From clinical practice to scientific growth: The development of EMDR research in Turkey

This study provides a bibliometric analysis of EMDR research conducted in Türkiye from 2004-2025.

Article Abstract

“Background: This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) research conducted in Türkiye, offering a panoramic view of the field’s academic evolution from 2004 to 2025.

Method: Drawing data from the Web of Science Core Collection, a total of 79 EMDR-related publications were analyzed using R (Biblioshiny) and VOSviewer to identify trends in productivity, collaboration, citation impact, and thematic development.

Results: Results indicate a steady growth in Turkish EMDR scholarship, with an annual publication increase of 7.97% and expanding institutional contributions from both metropolitan and regional universities. The most frequent research themes include trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, while emerging topics such as digital EMDR, artificial intelligence, and supervision point toward the field’s methodological and technological diversification.

Conclusion: These findings reflect the unique sociocultural and humanitarian context of Türkiye, where repeated exposure to natural disasters and collective trauma has catalyzed the integration of EMDR into public mental health practices. The study highlights the need for greater international collaboration, longitudinal and experimental research designs, and systematic development of EMDR supervision and training models. Overall, Türkiye’s EMDR research landscape demonstrates a transition from clinical dissemination to scientific consolidation, contributing to the broader advancement of trauma-focused psychotherapy within a cross-cultural framework.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Çitil Akyol, C. (2026). From clinical practice to scientific growth: The development of EMDR research in Turkey. Turkish Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2(1), 17-28. https://doi.org/10.63175/tjts.45