EMDR is an approach to psychotherapy that is internationally recognized as empirically supported treatment for acute and chronic posttraumatic stress disorder. EMDR is based on an Adaptive Information Processing model developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D.
EMDR integrates recognized principles from other therapeutic methods including imaginal exposure, mindfulness, cognitive and self-control techniques into a structured treatment plan developed to meet the specific needs of each person. In the reprocessing phases of EMDR, patients pay attention to a specific memory or situation and focus on alternating, bilateral eye movements for 30 to 40 second periods. For patients who do not tolerate or respond to the eye movements, alternating tones or touch (such as hand taps) can be used.
Only mental health professionals, who are licensed or eligible to be licensed to practice psychotherapy, are accepted for training by EMDR International Association approved training programs.
Introductory information on EMDR and links to reliable information on EMDR for a general audience are available on the “What is EMDR?” pages of the psychotherapy site for Andrew M. Leeds, Ph.D., Director of Training for Sonoma Psychotherapy Training Institute.
Here you will find listings of professional resources on EMDR many of which have links to online resources or to full text journal articles in the following areas:
National and international treatment guidelines
Meta-analyses
Controlled studies
Combat Trauma
Studies of hypotheses regarding eye movements
Psychophysiological and neurobiological evaluations
Evaluating Means of Action
Emerging applications
Online EMDR databases and full-text articles
How to locate EMDR trained clinicians in the United States
EMDR professional associations
Professional books related to the practice of EMDR