An analysis of critical processes and components in EMDR treatment of trauma memories

Very little is known about the mechanisms that underlie the effectiveness of EMDR. Participants will be presented with information to facilitate their understanding of two competing hypotheses to account for EMDR effectiveness. Namely, because it uses similar processes found effective in traditional exposure treatments (reliving). Alternaitvely according to Shapiro's proposal of dual process of attention, the procedure may be successful because it elicits distancing responses. Participants will be able to describe how these competing hypotheses were investigated. The responses made by 44 participants with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) were examined during their first EMDR treatment session. Participants will be able to describe the key process variable found to be effective in EMDR treatment of trauma memories and the extent to which this process is determined by eye movement or by therapist instructions.

Conference

English

Christopher Lee

Lee, C. (2005, September). An analysis of critical processes and components in EMDR treatment of trauma memories. Presentation at the 10th EMDR International Association Conference, Seattle, WA