EMDR therapy: An overview of current and future research (European Review of Applied Psychology)

EMDR therapy: An overview of current and future research

This article by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. looks at EMDR therapy research over the past decade that has addressed eye movements, mechanism of action and comparisons with other forms of therapy.

Article Abstract

“Introduction: EMDR therapy is an eight-phase treatment approach widely recognized as a frontline treatment for trauma. Research over the past decade has addressed the utility of the eye movements, mechanism of action and comparisons with other forms of therapy. Literature and clinical findings: More than two-dozen randomized controlled trials (RCT) demonstrate the positive effects of EMDR therapy with trauma victims. Comparisons with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) indicate comparable effects sizes. Approximately 20 additional RCT evaluated the eye movement component of EMDR in isolation, without the rest of the therapy procedures. These studies document a variety of positive effects, including a rapid decrease in distress and reduced clarity of the targeted disturbing image when compared to exposure-only conditions. Discussion: Research findings indicate that EMDR therapy and TF-CBT are based on different mechanisms of action in that EMDR therapy does not necessitate daily homework, sustained arousal or detailed descriptions of the event, and appears to take fewer sessions. EMDR is guided by the adaptive information processing model, which posits a wide range of adverse life experiences as the basis of pathology. Conclusions: Research is suggested to further explore mechanisms of action and address issues of efficiency and treatment differences. Rigorous research is also needed to investigate additional clinical applications.”

—Description from publisher

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Shapiro, F. (2012). EMDR therapy: An overview of current and future research. Revue Europeenne de Psychologie Appliquee/European Review of Applied Psychology 62(4), 193-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erap.2012.09.005

About the Author

Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. (1948–2019) was the founder of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. A licensed psychologist and Senior Research Fellow at the Mental Research Institute (CA), she founded the EMDR Institute and encouraged the development of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). Dr. Shapiro authored many books and articles including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures in its 3rd edition in 2018, and Getting past your past: Take control of your life with self-help techniques from EMDR therapy (2012). She was a frequent presenter and teacher and won numerous awards including the California Psychological Association’s Distinguished Scientific Achievement in Psychology Award in 1993 and the International Sigmund Freud Award for Psychotherapy in 2002.

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. Its policy is to attract a wide range of contributions, including empirical research, overviews of target issues, case studies, descriptions of instruments for research and diagnosis, and theoretical work related to applied psychology.”

—Description from publisher

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EMDR therapy: An overview of current and future research (European Review of Applied Psychology)