EMDR to reduce stress and trauma-related symptoms during recovery from chemical dependency

The following letter from S. Vogelmann-Sine, L. Sine, and N. Smyth discusses a unique application of a therapeutic method termed "eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)" to chemical dependency, suggesting effects of EMDR additional to its impact on symptoms of current and prior stress/trauma in a patient's life. The method of EMDR ordinarily consists of a number of brief "desensitization" periods during a treatment session in which a patient focuses on imaginal material in relation to movements. These desensitization periods are interrupted by the therapist who will probe for associations and redirect the images for the next period. In addition, the EMDR involves "processing" of negative self-cognitions in relation to the stressor(s) and "installation" of positive self-statements in the course of therapy. Other components of the method are detailed by F. Shapiro(see record 1995-98132-000) in the reference cited by Vogelmann-Sine et al in their letter.

Journal

English

Silke Vogelmann-Sine
Larry Sine
Nancy Smyth

Vogelmann-Sine, S., Sine, L., & Smyth, N. (1999, October). EMDR to reduce stress and trauma-related symptoms during recovery from chemical dependency. International Journal of Stress Management, 6(4), 285-290. doi:10.1023/A:1021996406108