A large proportion (11%–60%) of people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also suffer from substance use disorder (SUD). As the high cooccurrence of PTSD and SUD leads to a worsening of psychopathological severity, development and evaluation of integrated treatments become highly valuable for individuals presenting with both diagnoses. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy may fit these needs. This article summarized all studies that investigated EMDR treatment for SUD, to clarify whether EMDR might be a useful approach. A comprehensive Title/Abstract/Keyword search was conducted on PsycInfo, PsychArticle, PubMed, and Scopus databases. A total of 135 articles were retrieved, and 8 articles met inclusion/exclusion criteria. One RCT and one case study evaluated trauma-focused EMDR; one clinical RCT, one non-clinical RCT, one cross-over study, and one case study evaluated addiction-focused EMDR; and one quasi-experimental and one multiphase case study evaluated the combination of addiction-focused and trauma-focused EMDR. Results show that EMDR treatment consistently reduces posttraumatic symptoms, but that its effects on SUD symptoms are less evident. Although EMDR should be considered as a promising tool for this population due to its possible potential to improve SUD outcomes, further research is needed to see whether EMDR therapy, either trauma-focused or addiction-focused, is effective for SUD. We conclude with suggestions for future research and clinical practice in this area.

This article introduces the “Flashforward procedure,” which is a specific application of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). It is used for the treatment of irrational fears, for example, when a persisting fear continues after the core memories of past events have been fully processed. A theoretical background is presented, and the procedure is explained, together with 2 illustrative case studies. We describe psychological conditions and mental health problems for which the use of EMDR aimed at client’s flashforward might be appropriate, as well as indicating which stage in the therapeutic process is most applicable for the use of this procedure. Furthermore, the Flashforward procedure is compared with other EMDR applications and similar procedures in other therapies. Some implications are discussed.

Cet article présente la technique éclair, une nouvelle technique utilisée pendant la phase de préparation de la thérapie EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires) pour faciliter le traitement de souvenirs traumatiques intenses auxquels les patients hésiteraient autrement à accéder. Les premières données, demeurant à confirmer, suggèrent que cette technique pourrait permettre aux patients d’accéder à ces souvenirs d’abord de manière la moins perturbante possible, réduisant leur intensité émotionnelle, afin de pouvoir ensuite les aborder plus pleinement et les traiter à l’aide de la thérapie EMDR. La technique semble aisément tolérée par les patients de tous âges, y compris les enfants ; elle paraît rapide et relativement indolore pour les patients, même ceux qui possèdent des souvenirs cibles particulièrement perturbants ; elle s’enseigne facilement aux cliniciens. Elle se distingue par le fait que les patients qui évitent un souvenir terriblement perturbant peuvent se voir offrir une façon de le traiter sans devoir le ramener clairement à l’esprit. Quatre exemples de cas, dans lesquels quatre cliniciens différents ont utilisé la technique, sont présentés brièvement. Des suggestions sont formulées pour des études à venir. Cet article présente des hypothèses pour expliquer divers mécanismes d’action et évoque les effets en termes de la théorie de reconsolidation mnésique.

The comparative treatment efficiency of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was tested for 20 participants diagnosed with PTSD. Efficiency was operationalized as the total exposure time to traumatic memories during and between sessions; the number of trauma memories processed over the course of therapy; how many sessions were required to resolve the primary trauma; and lower subjective units of disturbance (SUD) levels after the initial treatment session. Participants were randomized to each condition and received 12 90-minute sessions of therapy over 6 weeks. Symptoms were assessed by treatment-blind assessors at posttreatment, and at 3 and 6 months follow-up. Results demonstrated a significant decrease in symptoms posttreatment for PTSD (d = .64), depression (d = .46), anxiety (d = .52) and stress (d = .57) for both groups, which was maintained at 3 months. At 6 months there was a small increase in symptoms compared to the 3-month time point on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) but no significant change in any self-report symptoms EMDR was significantly more efficient than PE. EMDR participants had less total exposure time to traumatic memories when homework hours were included (d = .66), reported lower SUD scores after the first session (d = .45), required fewer sessions for the target memory to decrease to near zero distress levels (d = .84), and processed more traumatic memories.

Healthcare workers and mental health clinicians are at heightened risk for mental health issues while they support their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, and early psychological intervention is crucial to protect them. The Self-Care Traumatic Episode Protocol (STEP) is a computerized intervention adapted from the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (EMDR G-TEP). This study evaluated the effectiveness of STEP for mental health clinicians in the context of COVID-19. Thirty-four mental health clinicians were randomly allocated to treatment (n = 17) or waitlist (n = 17). The Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE) and Depression and Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were completed by the treatment group at baseline and 1-week follow-up postintervention and by the waitlist group at baseline, preintervention, and 1-week follow-up postintervention. Pre–post comparisons showed a significant decrease in depression, anxiety, and stress for Immediate Treatment, t(15) = −3.64, p < .01, d = .73, and for Delayed Treatment, t(15) = −3.53, p < .01, d = .68, There was also a significant increase in general self-efficacy for Immediate Treatment, t(15) = 2.87, p < .05, d = .46, and Delayed Treatment, t(15) = 3.72, p < .01, d = .56. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) indicated that STEP may be effective in increasing general self-efficacy and reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among mental health clinicians in the context of COVID-19. Further research investigating the potential of utilizing the STEP intervention on a larger scale and with other populations is needed.

Depuis 2001, les guerres en Irak et en Afghanistan exercent une pression considérable sur la médecine militaire pour gérer efficacement la demande croissante de soins en santé mentale du personnel déployé. Cet article examine la capacité du Ministère de la défense des Etats-Unis à fournir des services de santé mentale de qualité en fonction de la disponibilité (a) de la formation clinique, (b) des interventions en santé mentale et (c) de la recherche subventionnée portant sur les traitements de l’état de stress post-traumatique. Alors que des progrès notables ont été réalisés au niveau de l’accès au traitement cognitivo-comportemental et des études dans ce domaine, l’Intégration neuro-émotionnelle par les stimulations bilatérales alternées ou EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) est beaucoup moins disponible – peut-être à cause de la controverse actuelle qui entoure la technique. Nous suggérons qu’une meilleure disponibilité des traitements comportementaux basés sur les données probantes, peut-être par le biais de la poursuite d’un récent programme régional de formation, serait bénéfique pour les vétérans qui y ont aujourd’hui peu accès.

This case study demonstrates the effective use of EMDR in helping a child manage fears triggered by a life-threatening chronic medical condition—congenital heart failure. It is well documented that childhood chronic illness creates ongoing stress and psychological problems for children and their families. Evidence suggests that interventions to enhance coping skills improve psychological functioning. EMDR has the potential to contribute to this end. Deconstructive analysis of a single EMDR session illustrates the working of Shapiro’s adaptive information processing (AIP) model. It demonstrates that the child can spontaneously open up channels of association to uncover, process, and resolve fears relating to the medical condition, as well as other concerns. A case is made for targeting whatever current, overt problem or symptom the child presents, because this inevitably serves as a portal to more covert, even unconscious core issues. Past, current, and future fears and traumatic experiences emerge and are processed to resolution. Also highlighted is the importance of integrating the individual EMDR treatment component into a family systems treatment approach for optimum outcome, because the illness impacts the whole family, ergo, the child. Recommendations for EMDR treatment planning and implementation with chronic illness are offered.

Le protocole “opaque pour le thérapeute” (blind-to-therapist) (Blore & Holmshaw, 2009a, 2009b) a été conçu pour contourner les réticences du patient à décrire le contenu de ses souvenirs traumatiques au cours de la désensibilisation et du retraitement par les mouvements oculaires (EMDR). Il a été utilisé auprès d'au moins six sortes de cas cliniques :

Cet article détaille l'historique, le développement et le statut actuel du protocole et illustre chacune de ces utilisations par des vignettes cliniques. Sont également abordées les difficultés rencontrées lors de l'utilisation du protocole et de la transition vers le protocole standard.

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) is of significant importance to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Eye movements seem to be the most effective form of BLS in EMDR. A brief summary of the cultural applicability of EMDR is provided, and research which showed the value of incorporating religion and/or spirituality into psychotherapy is highlighted. Islamic Sufism, in common with other traditional religions, has long been known to have a psychotherapeutic perspective and has been used over time to help people to overcome trauma and stress. This article argues that the ritual movements associated with the Sufi Dhikr may involve a form of BLS and that this might underline some of the therapeutic effectiveness of Dhikr and Sufism. The authors recommend investigating if the Sufi Dhikr element could be incorporated into a modified EMDR protocol. We anticipate that this would give EMDR an even wider and more popular acceptance in the Middle East and the Muslim world.

This article provides excerpts from each chapter of An EMDR Primer: From Practicum to Practice (Hensley, 2009) to assist novice eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) clinicians who are learning how to use this approach and to serve as a refresher for therapists who have not used EMDR consistently in their practices. Actual cases are presented that demonstrate various strategies that the therapist can use to help clients reach adaptive resolution of trauma. Tables and figures highlight important features to explain the obvious and subtle nuances of EMDR. Focal points are the following: (a) the adaptive information processing model; (b) the types of targets accessed during the EMDR process; (c) the 8 phases of EMDR; (d) the components of the standard EMDR protocol used during the assessment phase; (e) past, present, and future in terms of appropriate targeting and successful outcomes; and (f) strategies and techniques for dealing with challenging clients, high levels of abreaction, and blocked processing.

We aimed to assess changes in the attachment internal working model and reflective function (RF) as mechanisms of change in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for patients with traumatic memories. Twenty adult female patients with parenting and relational problems participated in the study. Attachment organization was assessed with the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) and the RF coding scale pre- and posttreatment. We found that EMDR therapy increased patients' narrative coherence and RF. We noted a significant decrease in the number of participants classified as unresolved following the course of EMDR treatment in which loss and/or trauma were resolved. This article summarizes the changes after EMDR therapy regarding attachment status and its efficacy to reprocess early traumatic memories in a more adaptive way. Finally, our results also support the usefulness of the AAI as a tool for understanding the changing processes during a therapeutic treatment.

Nonpharmacological Techniques (NPT) have been suggested as an efficient and safe means to reduce pain and anxiety in invasive medical procedures. Due to the anxious and potentially traumatic nature of these procedures, we decided to integrate an eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) session in the preprocedure NPT. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of one session of EMDR in addition to the routine NPT. Forty-nine pediatric patients (Male = 25; Female = 24) aged 8–18 years (M = 13.17; SD = 2.98) undergoing painful and invasive medical procedures were randomized to receive standard preprocedural care (N = 25) or a session of EMDR in addition to the standard nonpharmacological interventions (N = 24). Participants completed the anxiety and depression scales from the Italian Psychiatric Self-evaluation Scale for Children and Adolescents (SAFA) and rated anxiety on a 0–10 numeric rating scale. Participants in the NPT+EMDR condition expressed significantly less anxiety before the medical procedure than those in the NPT group (p = .038). The integration of EMDR with NPT was demonstrated to be an effective anxiety prevention technique for pediatric sedo-analgesia. These results are the first data on the efficacy of EMDR as a technique to prevent anxiety in pediatric sedo-analgesia. There are important long-term clinical implications because this therapy allows an intervention on situations at risk of future morbidity and the prevention of severe disorders.

La mente humana es difícil de investigar, pero los fundamentos biológicos de la mente, sobre todo de la conciencia, generalmente conllevan una mayor complejidad. En este artículo, extraído del libro Fundamentos neurobiológicos para la práctica de EMDR (Bergmann, 2012), introducimos y delineamos aspectos de la conciencia, el procesamiento de información y su relación con la terapia de desensibilización y reprocesamiento por movimientos oculares (EMDR). Examinamos la conciencia en relación a tres características: la unidad de percepción y función, la subjetividad y la predicción. Examinamos la relación de estas características con EMDR.

This article is a nonexhaustive overview concerning the developments of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in a humanitarian context in Africa. These efforts aimed to promote psychological healing for people suffering after humanitarian crises, wars, and disasters. This article reflects a summary of the contributions obtained from organizations and people working and teaching EMDR therapy in Africa. In addition to explaining the cultural, political, and socioeconomic outcomes of the African context and the special needs of those suffering from trauma and trauma-related symptoms, this article emphasizes the challenges for humanitarian efforts in offering and in teaching EMDR therapy in Africa. The work in four countries is presented to provide specific examples.

There is currently a limited number of studies into the efficacy of eye movement desensitization reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with children and adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The current study utilizes a systematic narrative review of methodologies and findings of previous literature reviews and meta-analyses as well as analyzing randomized control trials (RCTs) conducted from 2002 to 2018. Following initial scoping of the extent of studies, two systematic literature searches were conducted, firstly for literature reviews and secondly for recent RCTs. Nine databases were utilized. Eight reviews and seven RCTs were identified and analyzed for quality of methodology and outcome as measured by impact on PTSD symptoms. EMDR was found to be efficacious in reducing children's PTSD symptoms compared to waitlist conditions, with similar outcomes to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). EMDR was effective with both single-event trauma as well as cumulative trauma such as sexual abuse. EMDR was equally effective with girls and boys as well as children from different cultures. EMDR achieved medium to large effect sizes. Reductions in PTSD were maintained at 2-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. In conclusion, EMDR was consistently found to be an efficacious treatment for children with PTSD. Recommendations are made for future practice and research.

The present study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating pain and subjective distress of patients with cancer. A randomized controlled trial was performed on patients with cancer suffering from moderate to severe cancer pain in Yasuj, Iran, in 2019 and 2020. Sixty patients aged 30–60 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected using a consensus sampling technique. Patients were randomly assigned to EMDR therapy or control groups based on random block allocation. EMDR therapy was administered in six to eight daily 1-hour sessions. The control group received the standard treatment provided by the hospital. A Numeric Pain-Rating Scale (NRS) and the Subjective Units of Disturbance Scale (SUDS) were used to assess pain and subjective distress before and after the intervention in each session. The collected data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and independent t test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. The mean pain intensity and subjective distress score in the experimental group before and after the EMDR intervention were significantly reduced (p < .001). In the control group, no decreases in NRS and SUDS scores occurred at any time (p > .05). Differences in pain scores between the groups were statistically significant (p < .001). EMDR can effectively and sustainably reduce the pain and subjective distress experienced by patients with cancer. Thus, EMDR is a recommended therapeutic option to mitigate pain and subjective distress among patients with cancer.

El presente artículo reporta los resultados de seguimiento de nuestro estudio de campo (Jarero & Uribe, 2011), en el que se investigó la aplicación del Protocolo de Terapia de Reprocesamiento y Desensibilización a través del Movimiento Ocular para Incidentes Críticos Recientes (EMDR-PRECI) en una situación de masacre humana. Se aplicó una sola sesión de tratamiento a 32 empleados forenses de la Procuraduría General del Estado de Durango en México, quienes estaban trabajabando con 258 cuerpos recuperados de fosas clandestinas. Los resultados pre y post-tratamiento mostraron una mejoría significativa, tanto en el grupo de atención inmediata (GAI), como en el grupo de atención demorada (GAD), en los puntajes de la Impact of Events Scale (IES) y en el Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT). En este estudio reportamos la evaluación de seguimiento, la cual se realizó después de 3 y 5 meses de la aplicación del tratamiento. Los puntajes obtenidos en el seguimiento muestran que los resultados del tratamiento original se mantuvieron, y que continuó presentándose una disminución significativa de los síntomas de estrés postraumático y de TEPT auto-reportados, entre el post-tratamiento y el seguimiento. Durante el período de seguimiento, los empleados continuaron su labor forense con los restos humanos recuperados y estuvieron permanentemente expuestos a estresores emocionales aterradores y a amenazas constantes relacionadas con su seguridad. Lo anterior sugiere que el EMDR-PRECI fue una intervención temprana efectiva al reducir el estrés postraumático en un grupo de adultos traumatizados que continuaron laborando bajo estresores extremos en una situación de masacre humana. Parece ser que el tratamiento ayudo a prevenir el desarrollo de TEPT crónico y a aumentar la resiliencia psicológica y emocional.

The blind to therapist (B2T) protocol (Blore & Holmshaw, 2009a, 2009b) was devised to circumvent client unwillingness to describe traumatic memory content during eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). It has been used with at least six clinical presentations:

This article details the history, development, and current status of the protocol, and provides case vignettes to illustrate each use. Clinical issues encountered when using the protocol and “dovetailing” the B2T protocol back into the standard protocol are also addressed.

This study used a quantitative, single-case study design to examine the effectiveness of the integration of intensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and ego state therapy for the treatment of an individual diagnosed with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The participant received 25.5 hr of treatment in a 3-week period, followed with 12 hr of primarily supportive therapy over the next 6-week period. Clinical symptoms decreased as evidenced by reduction in scores from baseline to 6-week follow-up on the following scales: Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) from 46 (severe depression) to 15 (mild mood disorder), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) from 37 (severe anxiety) to 25 (moderate anxiety), and Impact of Events Scale from 50 (severe PTSD symptoms) to 12 (below PTSD cutoff ). Scores showed further reductions at 6-month follow-up. Results show the apparent effectiveness of the integration of intensive EMDR and ego state work.

This narrative literature review examines 12 eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy studies published in peer-reviewed journals that implement qualitative methodology other than case studies. Qualitative studies in the EMDR community and in mental health research can get overlooked because they are not perceived to be as scientific as quantitative studies. However, the presence of proper, systematic methodology in qualitative research can reveal another layer of important data about the how and why of EMDR therapy's impact. A variety of study types are reviewed (grounded theory, phenomenology, content and thematic analysis, and several other published forms) that offer evidence-based insight in six major areas of relevance to the EMDR community: the value of the therapeutic relationship and attunement, the role of EMDR therapy preparation and safety measures, the perceived impact of reprocessing phases, and insights for EMDR therapy training and implementation. The authors conclude that it is imperative that clinicians attend to the therapeutic relationship and provide adequate preparation. A discussion about clinical implementation and training EMDR therapists is also included, with suggestions made for advancing qualitative research in EMDR therapy.

Beaucoup de patients souffrant de psychose fonctionnelle ont connu un passé traumatique et présentent des symptômes d'ESPT (état de stress post-traumatique) ; certains peuvent aussi être traumatisés par leurs propres symptômes psychotiques. Nous présentons ici une série de vignettes cliniques décrivant le traitement EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires) de quatre patients souffrant de psychose fonctionnelle et ayant tous un passé de traumatisation sévère. Après le traitement, tous les patients ont présenté une réduction de leurs symptômes d'ESPT et ont rapporté également une amélioration de leur qualité de vie. Le suivi, entre trois et six ans plus tard, a montré que les effets du traitement s'étaient maintenus, avec des changements manifestes : élimination des éléments délirants d'origine traumatique, réduction de l'anxiété et de la dépression, réduction du nombre d'hospitalisations, et amélioration globale de la qualité de vie des sujets. Comme les patients psychotiques ont plus fréquemment que les autres un passé de traumatismes et des symptômes d'ESPT, et que le trauma peut être une composante étiologique du déclenchement d'une psychose, il nous paraît nécessaire d'étudier et d'explorer l'EMDR en tant qu'opportunité de traitement.

This article is an evaluation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Europe Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP) facilitators’ training in Pakistan based on a project set up in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake. Q-methodology was the method of choice for this research because it permits the systematic study of subjective experiences by combining the richness of qualitative protocols with the rigors of quantitative ones. Research participants were 6 recently trained EMDR Pakistan consultants and facilitators, of which 5 were consultant psychiatrists and 1 was a general practitioner (GP)/psychologist. The Q concourse addressed issues such as EMDR clinical practice, cultural application of EMDR in Pakistan, EMDR research and development, and their experiences of their EMDR-HAP training. Results highlighted issues around professional role and application of EMDR, the teaching and learning experience of EMDR, clinical supervision, the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and the cultural sensitivity and application of EMDR in Pakistan. The article also considers how the EMDR-HAP training program could be improved in Pakistan.

This practice-based article discusses the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in counseling “Paul” and “Eddie” (aliases), a couple for 4 years who presented with what they identified as “communication problems.” Through the use of psychosocial assessments of the men’s personal histories, it was determined that Paul’s experience of feeling controlled and Eddie’s struggles to believe that he mattered in the relationship were linked to traumatic memories in each man’s childhood that related to his sexual identity development. EMDR was used to target the men’s traumatic memories, alternating between Paul and Eddie. Following each EMDR treatment series, the work was integrated by talking through how the reprocessed material integrated into the overall couple experience, leading to both men’s increased satisfaction in the relationship.

The standard protocol of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has been well established as an efficacious brief treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addressing past, present, and future aspects of a traumatizing event. This article provides instruction in the administration of the EMDR Life Stress Protocol, which targets a significant recent experience or a life scenario that is not necessarily remarkable as a stand-alone event (getting up every morning with dread, feeling anxious about leaving the house) and which causes distress and impaired function such as has been commonly reported during the COVID-19 crisis. This protocol involves minor but significant modifications within EMDR therapy’s standard procedures. It uses the present-day experience as the Target Memory while accessing briefly, the memory network of historical experiences that inform the client’s reactions to their present circumstances. Successful processing is immediately followed by a Future Template to generate an alternative pattern of response, optimizing the client’s capacity to respond adaptively to continued life demands. The EMDR Life Stress Protocol differs from EMDR’s various recent events protocols, which seek to reduce posttraumatic symptoms following a recent traumatic event or crisis. Those protocols focus on the critical incident and ancillary events, and typically do not intend to activate memory networks of related historical experiences. The article describes case conceptualization to offer a rationale for this approach and provides a detailed description of this protocol, illustrated with case examples, highlighting its application both as a psychotherapy approach and as a brief intervention.

This study examined the effects of bilateral stimulation during unpleasant memory recall followed by free association, similar to Phase 4 of EMDR therapy. Forty-six female nonpatients were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: bilateral eye movements (BEMs), eye fixation with background movements (BDM), or eye fixation (Dot) control, each while recalling a moderately unpleasant memory and each followed by free association to the memory. Electroencephalography recordings were conducted on these participants during the 1-minute free association of the original memory after each of five administrations of the conditions. Results revealed only trend increases in Beta interhemispheric coherence following BEMs. However, statistically significant increases in Right Frontal Theta and Beta intrahemispheric coherences were found following BEMs, with similar trend increases for Left Frontal Theta and Beta and for Right Frontal Gamma. Cortical electrode maps are presented for these Beta coherence effects. Ratings of imagery vividness and emotional valence were collected after each set of eye movements plus free associations and showed a significant decrease across all conditions. Results are discussed within the context of a proposed integrated 2-stage cortical coherence model. Suggestions are made for future research, including investigation of possible implications for treatment of traumatic brain injury.

This research projects spans a 6-year period surveying 485 participants’ experiences of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) training in the United Kingdom and Ireland between the periods of 2005 and 2011. This research used a mixed research methodology exploring EMDR training participants’ application of EMDR within their current clinical practice. The rationale was to explore potential differences between EMDR-accredited and EMDR-nonaccredited clinicians in relation to retrospective reports of treatment. Results indicate that EMDR-accredited clinicians report better treatment outcomes. An argument is presented that EMDR has progressed from a convergent technique to a divergent psychotherapeutic approach. Consequently, the research explored whether current EMDR training is “fit for purpose.” A comprehensive model for EMDR training is outlined, proposing the importance of developing more EMDR training in academic institutions.

It has only been in this last decade that trauma-focused treatments (TFT) have been studied in patients with psychotic disorders. Before, the paradigm stated that TFT was contraindicated in these patients because clinicians and researchers assumed the risk of exacerbation of symptoms was too high. The purpose of this article is to examine the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in the treatment of psychosis. To this end, we will present a brief narrative review of the current state of research in this particular field. The results suggest that, contrary to the “no-TFT-in-psychosis” paradigm, TFTs such as EMDR therapy can successfully be used to reduce trauma-related symptoms in patients with psychosis. Moreover, there are now provisional indications that psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations can be targeted directly and indirectly using EMDR therapy.

In this article, the concept of humanitarian aid, the basic needs in crisis situations, the definition of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and EMDR as a humanitarian intervention are explained. General needs and needs in Middle East are discussed. Some of the published studies about the EMDR therapy as a humanitarian intervention are summarized. Training and humanitarian programs in Turkey are documented. Two of our important humanitarian projects with EMDR including Marmara earthquake training and Intervention and Kilis Syrian refugees projects are described in detail. The aim of this article is to underline the importance of basic elements of natural and man-made disasters in terms of organization, financing, training, and intervention.

This article, condensed from Chapter 14 of A Guide to the Standard EMDR Protocols for Clinicians, Supervisors, and Consultants (Leeds, 2009), examines applying eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to treating individuals with panic disorder (PD) and PD with agoraphobia (PDA). The literature on effective treatments for PD and PDA is reviewed focusing on cognitive and behavioral therapies, pharmacotherapy, and EMDR. Case reports and controlled studies of EMDR treatment of PD and PDA are examined for lessons to guide EMDR clinicians. Two model EMDR treatment plans are presented: one for cases of simple PD without agoraphobia or other co-occurring disorders and the other for cases of PDA or PD with co-occurring anxiety or Axis II disorders. A more extensive literature discussion, detailed treatment guidelines, and client education resources can be found in the original chapter.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) protocol for recent traumatic events in the treatment of acute stress disorder. Within weeks of being exposed to an isolated traumatic event, 7 adults diagnosed with acute stress disorder were provided with multiple sessions of the EMDR protocol for recent traumatic events, an extended version of the EMDR therapy standard protocol. In each case, an individual’s subjective distress caused by the traumatic events was measured using the Impact of Events Scale-Revised and the goal of alleviating symptoms was accomplished. The positive results suggest the EMDR protocol for recent traumatic events may be an effective means of providing early treatment to victims of trauma, potentially preventing the development of the more severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.

This article discusses the integration of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy with a family therapy treatment, which was designed for treating mothers and their babies from conception through the first year of life. The Calming Womb Family Therapy Model (CWFTM) is a multidisciplinary, Integrative, early intervention approach. Its foundations originate from Murray Bowen's family model of understanding the individual in the context of their families as emotional interactive systems; Selma Fraiberg's psychodynamic work and psychoeducational interventions with mothers and infants to resolve maternal trauma and transference reactions to their babies followed by educational guidance in infant development through the first year of their lives; and EMDR therapy. EMDR therapy can improve internal resources for expectant mothers; monitor their levels of psychological distress; and enable them to access and process traumatic memories, other adverse life experiences, recent stressors, and pre-perinatal concerns and bring them to adaptive resolution. EMDR therapy can also help pregnant mothers develop imaginal templates of future events that incorporate in utero developmental prenatal education and deepen their bonds with their babies. The pre-perinatal psychotherapist's knowledge of infant development and capacity for interpersonal warmth, affect tolerance, somatic resourcing, reflective stance, and relational attunement can provide a fertile ground for the expectant mother and womb baby relationship and enriching life together. The ultimate goal is to conceive and rear healthy children.

Cross-culturally effective, low-threshold therapies for refugees that can be carried out quickly are urgently required. Worldwide, therapies are lacking, particularly for preschool refugee children, which support coping and prevent chronification of posttraumatic stress. This pilot study examined eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)-based group treatment for preschool refugee children in German daycare centers. Ten refugee preschool children aged 4–6 years (n = 5 female) with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms took part in an EMDR-based group treatment (with 2–4 children per group). PTSD symptoms were rated by parents and preschool teachers using items from the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 1½–5), pre- and posttreatment, and at 3-month follow-up. After treatment children tended to display less fear of animals or situations than before treatment. According to preschool teachers' perspective, the total number of PTSD symptoms dropped significantly at posttreatment (d = .93) and at follow-up (d = .81). Before the intervention, preschool teachers rated the children as being more defiant than their parents did (p = .020). After the intervention, the PTSD symptoms of boys were significantly higher than those of girls (p = .036) according to preschool teachers. The results indicate that timely psychotherapeutic interventions can be conducted with refugee children displaying PTSD symptoms in daycare centers. The efficacy of this intervention needs to be studied in a larger sample under controlled randomized conditions.

Symptome einer Demenz umfassen hauptsächlich neuropsychologische Störungen, insbesondere des Langzeitgedächtnisses. Häufig kommt es jedoch auch zu schweren verhaltensbezogenen und psychologischen Demenzsymptomen (BPSD-behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia). Bei etlichen Patienten ist BPSD nicht mit Arzneimitteln behandelbar. Manche Charakteristika derartiger BPSD ähneln häufig traumatischen Symptomen und scheinen mit der Erinnerung an verstörende traumatische Ereignisse aus der Vergangenheit verbunden zu sein. Da das Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)-Standardprotokoll nicht unmittelbar auf Patienten mit Demenz anwendbar ist, haben wir ein modifiziertes Protokoll entwickelt, die EMDR-Vor-Ort-Methode (on-the-spot-EMDR). Dieser Beitrag beschreibt das Protokoll und evaluiert dessen Anwendung bei drei Patienten mit mittelschwerer bis schwerer Demenz. Es zeigten sich eindeutige therapeutische Wirkungen und bei allen drei Patienten kam es zu einer deutlichen Verbesserung der BPSD, die bei einer Nachuntersuchung nach sechs Monaten weiterhin festzustellen war. Die Relevanz dieser Erkenntnisse wird besprochen und es werden Vorschläge für die weitere Forschung vorgestellt.

This article is an excerpt from the book EMDR Therapy and Adjunct Approaches With Children: Complex Trauma, Attachment, and Dissociation. It presents an original model to work with caregivers of children with complex trauma. This model comprises 3 levels of parental involvement within a comprehensive eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment: psychoeducation, self-regulation, and memory reprocessing and integration (Gomez, 2009, 2012a, 2012b). Mentalization and reflective function (Fonagy & Target, 1997), mindsight (Siegel, 1999, 2010), mind-mindedness (Meins, Fernyhough, Fradley, & Tuckey, 2002), insightfulness (Koren-Karie, Oppenheim, Dolev, Sher, & Etziom-Carasso, 2002), and metacognitive monitoring (Flavell, 1979; Main, 1991) are all constructs linked to the parent’s capacity to develop infant’s attachment security. However, unresolved trauma and loss appears to impair these capacities in parents. Many children wounded by caregivers lacking such competences had to endure repetitive emotional, physical, and sexual overt and covert abuse; enmeshment and intrusiveness; or on the contrary, detachment and lack of connection. When the caregivers have been the wounding agents, their inclusion and active participation in the overall treatment of their children is fundamental.

This case series study investigated the effectiveness of an integrative eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and family therapy model, specifically the Integrative Attachment Trauma Protocol for Children (IATP-C), for improving traumatic stress, attachment relationships, and behaviors in children with a history of attachment trauma; specifically, adopted children with a history of maltreatment and foster or orphanage care. Of the 23 child participants, one family dropped out at 6 months, and 22 completed treatment in 6–24 months. Mean treatment length was 12.7 months. Statistical analysis demonstrated significant improvement in scores on children's traumatic stress symptoms, behaviors, and attachment relationships by the end of treatment. Statistical analysis of secondary measures showed significant improvement in mothers' scores related to symptomology and attitudes toward their child. Gains were maintained for the 15 families who complied with completion and returning of follow-up measures. Limitations of the study include the lack of a control group and small sample size. Future directions include controlled efficacy studies with larger sample sizes as well as exploration of application of the model to a similar population of children in other cultures and to children who are not residing in permanent placements.

This article reports on the first 3 randomly allocated cases treated by the author in an ongoing trial comparing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with cognitive behavioral therapy (exposure and response prevention) in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in a U.K. primary care setting. This article describes the treatment and data collection procedures, followed by a summary of each of the 3 cases supported by quantitative and qualitative data. The Adapted EMDR Phobia Protocol (Marr, 2012) was provided, following the trial protocol of 1-hour, 16-session treatment. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale was administered at every 4th session. At posttreatment, 2 of the 3 cases showed more than a 50% reduction on validated psychometric measures, with symptoms below diagnostic cutoff. The final case started treatment below the diagnostic cutoff on the primary outcome measure and showed a slight improvement. Six-month follow-up data showed maintenance of treatment effects. Transcripts from a semistructured telephone interview carried out by an independent researcher following treatment were analyzed using a 6-stage thematic analysis method, which identified 3 themes: the role of traumatic experiences, role of shame, and importance of therapeutic alliance. This article concludes with a discussion of implications for EMDR practice and theory.

The empirical justification for the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as part of the repertoire of interventions used in response to humanitarian endeavors continues at a pace. A devastating earthquake, measuring 7.6 magnitude on the Richter scale, occurred in Northern Pakistan in October 2005. In response, the first EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program to be facilitated by an academic institution was established. This article highlights how 3 research projects assisted in the continued development of EMDR therapy in Pakistan to the point where presently more than 125 Pakistani mental health professionals have now been trained; it now has its own EMDR National Association and is an active participant within EMDR Asia.

This study compared the effect of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy versus guided imagery on insomnia severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this randomized controlled trial, 75 patients with RA were selected via convenience sampling before using block randomization to assign patients into three groups comprised of (a) six sessions of EMDR, (b) six sessions of guided imagery, and (c) a control group. The Persian version of the Insomnia Severity Index was implemented at preintervention and 2 weeks' postintervention as the outcome measure. The EMDR group obtained respective pre-and postintervention mean scores of 23.5 ± 5.2 and 11±2.1, whereas the guided imagery group obtained scores of 24 ± 3 and 15.3 ± 2.3, and the control group obtained scores of 24.2 ± 3.3 and 23.6 ± 3. Pairwise comparisons showed statistically significant differences in insomnia severity between patients from each group, with the EMDR group experiencing a greater reduction in insomnia severity than guided imagery. EMDR and guided imagery were both effective in reducing insomnia severity in RA patients, although the degree of insomnia reduction for patients from the EMDR group was greater than that of the guided imagery group.

Les investigations en neuroimagerie sur les effets des psychothérapies qui traitent l'état de stress post-traumatique (ESPT), dont l'EMDR (désensibilisation et retraitement par les mouvements oculaires), ont décrit des résultats cohérents avec des modifications au niveau du débit sanguin cérébral (DSC ; tomographie d'émission monophotonique [SPECT : single photon emission computed tomography]), du volume neuronal et de la densité neuronale (imagerie par résonance magnétique [IRM]) et, plus récemment, du signal électrique cérébral (électroencéphalographie [EEG]). De plus, récemment, des changements neurobiologiques en lien avec l'EMDR ont été relevés par EEG pendant la thérapie elle-même et a montré une modification de l'activation maximale depuis les régions cérébrales limbiques émotionnelles vers les régions corticales cognitives. C'était la première fois que des changements neurobiologiques se produisant au cours d'une séance de psychothérapie étaient rapportés, faisant de l'EMDR la première psychothérapie avec un effet neurobiologique prouvé. Le but de cet article est de résumer les résultats indiquant les changements fonctionnels et structurels se produisant lors du traitement de l'ESPT et présentés par divers groupes de recherche pendant la période 1999-2012. Les changements pathophysiologiques décrits sont présentés en fonction de la technique neuropsychologique et de la méthodologie employée, puis analysés de manière critique.

Little is known of the usability of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as an intervention for those experiencing psychosis. This study aimed to explore therapists' experience of using EMDR with this population. A qualitative design was employed using an inductive approach and a thematic analysis. Twenty therapists, who had used EMDR with this client group, took part in a semi-structured interview to explore their experiences of the intervention. Key themes were generated from the data: (a) familiarity with psychosis and EMDR, (b) acceptability of EMDR, (c) the importance of systemic factors, and (d) keeping key therapy principles in mind. Findings highlighted the importance of supervision to build therapist confidence, the value of the multidisciplinary team, and the need for a shift in beliefs surrounding the usefulness of EMDR to the wider system. Recommendations for individuals and services are provided.

Existe un interés creciente en usar la terapia de desensibilización y reprocesamiento mediante movimientos oculares (EMDR) más allá del trastorno por estrés postraumático; para el cual dicha aplicación está bien consolidada. Con el fuerte consenso académico de que las experiencias vitales adversas y traumáticas contribuyen al desarrollo del trastorno límite de la personalidad (TLP), parecería que EMDR podría aportar mucho al tratamiento de las personas con TLP. Sin embargo, dadas las características específicas de estos pacientes, la aplicación de la terapia EMDR a su tratamiento puede ser todo un reto y son necesarias pequeñas adaptaciones de los procedimientos estándar de EMDR para el TEPT. Este artículo proporciona una orientación a los principios y estrategias para preparar de manera segura y eficaz a los pacientes con TLP para la terapia EMDR, y para acceder a los orígenes traumáticos del TLP y reprocesarlos. Se ofrecen ejemplos clínicos a lo largo del artículo.

The human mind is difficult to investigate, but the biological foundations of the mind, especially consciousness, are generally regarded as the most daunting. In this article, excerpted from the book Neurobiological Foundations for EMDR Practice (Bergmann, 2012), we introduce and outline aspects of consciousness, information processing, and their relationship to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). We examine consciousness with respect to three characteristics: unity of perception and function, subjectivity, and prediction. The relationship of these characteristics to EMDR is examined.

Dieser Artikel stellt die ,,Flashforward-Technik” vor, eine spezielle Anwendung von Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Sie wird zur Behandlung irrationaler Angst eingesetzt; beispielsweise wenn eine andauernde Angst auch nach Bearbeitung der Kern-Erinnerungen vergangener Erlebnisse weiterhin besteht. Der theoretische Hintergrund wird dargelegt und das Verfahren wird, auch anhand von zwei Fallbeispielen, erläutert. Wir beschreiben psychische Zustände und - Probleme, für die der Einsatz von flashforward-fokussiertem EMDR geeignet sein könnte, sowie welche Phase des therapeutischen Prozesses am besten zum Einsatz dieser Methode geeignet ist. Darüber hinaus wird die Flashforward-Technik mit anderen EMDR-Anwendungen und ähnlichen Verfahren in anderen Therapien verglichen. Einige Implikationen werden diskutiert.

This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and concomitant depressive and anxiety symptoms in survivors of life-threatening cardiac events. Forty-two patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation who (a) qualified for the PTSD criterion “A” in relation to a cardiac event and (b) presented clinically significant PTSD symptoms were randomized to a 4-week treatment of EMDR or imaginal exposure (IE). Data were gathered on PTSD, anxiety, and depressive symptoms at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 6-month follow-up. EMDR was effective in reducing PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms and performed significantly better than IE for all variables. These findings provide preliminary support for EMDR as an effective treatment for the symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety that can follow a life-threatening cardiac event.

This article reports the follow-up results of our field study (Jarero & Uribe, 2011) that investigated the application of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI) in a human massacre situation. A single individual session was provided to 32 forensic personnel of the State Attorney General in the Mexican state of Durango who were working with 258 bodies recovered from clandestine graves. Pre-post results showed significant improvement for both immediate treatment and waitlist/delayed treatment groups on the Impact of Event Scale (IES) and Short PTSD Rating Interview (SPRINT). In this study, we report the follow-up assessment, which was conducted, at 3 and 5 months posttreatment. Follow-up scores showed that the original treatment results were maintained, with a further significant reduction of self-reported symptoms of posttraumatic stress and PTSD between posttreatment and follow-up. During the follow-up period, the employees continued to work with the recovered corpses and were continually exposed to horrific emotional stressors, with ongoing threats to their own safety. This suggests that EMDR-PRECI was an effective early intervention, reducing traumatic stress for a group of traumatized adults continuing to work under extreme stressors in a human massacre situation. It appears that the treatment may have helped to prevent the development of chronic PTSD and to increase psychological and emotional resilience.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) psychotherapy can play a major role in phase-oriented treatment of complex trauma-related disorders. In terms of the theory of structural dissociation of the personality and its related psychology of action, a previous article described Phase 1 treatment—Stabilization, Symptom Reduction, and Skills Training—emphasizing the use of EMDR procedures in this phase. Phase 2 treatment mainly involves applications of EMDR processing in overcoming the phobia of traumatic memories and their subsequent integration. Phase 3 treatment focuses on further integration of the personality, which includes overcoming various phobias pertaining to adaptive functioning in daily life. This article emphasizes treatment approaches that assist therapists in incorporating EMDR protocols in Phases 2 and 3 of phase-oriented treatment without exceeding clients’ integrative capacity or window of tolerance.

This case study reports the use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and family therapy for a 10-year-old boy with severe separation anxiety disorder (SAD). It illustrates how the use of the standard EMDR protocol for the boy and his mother combined with family therapy, led to symptom alleviation and restored appropriate developmental functioning as evidenced by behavioral outcomes. The participant initially presented with severe anxiety about separating from his mother, several years after his parents went through a painful divorce. Treatment focused on processing the boy’s disturbing memories of past nontraumatic events in 14 EMDR sessions; his mother received 4 EMDR sessions to address her perceived marital failure and guilt about the effects of her ensuing depression on him. Eight family therapy sessions were used to help the family spend positive time together. Prior to treatment, the child had been unable to play outside, checked on his mother frequently, and could not attend activities without her. At the end of treatment, he was able to play with friends outside, ride his bike around town, engage in after school activities, and sleep over at his friends’ houses. Gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. Treatment did not include instruction in parenting skills or psychoeducation for the mother, or any exposure therapy for the child.

A literature review of current treatment models for child molesters and contemporary theories of etiology suggests a gap between theory and practice. Despite emerging recognition of the importance of addressing etiological issues in sexual offender treatment, many programs resist addressing the trauma sequelae of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in those sex offenders where it is present. Adding trauma treatment to standard sexual offender treatment was identified as a means to closing some of that gap. Ten child molesters with reported histories of CSA were treated with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Subsequent to adding this trauma resolution component, there was improvement on all six subscales of the Sex Offender Treatment Rating Scale as well as decreased idiosyncratic deviant arousal as measured by the penile plethysmograph. The current study reviews qualitative data collected during treatment and at posttreatment interviews.