EMDR and early psychological intervention following trauma (European Review of Applied Psychology)

EMDR and early psychological intervention following trauma

EMDR Early Intervention may provide a window of opportunity for a brief intervention to prevent complications and strengthen resilience.

Article Abstract

“Introduction: This article evaluates developments in the field of early psychological intervention (EPI) after trauma in general and the place of early eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) intervention (EEI) in particular. The issues and dilemmas involved with EPI and EEI will be outlined; related research presented and the current status evaluated.

Literature and clinical findings: Reviewing the literature and drawing on findings from initial research and case studies, the rationale and contribution that EMDR therapy has to offer is discussed relative to current evidence and theory regarding post-traumatic stress syndromes and trauma memories. The relative advantages of EEI will be elaborated.

Discussion and conclusion: It is proposed that EEI, while trauma memories have not yet been integrated, may be used not only to treat acute distress but may also provide a window of opportunity in which a brief intervention, possibly on successive days, could prevent complications and strengthen resilience. Through the rapid reduction of intrusive symptoms and de-arousal response as well as by identifying potential obstructions to adaptive information processing (AIP), EMDR therapy may reduce the sensitisation and accumulation of trauma memories.”

—Description from publisher

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Shapiro, E. (2012). EMDR and early psychological intervention following trauma. European Review of Applied Psychology, 62(4), 241-251. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erap.2012.09.003

About the Journal

“The aim of the European Review of Applied Psychology is to promote high-quality applications of psychology to all areas of specialization, and to foster exchange among researchers and professionals.”

—Description from publisher

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EMDR and early psychological intervention following trauma (European Review of Applied Psychology)