Is EMDR therapy evidence based?
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy which has been recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a first-choice treatment for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD; WHO, 2013).
Are eye movements necessary in EMDR?
Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing is more effective for anxiety or trauma than no treatment or therapies that do not use exposure to anxiety provoking stimuli. Eye movements are not necessary for the treatment effect, and therapist training or populations examined do not influence outcome.
What are the criticisms of EMDR?
There are polarizing beliefs when it comes to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. On one end, it is viewed as a+ cure-all treatment for mental health symptoms. On the other, critics see it as a treatment akin to modern-day snake oil.
How effective is EMDR therapy for PTSD?
Multiple independent and controlled studies have shown that EMDR therapy is an effective treatment for PTSD. It’s even one of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ strongly-recommended options to treat PTSD. One study of 22 people found that EMDR therapy helped 77 percent of individuals using EMDR therapy to treat PTSD.
What is EMDR and is it right for You?
EMDR is recognised by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the World Health Organisation (WHO), which also recognises it as an effective treatment for children. How does EMDR work?
How effective is EMDR for psychosis?
Some research indicates that EMDR may be effective for other mental health issues. For example, it may have a positive effect on psychotic symptoms (in people with both psychosis and PTSD), such as: Research also suggests that the benefits of EMDR persist over time.
How many sessions of EMDR does it take to work?
Other studies that the EMDR Institute cite showed very positive outcomes for the majority of participants after six to 12 sessions. Organizations such as the WHO, the APA, and the Department of Veterans Affairs currently recommend EMDR as a treatment option for PTSD.