Eye movement desensitization: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder

This early article by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. aims to describe the use of Eye Movement Desensitization for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). EMD was later renamed EMDR.

Article Abstract

“The use of saccadic eye movements for treating post-traumatic stress disorder is described. The procedure involves eliciting from clients sequences of large-magnitude, rhythmic saccadic eye movements while holding in mind the most salient aspect of a traumatic memory. This results in (1) a lasting reduction of anxiety, (2) changes in the cognitive assessment of the memory, and (3) cessation of flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and sleep disturbances. The procedure can be extremely effective in only one session, as indicated by a previous controlled study and a case history presented here. It does not require a hierarchical approach, as in desensitization, or the elicitation of disturbingly high levels of anxiety over a prolonged period of time, as in flooding. Some speculations are offered concerning the basis for the effectiveness of the procedure.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Purchase/Subscription Required

Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye movement desensitization: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 20(3), 211-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7916(89)90025-6

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 [Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry] welcomes contributions to the understanding and treatment of psychopathology. Such contributions may stem from various theoretical perspectives. The Journal primarily focuses on (quasi)experimental tests of psychological approaches to psychopathology, though contributions from medicine, biology, sociology, or epidemiology may be considered. The same holds for non-experimental approaches (e.g., prospective approaches), which may occasionally be published if deemed relevant for the field of experimental psychopathology.”

—Description from publisher