Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR)

This chapter by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP, Liesbeth Mevissen, MSc describes eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as an empirically validated psychotherapy approach used to treat mental health disorders stemming from trauma and other adverse life experiences in children, adolescents, and adults.

Chapter Abstract

“Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an empirically validated psychotherapy approach used to treat mental health disorders stemming from trauma and other adverse life experiences in children, adolescents, and adults (Shapiro 1995/2001, Shapiro 2014a, b). EMDR therapy involves eight standardized phases to comprehensively address the clinical picture. Treatment includes targeting and implementing the standardized information processing procedures to address (1) the memories of disturbing events that are etiological to emotional, cognitive, and behavioral problems, (2) current situations that trigger dysfunction, and (3) the incorporation of needed skills for future challenges. The case conceptualization, procedures, and protocols are based on the adaptive information processing (AIP) model, which posits that memories of disturbing events may be physiologically stored in unprocessed form, leading to problems in day-to-day functioning.”

—Description from publisher

Chapter Access

Purchase Required

Shapiro, F., Wesselmann, D., & Mevissen, L. (2017). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR). In M.A. Landolt, M. Cloitre, & U. Schnyder (Eds.), Evidence based treatments for trauma-related disorders in children and adolescents (pp. 273-298). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-46138-0_13

Print ISBN: 978-3-319-46136-6

Online ISBN: 978-3-319-46138-0

About the Book

“This handbook presents the current evidence-based psychological treatments for trauma related disorders in childhood and adolescence and in addition provides clearly structured, up-to-date information on the basic principles of traumatic stress research and practice in that age group, covering epidemiology, developmental issues, pathogenetic models, diagnostics, and assessment. Each of the chapters on treatment, which form the core of the book, begins with a summary of the theoretical underpinnings of the approach, followed by a case presentation illustrating the treatment protocol session by session, an analysis of special challenges typically encountered in implementing this treatment, and an overview of the current evidence base for the treatment approach. A special section considers modern treatments in particular settings, such as schools, hospitals, and juvenile justice systems, and the concluding chapters provide an integrative discussion on how to treat traumatized children and adolescents and an outlook. The book will be invaluable for clinical child and adolescent psychologists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and other mental health professionals working with traumatized children and adolescents.”

—Description from publisher