EMDR Therapy: A Closer Look at the Controversy

The practice of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) rightfully holds a seat at the table of many current discussions relating to trauma, mental health, treatment options, and more. Opinions on its effectiveness and theoretical basis are wide ranging, making it a controversial topic today, even decades after its introduction to the field. In light of this, a discussion on the history and background of the treatment modality is included below to further increase awareness and acceptance of EMDR amongst the general public and clinical community.

What is EMDR?

EMDR is a therapeutic approach widely used by trained mental health professionals in a variety of treatment settings. American psychologist Francine Shapiro stumbled upon the practice while on a walk in 1987, during which she experienced a relief of distressing thoughts and images while her eyes naturally dashed rapidly. Over the next several months, Shapiro created a standard therapeutic procedure entailing similar eye movements during the recall of distressing memories, and found it to be successful during her preliminary trials with over 70 individuals that same year (2001). Nearly four decades later, EMDR has continued to be a focus of a multitude of research pursuits, all the while morphing the practice into a robust and efficacious treatment option. Though it was originally utilized solely in the treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), EMDR is recognized to be effective in the treatment of many psychopathologies, including disorders in anxiety, depression, adjustment & other stressors, personality, eating, and more.

The Basics of EMDR Theory and Effectiveness:

The practice of EMDR rests on the theory of adaptive information reprocessing, which details that, “if distressing memories and thoughts remain unprocessed, they become the basis of dysfunctional reactions,” (Shapiro, 2001). Additional concepts from well-established theories (including psychodynamic, behaviorism, cognitive, and experiential) were integrated to create the well-versed practice recognized today. Unique to EMDR is the practice of bilateral stimulation: the art of engaging an individual’s senses, from sight to sound, in a purposeful manner to help process thoughts, feelings, and images more effectively through the accelerated activation of the information-processing system (Shapiro, 2001). In essence, EMDR utilizes a combination of previously introduced therapeutic techniques alongside newly recognized stimulations to progress through one’s maladaptive memory networks and instill more adaptive responses.

EMDR in practice utilizes the following 8 stages: client history and treatment planning, preparation, assessment, desensitization and reprocessing, installation of positive cognitions, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. A review of seven meta-analyses has displayed EMDR to be an incredibly safe and effective treatment option (Foa, et al., 2009). Despite the substantial data proving its efficacy, researchers have not concluded which components of the integrated therapy approach are most responsible for its successes. Though this has prompted some level of controversy, researchers have largely recommended EMDR to remain in practice due to the multitude of positive outcomes recorded to date.

When is EMDR the right treatment approach?

As discussed, EMDR is a large part of mental health conversations and as such is often specifically sought out and requested by individuals seeking services. Though it is recognized as an effective practice, a comprehensive assessment by a trained professional should be conducted to solidify if EMDR is the best treatment option. Assessing an individuals’ experiences, alongside the images, beliefs, emotions, physical responses, and interpersonal systems which have resulted from those experiences, will allow a provider to make a well-informed decision on what approach(s) may be best suitable for the individual.

As always, individuals are encouraged to play an active role in their therapeutic journey, and are thus encouraged to ask questions and seek out further clarification if confusions about the process or practice of EMDR arise. Please schedule an appointment or chat with your current BHC provider if you are interested in learning more about the EMDR treatment services offered at BHC!