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:
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.
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.
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.
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:

WV Rating:
Supported by Research
»WV Ratings Info
Rationale for Rating:
Reviewers noted that many studies conducted in the United States were older than 10 years. Due to importance of some of those studies, two were included in the final review. Studies showed that EMDR is effective with PTSD in youth but not necessarily other diagnoses. There was research available for adult populations but that was outside the scope of guidance for the review. Reviewed studies included youth 18 and under.
Contraindications or Concerns:
None identified
Other Registries/Ratings
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare:
Well-Supported by Research Evidence
Blueprints for Healthy Youth Development:
Not On Registry
Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness:
Not On Registry
Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Model Programs Guide:
Not On Registry
Washington State Institute for Public Policy:
Found on the registry. See link for more information.
Washington State Institute for Public Policy Registry Link:
https://www.wsipp.wa.gov/BenefitCost/Program/156