Event Scale (IES) were then provided with the eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) Protocol for Recent Critical Incidents (EMDR-PRECI), a single-session modified EMDR protocol for the treatment of recent trauma. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: immediate treatment group and waitlist/delayed treatment group. There was no improvement in the waitlist/ delayed treatment group, and scores of the immediate treatment group participants were significantly improved, compared with waitlist/delayed treatment group paticipants. One session of EMDR-PRECI produced significant improvement on symptoms of posttraumatic stress for both the immediate-treatment and waitlist/delayed treatment groups, with results maintained at 12-week follow-up, even though frightening aftershocks continued to occur frequently. This study provides preliminary evidence in support of the protocol's efficacy in a disaster mental health continuum of care context. More controlled research is recommended to evaluate further the efficacy of this intervention.

No abstract

This interview with Dr. Francine Shapiro, originator and developer of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), provides an overview of the history and evolution of EMDR from its inception to current findings and utilization, as well as future directions in research and clinical development. Dr. Shapiro discusses the psychological traditions that informed the development of EMDR and the Adaptive Information model, as well as the implications for current treatment. The rationale for the application of EMDR to a wide range of disorders is discussed, as well as its integration with other therapeutic approaches. Topics include research on the role of eye movements, the use of EMDR with combat veterans, somatoform disorders, attachment issues, and the distinct features of EMDR that have allowed it to be used for crisis intervention worldwide.

“Protocol for Excessive Grief” is excerpted from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Scripted Protocols: Basics and Special Situations illustrating a scripted protocol from one of Francine Shapiro’s 6 basic protocols. “Scripting” informs and reminds EMDR practitioners of the component parts, sequence, and language used to create effective outcomes, and also generates a template for practitioners and researchers to use for reliability and/or a common denominator so that the form of working with EMDR is consistent. This protocol includes 5 steps: process actual events, including the loved one’s suffering or death; process any intrusive images that are occurring; process the nightmare images; process any stimuli/triggers associated with the grief experience; and address issues of personal responsibility, mortality, or previous unresolved losses. The future template is included This protocol addresses the many aspects of grief and mourning to assure the full processing of clients’ concerns.

No abstract