The evolution and future of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy

This article discusses EMDR therapy’s underlying model, adaptive information processing (AIP), treatment categories within EMDR, and EMDR training and credentialing.

Article Abstract

“Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR), a therapy initially developed by Dr Francine Shapiro for treating post-traumatic stress disorder, has broadened its scope to include other forms of stress and trauma, even showing promise for physical health conditions. This commentary on a series of three articles on EMDR in this journal outlines the therapy’s underlying theoretical model, adaptive information processing (AIP), which involves trauma-focused case conceptualisation. It also introduces the work of the EMDR Council of Scholars, which identified three categories of treatment: EMDR psychotherapy, EMDR treatment protocols and EMDR-derived techniques. Finally, it considers EMDR training and credentialing and the aim of current leaders in the EMDR community to solidify EMDR’s standing as a scientifically validated, front-line trauma therapy, while honouring Shapiro’s legacy of striving to end the cycle of violence, especially in low- and middle-income countries.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Miller, P. (2024). The evolution and future of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy. BJPsych Advances, Online, 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1192/bja.2024.25

About the Journal

“BJPsych Advances distills current clinical knowledge into a single resource, written and peer-reviewed by expert clinicians to meet the CPD needs of consultant psychiatrists.”

—Description from publisher