Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing to address spiritual concerns in psychotherapy

EMDR’s client-centered structure allows client spiritual beliefs to be incorporated into psychotherapy regardless of the therapist’s beliefs.

Article Abstract

“The difficulty therapists often have when incorporating spirituality into psychotherapy is generally recognized and attributed to 1) the frequency of mismatches between therapist and client spiritual beliefs, and 2) therapist beliefs that science based psychotherapy should avoid the spiritual realm. This paper primarily addresses the first of these. EMDR, a method of psychotherapy widely acknowledged to be evidence based, has a client centered structure that allows client spiritual beliefs to be incorporated into psychotherapy with minimal or no need for the therapist to have their own personal beliefs intrude. EMDR may be of particular value in helping clients when spiritual issues overlap with “moral injury”. Case examples are provided.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Lipke, H., & Hull, T. (2022, March 18). Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing to address spiritual concerns in psychotherapy. Author’s website. https://howardlipke.com/category/resources/resources-for-vets-and-family/#emdr-and-spirituality-3-18-22