Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: part 1 – theory, procedure and use in PTSD

Abstract

SUMMARY Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is an established psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It involves the use of repetitive eye movements or other bilateral stimulation to aid in the reprocessing of traumatic memories. It is unique in that it does not require extended exposure to or discussion of distressing memories and may result in symptom resolution in fewer sessions than other psychotherapies. In the decades since its initial development, a wealth of high-quality evidence has suggested that EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for trauma- and stress-based conditions, resulting in its inclusion in various treatment guidelines. This article reviews the theory behind how EMDR works, how it is conducted, the evidence supporting its use in the treatment of PTSD and its approved indications and contraindications.

Exploratory pedagogical research of a bespoke eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy training for midwives

“…Moreover, the AIP model postulates that negative behaviours and symptoms are a result of dysfunctional linked memory networks rather than the cause of current dysfunction: this is a trauma‐focused approach to understanding mental ill health. EMDR is a transdiagnostic trauma‐focused psychotherapy and can be utilised for a myriad of mental health conditions such as grief, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorders and depression (Javinsky et al, 2022; Udo et al, 2022).…”

“…Those receiving EMDR therapy are led through eight phases: history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure and re‐evaluation. It uses dual attention stimuli/alternating bilateral stimulation (DAS/ABS) such as saccadic eye movements, auditory tones or tapping to facilitate memory processing and integration (Balkin et al, 2022; Hase, 2021; Portigliatti Pomeri et al, 2021; Udo et al, 2022). Whilst the mechanism of action for EMDR is still under investigation, there is broad support that the dual attention required for EMDR during alternating bilateral stimulation taxes working memory which has limited capacity (de Jongh et al, 2013).…”

“…Those receiving EMDR therapy are led through eight phases: history taking, preparation, assessment, desensitisation, installation, body scan, closure and reevaluation. It uses dual attention stimuli/alternating bilateral stimulation (DAS/ABS) such as saccadic eye movements, auditory tones or tapping to facilitate memory processing and integration (Balkin et al, 2022;Hase, 2021;Portigliatti Pomeri et al, 2021;Udo et al, 2022).…”