Information on therapeutic affects of EMDR

Clinical Evidence and Research Findings

Cochrane Review (2013, updated 2022)

EMDR is as effective as trauma-focused CBT in treating PTSD. It showed significant improvement over control treatments (e.g., waitlist, non-directive therapy).
– Bisson et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
WHO Guidelines (2013)

EMDR is recommended as a first-line treatment for adults and children with PTSD.
– World Health Organization, mhGAP Intervention Guide
APA & ISTSS Guidelines

American Psychological Association and International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies include EMDR in the category of "strongly recommended" therapies for PTSD.
– APA Clinical Practice Guideline (2017); ISTSS Guidelines (2018)
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)

EMDR is recommended for PTSD, especially when trauma occurred in childhood or for people who prefer not to speak extensively about trauma.
– NICE Guidelines, UK (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, NG116)

The neurobiological underpinnings are still being explored. Proposed mechanisms include:

Working memory taxation hypothesis
Recalling traumatic memories while doing bilateral stimulation may reduce their vividness and emotional intensity (Van den Hout & Engelhard, 2012).
Neural network reconsolidation
EMDR may promote integration of traumatic memories by engaging brain regions like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
REM sleep analogy
Eye movements may mimic the processes of REM sleep, enhancing emotional processing.

Placebo Effect Hypothesis: Some researchers argue that eye movements are unnecessary, and that any structured exposure could produce similar results.
Standardization Issues: Variability in how EMDR is applied across therapists and clients.
Lack of Mechanistic Clarity: Unlike CBT, which has a well-established cognitive model, EMDR's exact mechanism is unclear.
Overexpansion: Some clinicians apply EMDR far beyond trauma, raising concerns of evidence dilution.

EMDRIA (EMDR International Association) provides standards for training and certification.
Licensed clinicians can become certified EMDR therapists through official training programs.
Certification typically involves:
- 50+ hours of training
- 20+ hours of supervision
- Submission of session recordings
- Continued education

Bisson, J. I., et al. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic PTSD in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
WHO (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress.
APA Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of PTSD (2017).
NICE Guideline NG116: Post-traumatic stress disorder (2018).
Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye Movement Desensitization: A New Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry.
Van den Hout, M., & Engelhard, I. (2012). How does EMDR work? Journal of Experimental Psychopathology.
Moreno-Alcázar, A., et al. (2017). Efficacy of EMDR for PTSD: Meta-analysis. European Psychiatry.
Cusack, K., et al. (2016). Psychological treatments for adults with PTSD: A review. Journal of Clinical Psychology.