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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.