30) or to a no-treatment control condition (N = 30). They completed pre-, post-, and follow-up measurements using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) (PCL-5) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data analysis by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed clear effects of the EMDR-PRECI in reducing PTSD work-related symptoms in the treatment group with symptom reduction maintained at 90-day follow-up with a large effect size (d = 3.99), while participants continued to experience direct exposure to potentially traumatic work-related events during the follow-up period. Data analysis by repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant interaction between time and group, F (2,116) = 153.83, p < .001, η_P² = .726 for PTSD, and for anxiety F (1,58) = 37.40, p < .005, ηP2 = .090, but not for depression. A t-test showed a clear decrease for depression symptoms for the treatment group with statistically significant results. The study results suggest that the EMDR-PRECI could be an efficient and effective way to address first responders' work-related PTSD, anxiety and depression symptoms. Future research is recommended to replicate these results and to investigate if symptom improvement also results in the reduction of physical health symptoms and early retirement for PTSD-related reasons among first responders.

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the effectiveness of specially trained and supervised paraprofessionals in administering the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol (EMDR-IGTP) to reduce work-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The 2 paraprofessionals in this study were specially selected and trained in the application of the EMDR-IGTP and then provided treatment in an uncontrolled clinical trial to 37 clients from 3 non-governmental organizations in Bolivia. The participants were adult staff members (protective services workers, caregivers, psychologist, lawyers, and social workers) who provided care to children and adolescents with severe interpersonal trauma. Four EMDR-IGTP sessions within a parallel 2-week period were administered for each randomly assigned group. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was administered at pretreatment and 30 and 90 days’ posttreatment. A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) determined that PCL-5 score means differed statistically significantly between time points F(2, 72) = 574.53, p < .001, η_P² = .94. The study presents preliminary evidence scaling up EMDR therapy in a low- and middle-income country, making it possible to reach larger numbers of people in a shorter time, thereby offering an operational advantage. The study has limitations specially related to the size of the sample, the use of only one measure, and the lack of comparison with a control group or treatment. Further studies are required to present large samples with more measures and comparison of results with another therapy or control group.

While eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is considered an evidence-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults, there are differences as to how various international treatment guidelines judge the strength of this evidence base. Furthermore, in areas other than adult PTSD, major guidelines differ even more as to the strength of the evidence base and when to use EMDR. In 2019, the Council of Scholars: The Future of EMDR Therapy Project was initiated. Several working groups were established, with one assigned to the focus area of research. This article is a product of that working group. Firstly the group concluded that there were five areas where there was some base that EMDR was effective, but more data were needed to increase the likelihood that it would be considered in future international treatment guidelines. These areas were PTSD in children and adolescents, early EMDR interventions, combat PTSD, unipolar depression, and chronic pain. In addition, research into cost-effectiveness of EMDR therapy was identified as one of the priorities. A hierarchical system was used for classifying and rating evidence in the focus areas. After assessing the 120 outcome studies pertaining to the focus areas, we conclude that for two of the areas (i.e., PTSD in children and adolescents and EMDR early interventions research) the strength of the evidence is rated at the highest level, whereas the other areas obtain the second highest level. Some general recommendations for improving the quality of future research on the effectiveness of EMDR therapy are formulated.

This randomized controlled trial extended the investigation previously conducted by Jarero et al. (2015) which found that the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing Integrative Group Treatment Protocol adapted for ongoing traumatic stress (EMDR-IGTP-OTS) was effective in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms related to the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancer in adult women. The current study sought to determine if the results could be replicated and if the treatment would also be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants in treatment (N = 35) and no-treatment control (N = 30) groups completed pre, post, and follow-up measurements using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) (PCL-5) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data analysis by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that the EMDR-IGTP-OTS was effective in significantly reducing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with symptoms maintained at 90-day follow-up and with large effect sizes (e.g., d = 1.80). A comparison of the treatment and no-treatment control groups showed significantly greater decreases for the treatment group on symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. No significant correlation was found when exploring the relationship between scores on the Adverse Life Experiences scale and scores indicating pretreatment severity of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. This study suggests that EMDR-IGTP-OTS may be an efficient and effective way to address cancer-related posttraumatic, depressive, and anxious symptoms.

L’expérience du cancer est un facteur de stress particulier au sein de l’infrastructure de l’état de stress post-traumatique (ESPT) car cette maladie débilitante implique des facteurs de stress permanents, et elle est à la fois aiguë et potentiellement chronique. Le cancer peut s’accompagner d’un large éventail d’effets négatifs connexes, tels que la détection d’une tumeur, le diagnostic, la gravité de la maladie et le pronostic, l’agressivité des traitements, la mutilation et le dysfonctionnement physique, les effets secondaires du traitement, les perturbations du fonctionnement physique, social et professionnel et, parfois, la récidive et un diagnostic de maladie terminale. Cet article fournit une description détaillée de l’application clinique du protocole intégratif de traitement de groupe de désensibilisation et de retraitement par les mouvements oculaires (EMDR-IGTP) adapté aux patients adolescents et adultes atteints de cancer et vivant avec un stress traumatique continu. Ce protocole administre les huit phases du traitement EMDR individuel à un groupe de patients en utilisant une composante de l’art-thérapie (c’est-à-dire des dessins) et le « butterfly hug » (BH – le « câlin de papillon », une méthode de stimulation bilatérale autoadministrée utilisée pour traiter le matériel traumatique). Une étude antérieure (Jarero et coll., 2015) avait montré qu’après six séances d’EMDR-IGTP, on observait une diminution significative des symptômes d’ESPT liés au diagnostic et au traitement de différents types de cancer chez des femmes adultes. Les effets se maintenaient lors de la séance de suivi, 90 jours plus tard. Dans le présent article, nous discutons de la manière dont on peut se servir de ce protocole pour fournir efficacement un traitement EMDR intensif à de grands groupes de patients, et nous donnons des instructions détaillées pour son utilisation, afin d’aborder l’une des principales dimensions psychologiques du cancer : les réactions de stress traumatique permanentes que connaissent les patients. Un exemple clinique illustre le processus de traitement.

L'objectif de cette recherche est d'évaluer l'efficacité du protocole de traitement intégratif de groupe par la désensibilisation et le retraitement par les mouvements oculaires (PTIG-EMDR) dans la réduction des symptômes d'état de stress post-traumatique (ESPT) liés au diagnostic et au traitement de différents types de cancer chez des femmes adultes. La thérapie intensive PTIG-EMDR a été administrée pendant trois jours consécutifs, deux fois par jour, à 24 femmes adultes diagnostiquées avec différents types de cancer (cancer du col de l'utérus, du sein, du côlon, de la vessie et de la peau) et présentant des symptômes d'ESPT liés à leur diagnostic et à leur traitement. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide d'une ANOVA factorielle sur les effets du PTIG-EMDR, évalués avec le Short PTSD Rating Interview (entretien court d'évaluation de l'ESPT) comme variable dépendante, et le groupe (deux groupes de patientes : phase active et phase de suivi du traitement du cancer) et le temps (quatre intervalles de temps) comme variables indépendantes. Des analyses post hoc ont été effectuées. Les résultats ont montré des effets principaux significatifs pour le temps et le groupe. Aucune interaction importante n'a été observée. Les résultats ont également montré une amélioration subjective globale chez les participantes. Cette étude pilote suggère qu'une administration intensive du PTIG-EMDR peut être un apport valable pour des patients atteints du cancer et présentant des symptômes d'ESPT liés au diagnostic et au traitement. D'autres recherches comportant des études contrôlées randomisées seront nécessaires pour démontrer l'efficacité du PTIG-EMDR sur cette population.

The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment protocol (EMDR-IGTP) has been used in different parts of the world since 1998 with both adults and children after natural or man-made disasters. This protocol combines the eight standard EMDR treatment phases with a group therapy model, thus providing more extensive reach than the individual application of EMDR. In this study the EMDR-IGTP was used with 16 bereaved children after a human provoked disaster in the Mexican State of Coahuila in 2006. Results showed a significant decrease in scores on the Child’s Reaction to Traumatic Events Scale that was maintained at 3-month follow-up. Although controlled research is needed to establish the efficacy of this intervention, preliminary results suggest that EMDR-IGTP may be an effective means of providing treatment to large groups of people impacted by large-scale critical incidents (e.g., human-provoked disasters, terrorism, natural disasters).

This randomized, controlled group field study was conducted subsequent to a 7.2 earthquake in North Baja California, Mexico. Treatment was provided according to continuum of care principles. Crisis management debriefing was provided to 53 individuals. After this, the 18 individuals who had high scores on the Impact of Event Scale (IES) were then provided with the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI), a single-session modified EMDR protocol for the treatment of recent trauma. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: immediate treatment group and waitlist/delayed treatment group. There was no improvement in the waitlist/delayed treatment group, and scores of the immediate treatment group participants were significantly improved, compared with waitlist/delayed treatment group paticipants. One session of EMDR-PRECI produced significant improvement on symptoms of posttraumatic stress for both the immediate-treatment and waitlist/delayed treatment groups, with results maintained at 12-week follow-up, even though frightening aftershocks continued to occur frequently. This study provides preliminary evidence in support of the protocol’s efficacy in a disaster mental health continuum of care context. More controlled research is recommended to evaluate further the efficacy of this intervention.