Course Description

Discover at least three ways research on EMDR therapy can inspire, inform, and surprise you in this presentation from Andrew Leeds, Ph.D. This review of EMDR therapy research surveys peer-reviewed journal articles published primarily in 2020 and 2021 with a focus on clinically relevant treatment outcome research as well as laboratory results. Key findings from individual case reports, pilot studies and randomized controlled trials are summarized to assist practicing clinicians to be aware of research relevant to their current and future clients and to encourage further research to advance our understanding of the full range of EMDR therapy applications. Broad trends include the growth in group treatment research, successful remote delivery of EMDR therapy, and the expansion of delivery of EMDR therapy to disadvantaged communities, refugees and developing countries. Surprise hints: is EMDR therapy effective for mice and can EMDR therapy alter epigenetic tags in human DNA?

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will be able to summarize findings from at least two recent randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of EMDR therapy for children and adolescents.
2. Participants will be able to state which treatment for PTSD in adults was found to be most cost effective in a UK based review.
3. Participants will be able to summarize findings from at least two recent research trials evaluating the efficacy of group EMDR therapy for disadvantaged traumatized children and adolescents from developing countries.

Presenter(s)

Andrew Leeds, Ph.D.

Andrew Leeds, Ph.D., is a licensed Psychologist with 40+ years of private practice experience. He completed EMDR training in 1991. He has conducted EMDR training for 14,000 clinicians internationally and presented at numerous conferences. He is author of A Guide to the Standard EMDR Therapy Protocols (2016), articles, and chapters. He served on EMDRIA Board 2003-2005. He serves the Journal of EMDR Editorial Board and Council of Scholars. He is Director of Training for Sonoma Psychotherapy Training Institute. In 1999, he received Ronald Martinez Memorial Award from Francine Shapiro, EMDRIA’s award for creative innovation, and in 2013 EMDRIA’s Francine Shapiro Award.