Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy

This chapter discusses eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, the only major evidence-based psychotherapy that has emerged with the explicit goal of neural network integration. It describes eight-phase protocol for EMDR and presents a case example, which illustrates the use of EMDR. In addition, functional magnetic resonance imaging studies have found an increase in hippocampal volume after posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients are treated with EMDR. EMDR strategies include frequent brief exposure to the disturbing memory, interrupted exposure, and free association while cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) relies on habituation and prolonged exposure, which often creates high levels of anxiety. The EMDR trained advanced practice psychiatric nurses (APPN) will be richly rewarded as brain changes are literally witnessed during processing with profound changes occurring in a short amount of time. The chapter concludes with information about EMDR certification.

Book Section

English

Kathleen Wheeler

Wheeler, K. (2020, May). In K. Wheeler's Psychotherapy for the Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse, 2nd Edition A How-To Guide for Evidence-Based Practice (Ed)., (pp.  ).  New York, NY:  Springer Publishing Company doi:10.1891/9780826110084.0006