Dissociation and EMDR

This chapter focuses on how to work with trauma-related dissociative disorders and explores specific challenges for trauma reprocessing within an EMDR therapy framework.

Chapter Abstract

“This chapter focuses on how to work with trauma-related dissociative disorders, such as other specified dissociative disorders Type 1 and dissociative identity disorder, both of which are trauma related and present specific challenges for trauma reprocessing within an EMDR therapy framework. Dissociation as a symptom is associated with an enormous range of issues, from normal to more pathological. Dissociation can be found in many mental health diagnoses in which it may not be the central problem, for example, spacing out in severe depression. Or it can be associated with dissociative disorders, in which it is the fundamental issue that requires treatment. EMDR therapists must be able to determine what kind of dissociative symptoms a client experiences, how severe and persistent they are, and whether an actual dissociative disorder is present, as treatment will need to be adapted from standard EMDR Therapy.”

—Description from publisher

Chapter Access

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Steele, K. & Mosquera, D. (2024). Dissociation and EMDR. In D. P. Farrell, S. J. Schubert, & M. D. Kiernan (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of EMDR therapy. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192898357.013.13

Book Information