Clinical Implications and Recommendations Arising from EMDR Research Findings

Abstract

ABSTRACT Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment approach found to be efficacious for trauma-related disorders. This article provides an overview of the EMDR treatment process and briefly describes treatment components. It reviews the current research investigating EMDR treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and research investigating the role of eye movements. The practical clinical implications arising from the findings are discussed. These include factors related to treatment provision, such as treatment fidelity, length of treatment, homework, and the use of eye movements. Also highlighted are client-related factors such as population, type of trauma, multiple traumas, symptom severity, comorbid disorders, and complex PTSD. Where possible, recommendations are made for clinical practice and comparisons are made with other types of treatments.