Editorial: A Clinician’s Guide to the Efficacy of EMDR Therapy
Thirty years after its introduction in 1989, EMDR therapy has evolved to become a comprehensive psychotherapy.
Article Abstract
“Thirty years after its introduction in 1989, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has evolved to become a comprehensive psychotherapy, guided by Shapiro’s adaptive information processing model. Her model views most mental health disorders as stemming from unprocessed earlier disturbing events. This understanding of the etiological role of trauma has opened the door for EMDR treatment of multiple types of presentations. There are now more than 44 randomized controlled trials that have investigated EMDR treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), early traumatic stress, and traumatized children. In addition, there are 28 randomized controlled trials which have evaluated its use with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, psychosis, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance use disorder, and pain. Seventy-five percent of these studies provided Shapiro’s standardized procedure, while others tested modifications developed for specific populations. The focus of treatment varied across the studies, with various targets being processed to achieve good outcomes. The research demonstrates EMDR’s effectiveness in reducing/eliminating PTSD and trauma-related symptoms, and in improving symptoms related to presenting problems and disorders. EMDR can be considered to have well-established efficacy for the treatment of PTSD. The emerging evidence for EMDR’s efficacy with disorders other than PTSD must be considered preliminary and in need of replication conducted with randomized controlled trials using rigorous methodology. EMDR’s position in various treatment guidelines is discussed, and the needs for future research are elaborated.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Maxfield, L. (2019). A Clinician’s Guide to the Efficacy of EMDR Therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.239
About the Journal
The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.
Date
December 1, 2019
Creator(s)
Louise Maxfield
Practice & Methods
Efficacy
Extent
8 pages
Publisher
Springer Publishing Company
Rights
Copyright © 2019 EMDR International Association
APA Citation
Maxfield, L. (2019). A Clinician's Guide to the Efficacy of EMDR Therapy. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 13(4), 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.239
Series
13
Installment
4
Audience
EMDR Therapists
Language
English
Content Type
Article
Original Source
Journal of EMDR Practice and Research
Access Type
Open Access