Trauma resolution: A healing journey through EMDR therapy

This chapter on EMDR therapy appears in an edited book offering an integrative and evidence-based practice approach to training in psychotherapy, examining common factors across different therapeutic models seen through an attachment theory lens.

About the Chapter

“EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) therapy is a well-established therapeutic approach developed in the 1980s by the American psychologist Francine Shapiro. It relies on the use of dual attention bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, alternating tones, or tapping stimuli, to facilitate the processing of traumatic experiences. The procedure involves directing the patient’s attention to distressing memories while attending to the bilateral stimulation, allowing the brain to reprocess these experiences in a more adaptive manner.

Numerous scientific studies support the effectiveness of EMDR therapy in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other disorders. Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and meta-analyses have demonstrated that this treatment can lead to significant improvements in psychopathological symptoms, promoting rapid and enduring reduction of distress.

Currently, EMDR therapy is widely used to treat a variety of disorders, including trauma from abuse, grief, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and phobias. Its application has also extended to other contexts, such as the treatment of eating disorders and addictions.

In future applications, EMDR therapy could be further explored and adapted to address new clinical challenges. Research may focus on its effectiveness in combination with other therapies or in the application to new clinical populations. Additionally, technology may play a role in the dissemination and accessibility of the treatment, such as using digital applications or online therapy.

In summary, EMDR therapy represents a promising and well-established therapeutic option with a solid scientific foundation. Its continued use and future development could significantly contribute to the treatment of a wide range of psychological disorders.”

—Description from publisher

Chapter Access

Purchase/Subscription Required

Fernandez, I., Gallina, E., & Solomon, R. (2024). Trauma resolution: A healing journey through EMDR therapy. In B. Poletti, G. A. Tasca, L. Pievani & A. Compare (Eds.), Training in integrated relational psychotherapy (pp. 343-378).  Springer Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-71904-2_16

• Print ISBN978-3-031-71903-5

• Online ISBN978-3-031-71904-2

About the Book

“This edited book offers an integrative and evidence-based practice approach to training in psychotherapy, examining common factors across different therapeutic models seen through an attachment theory lens.  It stresses the opportunities to handle those therapeutic situations in practice that predict patient outcomes. This edited volume will appeal to instructors and students, particularly as an introductory text on psychotherapy practice that emphasizes the fundamentals of therapist interpersonal skills and approaches. Instructors may use the book, its worksheets, and review exercises to help structure a course in psychotherapy. Individual chapters will interest trainers and students in a more advanced course that teaches interpersonally oriented therapies with an attachment theory foundation. Although written specifically for training contexts, the book will also interest practicing clinicians who wish to extend their skill set to include interventions related to those informed by attachment theory.”

—Description from publisher