EMDR therapy for psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia: A case series discussing the growing clinical experience and international research

Research around EMDR therapy for schizophrenia and psychosis is sparse: much needs to be critically examined and peer reviewed. Case-reports describe how EMDR therapy has been successful in the treatment of these conditions and case-report evidence appears consistent internationally. Past trauma, when identified as an etiological factor to psychosis, when treated with EMDR therapy, results in its amelioration. PTSD can be safely and effectively treated in people with comorbid psychotic experiences, without destabilizing the psychotic condition. Phenomena such as ‘dysfunctional core beliefs’ can be tracked back to identify suitable targets for reprocessing. The ICoNN method proposes modifications that are in respect to the identification of targets. This AIP-informed understanding of psychosis explains pathology: guides therapeutic endeavor and is predictive of outcome.

Conference

English

Paul Miller

Miller, P. (2016, August). EMDR therapy for psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia: A case series discussing the growing clinical experience and international research. Presentation at the 21st EMDR International Association Conference, Minneapolis, MN