EMDR and Post Traumatic Stress

EMDR is a treatment modality which was originally developed in the 1980s by Francine Shapiro, PhD for the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder. EMDR is a acronym for "eye movement desensitization and reprocessing". This name was given to the therapy because of a common application involves a patient moving his/her eyes back and forth while remembering specific aspects of a traumatic experience. Dr. Shapiro has written that if she had it to do over, she would call the methodology " Reprocessing Therapy".

When I first heard of it in 1992, I was skeptical for a number of reasons:

I am by nature a fairly conservative person who is not drawn to the "theory de jour".
EMDR theory assumes change can occur very rapidly for trauma victims. For single trauma cases, clinicians were reporting significant benefit in 3-8 visits.
These results were reportedly "textured", meaning that the treatment effect generalized and improved how a client was feeling about a number of issues related to the single trauma.
And, it was claimed that this rapid improvement was sustained. Once treated, clients were not relapsing.

One year later, I enrolled in EMDR training with Dr. Shapiro. I learned that EMDR treatment is based on a foundation of specific, detailed protocols which appealed to my cognitive, behavioral, orientation. Specific, measurable treatment goals are established allowing both clinician and client to know when treatment objectives have been achieved. Following training, I began using it with selected clients. Criteria for client selection were:

Individual did not have a pre-existing condition of psychiatric disorder prior to the traumatic event. This was my own selection criteria and not a limitation recommended by the EMDR Institute.
Individual had experienced a single, significant traumatic event.
Following that experience he/she was experiencing symptoms of post traumatic stress.
Individual was not involved in pending legal case which provided incentive to remain ill. It has been reported that this factor creates a "secondary gain" effect which inhibits the effectiveness of treatment.

Since I have been involved in providing counseling services to law enforcement personnel for the past 25 years, I drew treatment candidates from the pool of police officers who were seeking assistance through our counseling offices. From the very beginning, EMDR therapy proved effective in ameliorating the symptoms of post traumatic stress for my clients. All benefited and reported they were no longer suffering from the debilitating effects of PTSD. Some had other issues such as marital problems or chemical dependency which required additional treatment and those clients were referred for additional assistance.

EMDR is a powerful tool in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorder. The EMDR link on my website can provide a listing of trained practitioners in your area. In selecting an EMDR therapist, always exercise due diligence. Ask about professional training, advanced degree(s), State licensure and experience with EMDR.

If you are suffering from symptoms of post traumatic stress, there are effective treatment options available to you. In my own clinical experience, EMDR is one of them.