EMDR is an integrative, client-centered psychotherapy approach that emphasizes the brain’s information processing system and memories of disturbing experiences as the bases of those pathologies not caused by organic deficit or insult. EMDR addresses the experiences that contribute to clinical conditions and those needed to bring the client to a robust state of psychological health. Overviews of the history, development, and research that have established EMDR as an empirically supported treatment are provided. Subsequent to an explanation of the adaptive information processing model, an extended case example is used to illustrate the recommended EMDR case conceptualization and eight phases of treatment. This approach is used to process the early memories that set the foundation for the pathology and the present situations that trigger the dysfunction, while providing templates for appropriate future action that incorporate the information and behaviors needed to overcome skill and/or developmental deficits. The benefits of integrating EMDR and family systems perspectives to provide the most comprehensive therapeutic effects are described.

This article reviews the literature on EMDR treatment of somatic complaints and describes the application of Shapiro’s Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model in the treatment of phantom limb pain. The case study explores the use of EMDR with a 38-year-old man experiencing severe phantom limb pain 3 years after the loss of his leg and part of his pelvis in an accident. Despite treatment at several rehabilitation and pain centers during the 3 years, and the use of opiate medication, he continued to experience persistent pain. After 9 EMDR treatment sessions, the patient’s phantom limb pain was completely ablated, and he was taken off medication. Effects were maintained at 18-month follow-up. The clinical implications of this application of EMDR are explored.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic approach guided by the adaptive information processing (AIP) model. This article provides a brief overview of some of the major precepts of AIP. The basis of clinical pathology is hypothesized to be dysfunctionally stored memories, with therapeutic change resulting from the processing of these memories within larger adaptive networks. Unlike extinction-based exposure therapies, memories targeted in EMDR are posited to transmute during processing and are then again stored by a process of reconsolidation. Therefore, a comparison and contrast to extinction-based information processing models and treatment is provided, including implications for clinical practice. Throughout the article a variety of mechanisms of action are discussed, including those inferred by tenets of the AIP model, and the EMDR procedures themselves, including the bilateral stimulation. Research suggestions are offered in order to investigate various hypotheses.

The negative effects of trauma and other adverse life experiences have been shown to interfere with individual, family, and societal functioning. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is empirically supported and recommended as a frontline treatment for psychological trauma in numerous practice guidelines. It provides both effective and efficient treatment without the need for detailed descriptions of the disturbing event or homework. This allows field teams to provide culturally sensitive therapy on consecutive days for those in remote areas and in crisis situations. Humanitarian assistance organizations have conducted projects internationally to provide EMDR therapy after both natural and manmade disasters and have helped develop sustainable mental health resources worldwide. This brief introduction provides an overview of current programs, treatment rationale, and a call for future action.

La desensibilización y el reprocesamiento a través de movimientos oculares (EMDR) es un enfoque terapéutico guiado por el modelo del procesamiento adaptativo de la información (PAI). Este artículo ofrece una breve visión general de algunos de los principales preceptos del PAI. Se formula la hipótesis de que la base de la patología clínica son los recuerdos almacenados disfuncionalmente, produciéndose el cambio terapéutico a través del procesamiento de dichos recuerdos dentro de redes adaptativas más amplias. A diferencia de las terapias de exposición basadas en la extinción, se propone que los recuerdos sobre los que se incide en EMDR se transmutan durante el procesamiento, volviéndose a almacenar por medio de un proceso de re-consolidación. Por tanto, se ofrece comparación y contraste con los modelos de procesamiento de la información y tratamientos basados en la extinción, incluyendo las implicaciones para la práctica clínica. A lo largo del artículo, se habla de diversos mecanismos de acción, incluyendo aquellos derivados de los principios del modelo PAI, así como los propios procedimientos de EMDR, incluyendo la estimulación bilateral. Se ofrecen sugerencias de investigación, con el fin de investigar diversas hipótesis.

Cet entretien avec Dr Francine Shapiro, inventrice et conceptrice de la thérapie EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing : thérapie d’intégration neuro-émotionnelle par des stimulations bilatérales alternées) apporte un aperçu de l’histoire et de l’évolution de l’EMDR depuis ses origines jusqu’aux résultats actuels et à leur utilisation, ainsi que les directions futures pour la recherche et le développement de la clinique. Dr Shapiro examine les traditions psychologiques qui ont guidé le développement de l’EMDR et le modèle de l’information adaptative, ainsi que les implications pour les traitements actuels. La logique qui sous-tend l’application de l’EMDR à un large éventail de troubles est envisagée, tout comme son intégration avec d’autres approches thérapeutiques. Les sujets évoqués comprennent la recherche sur le rôle des mouvements oculaires, l’utilisation de l’EMDR avec les vétérans de guerre, les troubles somatoformes, les questions de l’attachement et les caractéristiques uniques de l’EMDR qui ont permis son utilisation lors d’interventions de crise à travers le monde.

Therapists trained to provide eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy have a global responsibility. This article summarizes the multiple impacts of high stress events, and their long-term effects on individuals, families, communities, and nations. While it is well documented that EMDR treatment will remediate the individual symptoms of posttraumatic stress, research is still needed to determine how far-reaching such outcomes are. Future studies should determine whether treatment reverses the neurobiological changes, cognitive deficits, and affective dysregulation, which are associated with exposure to traumatic events. Research should also investigate whether successful treatment decreases high-risk and/or perpetrator behavior, and whether these effects are translated into behavioral and attitudinal changes sufficient to bring an end to intergenerational trauma and ethnopolitical conflicts. It seems self-evident that the ideal way to address pressing societal needs, on both local and global levels, is by the integration of science and practice. The article also discusses the development of nonprofit EMDR humanitarian assistance programs, and their essential work in the alleviation of suffering around the world. In addition to recommending the examination of EMDR's efficacy in treating traumatization from direct, natural, structural, and cultural causes, this article advocates that research resources be dedicated for testing interventions in the areas of the world with the greatest needs. The alleviation of suffering is the duty of our profession.