Behavior OnLine EMDR Forum Archive, 1999

    Re: EMDR and phobias
    Brian G. · 2/15/00 at 12:31 am ET

    Let's take a closer look at the references provided by Dr. Shapiro:

    De Jongh, A., Ten Broeke, E.T. & Renseen, M.R. (1999) The treatment of specific phobias with eye movement
    desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Protocol, empirical staturs, and conceptual issues, 13, 69-86

    From the abstract:

    With regard to the treatment of childhood
    spider phobia, EMDR has been found to be more effective than a placebo control condition, but
    less effective than exposure in vivo. The empirical support for EMDR with specific phobias is still
    meagre, therefore, one should remain cautious. However, given that there is insufficient research
    to validate any method for complex or trauma related phobias, that EMDR is a time-limited
    procedure, and that it can be used in cases for which an exposure in vivo approach is difficult to
    administer, the application of EMDR with specific phobias merits further clinical and research
    attention.

    Less than conclusive evidence as you can see.

    Next:

    Shapiro, F. (1999) Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Clinical and research implications of an
    integrated psychotherapy treatment. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 13, 35-67.

    From the abstract:

    Unfortunately, some research has been
    conducted that has been severely hampered by insufficient treatment fidelity and lack of clinical
    validity. Consequently, this article will attempt to describe the procedures and protocols that are
    believed to contribute to EMDR's clinical effects and are, therefore, suggested for the EMDR
    treatment and research of the anxiety disorders. This is particularly relevant given the
    misconceptions that have abounded due to the unfortunate naming of the procedure after the eye
    movements, which have proved to be only one of many useful types of stimulation, and only one
    of many components of this complex, integrated treatment.

    Look at Dr. Shapiro's article in light of another:


    Rosen GM.
    Related Articles

    Treatment fidelity and research on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
    J Anxiety Disord. 1999 Jan-Apr;13(1-2):173-84.
    PMID: 10225507; UI: 99240013

    Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing was introduced by Frances Shapiro (1989) as
    a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. When controlled studies failed to support the
    extraordinarily positive findings and claims made by Shapiro, proponents of EMDR raised the
    issue of treatment fidelity and criticized researchers for being inadequately trained. This paper
    considers the issues raised by EMDR proponents. It is concluded that treatment fidelity has been
    used as a specious, distracting issue that permits the continued promotion of EMDR in the face of
    negative empirical findings. Clinical psychologists are urged to remember the basic tenets of
    science when evaluating extraordinary claims made for novel techniques.

    Dr. Shapiro, it would be better to address the major issues of EMDR in totality instead of attempting to selectively reference.

    As far as posting one-sided comments, please review the last 2 years of postings from yourself and others on this discussion group.

    Brian

    Replies:
    • Re: EMDR and phobias, by Shapiro, 2/15/00
      • Re: EMDR & phobias, by SR, 2/18/00
        • Re: EMDR & phobias, by Robert P. O'Brien, Ph.D., 2/18/00
          • Re: EMDR & phobias, by Gerald C. Davison, Ph.D., 2/22/00
            • Re: EMDR & phobias, by , 2/22/00
              • Re: EMDR & THE PLACEBO EFFECT, by Brad A. Alford, Ph.D., ABPP, 5/8/00
            • Re: EMDR & phobias & Lyme Disease, by Brad A. Alford, 5/13/00

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