Emdr

Specialties Psychiatric

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How do you feel about EMDR for post traumatic stress disorder ?

Specializes in Psych.
How do you feel about EMDR for post traumatic stress disorder ?

What is EMDR?

It is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for post traumatic stress disorder. It has been recommended to me for a trauma I experienced about five years ago., and I was wondering if anyone has seen it done or has an opinion about it.

I got the following off a website:

Krisssy

EMDR Institute, Inc.

EMDR, a complex psychological methodology, accelerates the treatment of a wide range of pathologies and self-esteem issues related to upsetting past events and present life conditions. ... "EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy has emerged as a procedure to be reckoned ... research appears to support the remarkable claims made for EMDR therapy."

http://www.emdr.com

EMDR made a big splash when Fracine Shapiro first introduced it, and it was going to be the next big miracle cure. However, over time, more and more skepticism has developed. As far as I know, there is little or no solid (reputable) research that suggests it is much more effective than the placebo effect.

First, it was supposedly the eye movement that effected the dramatic "reprocessing" in the brain ... Then, it was determined that the same effect (such as it was) could be produced by using rhythmic tapping movements of the hands, and the eye movement wasn't necessary (Shapiro herself finally backed away from the eye movement, after a study found that the treatment was equally "effective" (as much as it was effective) on blind people, and renamed the whole process something new that doesn't have "eye movement" in the name, although I can't remember what the new name is). Then, it turned out that it didn't really appear to be any more effective than any other desensitization technique, with or without eye movements, hand tapping, or any other (IMO) gimmick.

It's been around for a long time now, and I've heard less and less about it as the years go by, although I suppose there are probably still a few "true believers" out there. I suggest that, before you pay anyone any money for EMDR "treatment," you check out some sources other than the official EMDR website ...

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.

Very good point.

EMDR made a big splash when Fracine Shapiro first introduced it, and it was going to be the next big miracle cure. However, over time, more and more skepticism has developed. As far as I know, there is little or no solid (reputable) research that suggests it is much more effective than the placebo effect.

First, it was supposedly the eye movement that effected the dramatic "reprocessing" in the brain ... Then, it was determined that the same effect (such as it was) could be produced by using rhythmic tapping movements of the hands, and the eye movement wasn't necessary (Shapiro herself finally backed away from the eye movement, after a study found that the treatment was equally "effective" (as much as it was effective) on blind people, and renamed the whole process something new that doesn't have "eye movement" in the name, although I can't remember what the new name is). Then, it turned out that it didn't really appear to be any more effective than any other desensitization technique, with or without eye movements, hand tapping, or any other (IMO) gimmick.

It's been around for a long time now, and I've heard less and less about it as the years go by, although I suppose there are probably still a few "true believers" out there. I suggest that, before you pay anyone any money for EMDR "treatment," you check out some sources other than the official EMDR website ...

Have to admit I never heard of it.

Any process that leads you to a realistic feeling of safety and being in control when exposed to stimuli that remind you of the trauma is worth exploration.

Martial arts seems like a logical one to me. Learn how to fight. There is no substitue for the gut knowledge that you can take a punch and keep on going and be able to hurt someone back! Sometimes these things need to be learned at the muscular level. You have to go to the gym and get sweaty.

"Yeah, though I walk throught the valley of death I fear no evil for I am the most dangerous thing in the valley."

Thanks for the replies. Elkpark and Wolfie, I was just wondering what other avenues there are for helping people with PTSD-that you do think are worthwhile checking into. From reading your posts, I respect your knowledge and judgement. Wolfie, I do remember you writing something about PTSD months ago. I am going to try to search for it. And Charlie, thanks for the advice. I think yoga is more my speed-- considering my age and physical size. lol

I have to say that having goals has really helped me to not think about what happened to me. I just applied to graduate school, and I am going to be volunteering in a crisis center. When I am involved in thinking about my professional goals it does really help me to focus on something else besides the trauma. Krisssy

Hi. I use emdr and find it very effective for many with ptsd. One pt. had been through years of different therapies including rebirth, cognitive, etc. (over 15 years worth) and emdr did the trick for her. Very good for traumas including child abuse, but I did have a few (2) dissociate on me and I stopped it. Hope this helps. deb

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