Treating spider phobia with Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: Two case reports

Abstract

Two spider phobics were first treated with Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and then received an exposure in vivo session. Results showed positive effects of EMDR, but also suggest that it is especially self-report measures that are sensitive to EMDR. Improvement on a behavioral measure was less pronounced and exposure was necessary to eliminate residual avoidance behavior. This observation confirms the position of those EMDR critics who point out that EMDR effects should be documented with objective and standardized evaluation instruments.