Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Evaluation of controlled PTSD research

This article by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D. evaluates the controlled PTSD research on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) within the context of other treatment methods, showing that EMDR is an empirically validated method.

Article Abstract

“The completed controlled PTSD research on eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is placed within the context of other methods used in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. A number of studies are presented that support EMDR as an empirically validated method. However, in several studies, clinical standards have not always been integrated with rigorous scientific methodology. The suggested standards include fidelity checks for the method being tested, the use of appropriate psychometrics, and assessment of co-morbidity factors. At the same time, because of common misconceptions about the method, a variety of problematic issues are discussed.”

—Description from publisher

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Shapiro, F. (1996). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Evaluation of controlled PTSD research. Journal of Behavior Therapy & Experimental Psychiatry, 27(3), 209-218. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7916(96)00029-8

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