Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing: an update

Rikus Coetzee is a consultant in general adult psychiatry at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham and visiting therapist at the Centre for Trauma Studies and Traumatic Stress Service, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (Westminster House, The Wells Road, Nottingham NG3 6AA, UK. E-mail: rik.coetzee{at}nottshc.nhs.uk). His principal interests lie in the assessment and treatment of trauma across the age spectrum, in particular complex trauma and disorders arising from extreme stress. He is currently doing research into the psychological effects of sustained psychological trauma in wrongful conviction and other miscarriages of justice. Stephen Regel is senior behavioural psychotherapist, head of the Nottinghamshire Centre for Trauma Studies and Traumatic Stress Service, and visiting therapist at the Family Trauma Centre, Belfast. Special interests include cross-cultural responses to trauma, psychological responses to traumatic injury and early interventions following exposure to traumatic events.

Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) is a relatively recent therapeutic approach to the treatment of traumatic memories in the wake of psychological trauma such as those found in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is based on the theory that bilateral stimulation, mostly in the form of eye movements, allows the processing of traumatic memories. While the patient focuses on specific images, negative sensations and associated cognitions, bilateral stimulation is applied to desensitise the individual to these memories and more positive sensations and cognitions are introduced. Although there is still uncertainty about the theoretical concepts underlying EMDR and the role of bilateral stimulation, it is an effective and proven treatment for PTSD and traumatic memories. It should form part of treatment approaches offered to individuals with PTSD.