EMDR: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing

This chapter by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., Elizabeth Snyker, Louise Maxfield explains EMDR as a comprehensive psychotherapy, its integration in other psychological modalities, and the importance of standardized protocols.

Chapter Abstract

“The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for PTSD is now documented in over a dozen independent controlled evaluations. The goal of EMDR is to produce the most profound and comprehensive treatment effects possible in the shortest period of time, while maintaining a stable client in a balanced system. As an integrative approach to psychotherapy, EMDR has continued to benefit from the systematic integration of all the psychological modalities. As integration increases, it is important to conduct research to make sure that alterations of standardized protocols result in increased rather than diluted treatment effects. Further, given the reported wide range of positive treatment effects, it is important to develop research tools capable of assessing changes in emotional, cognitive, somatic, and behavioral domains that can best guide the practicing clinician.”

—Description from publisher

Chapter Access

Purchase Required

Shapiro, F., Snyker, E., & Maxfield, L. (2004). EMDR: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. In F. W. Kaslow & T. Patterson (Eds.), Comprehensive handbook of psychotherapy, cognitive-behavioral approaches (pp. 248-254). West Sussex, UK: John Wiley & Sons. https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Comprehensive+Handbook+of+Psychotherapy%2C+Volume+2%2C+Cognitive+Behavioral+Approaches-p-9780471653271 

ISBN: 978-0-471-65327-1

About the Book

“This second volume of the Comprehensive Handbook of Psychotherapy covers both traditional behavioral strategies and the array of cognitive and systems approaches that are part of the field of psychotherapy. This book addresses individual, couple, family, and group treatments; covers treatments across the life span; reflects the diversity of clients that treatments today are oriented to serve, such as ethnic minorities and gay and lesbian clients; explores the exciting developments in prevention and early intervention; and discusses the ethical issues that treatment raises. Many of the leaders in the field are senior authors of the pieces. The chapters provide a useful overview for graduate students and professionals who want an overview of cognitive-behavioral approaches to a particular problem.”

—Description from publisher