Latest findings in EMDR process research and component analyses

EMDR has gained recognition as an effective PTSD treatment, with effects comparable to prolonged exposure or combinations of exposure with cognitive restructuring. Attempts to dismantle EMDR have led some reviewers to conclude that the eye movements are an inert treatment component and that EMDR is simply a form of exposure therapy. However, several studies have shown that eye movements are associated with decreased subjective distress during treatment sessions, decreased vividness and emotionality of mental imagery, decreased physiological arousal and enhanced episodic memory. These findings have implications for clinicians who are interested in ease of use well as treatment outcome. They also have implications for the habituation/extinction model of anxiety reduction. Limitations of the group design approach to the dismantling of psychotherapies will be discussed, along with the results of two recently completed studies.

Conference

English

Susan Rogers

Rogers, S. (2002, June). Latest findings in EMDR process research and component analyses. In L. Beutler, Discussant, EMDR research and its future: Ecological validity, process research, outcome findings, and socio-political context (Panel Discussion, June 24) (SPR) Society for Psychotherapy Research, International Conference, Santa Barbara, CA