EMDR is a structured therapy that encourages the patient to briefly focus on the trauma memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which is associated with a reduction in the vividness and emotion associated with the trauma memories. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a psychotherapy method that helps people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms. Ongoing research supports positive clinical outcomes showing EMDR therapy as a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addictions, and other distressing life experiences.
Last reviewed: 2023
Intended Outcomes:
- Target the past events that trigger disturbance
- Target the current situations that trigger disturbance
- Determine the skills and education needed for future functioning
- Reduce subjective distress
- Strengthen positive beliefs
- Eliminate negative physical responses
- Promote learning and integration so that the trauma memory is changed to a source of resilience
Continuum of Care:
Treatment
Topic Areas:
Anxiety, Behavioral Health/Mental Health, Depression, Substance Use, Trauma
Ages:
Adult (25+), Childhood (4-12), Early Childhood (0-3), Teen/Adolescent (13-18), Young Adult (19-24)
Geographic Locations:
Rural, Urban
Delivery Settings:
Any
Cultural Considerations:
A balanced amount of the research involved diverse populations
Audience:
Individuals who have experienced trauma
Credentials:
Licensed mental health professional
Manuals:
Yes
Is Training Required?
Yes, see developer info
Who can provide the required training?
Trainers go through certification process via the EMDR International Association
Program Costs (materials, training, etc.):
Yes, refer to program website
Program/Practice Website:
https://www.emdria.org/
Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research:
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Rodenburg, R., Benjamin, A., de Roos, C., Meijer, A. M., & Stams, G. J. (2009). Efficacy of EMDR in children: A meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 29(7), 599-606.
Bano˘glu, K., & Korkmazlar, Ü. (2022). Efficacy of the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing group protocol with children in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder in refugee children. European Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 6(1), Article 100241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100241
Treen, D., Pérez, V., Amann, B. L., & Radua, J. (2016). Efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Children and Adolescent with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.01750
Jaberghaderi, N., Rezaei, M., Kolivand, M., & Shokoohi, A. (2019). Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Child Victims of Domestic Violence. Iranian Journal of Psychiatry, 14(1), 67-75. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v14i1.425
Diehle, J., Opmeer, B.C., Boer, F., Mannarino, A.P., & Lindauer, R.J. (2014). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: what works in children with posttraumatic stress symptoms? A randomized controlled trial. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 24, 227-236
Additional Sources:
https://www.emdria.org/