EMDR and affect theory

Eye Movement Desensitization/Reprocessing, a treatment approach pioneered by Francine Shapiro znd described in her 1995 (Guilford) book of the same name, is a system with promise. It offers an approach to the patient through affect, imagery, cognitions, and sensations (sound familiar?) and is distinguished by the use of a rhythmic alternating bilateral stimulation which can be visual, auditory, or tactile. I can't fully describe ti here, of course, but I wanted to report the growing numbers of people using emdr who are finding the Tomkins affect theory work helpful in one way or another. There have been presentations at both local and national EMDR conferences on using affect theory, with shame in particular and other affects as well. I've been referring people to who mention it on the EMDR discussion group both to Don's books and to this discussion. More cross-fertilization there would be worthwhile, as many of the people who have chosen to be trained in EMDR (in the thousands now) are quite open to newidea

• Tell us more by Don Nathanson, 1/28/97
  • emdr,cont'd by Andrew Stone, 1/28/97
• EMDR Discussion Group by Margaret Blakely, 4/8/97
  • EMDR contacts by Andrew Stone, 7/6/98
• EMDR & Affect Theory by Mary Byrley, 8/10/97
  • Future links between Tomkins Institute and EMDR by Don Nathanson, 8/11/97