Re: Prisons

There is a lot of research indicating that bad (e.g. criminal) behavior arises in part from bad experience. That is, there is a very high rate of trauma history among incarcerated individuals; there is also a high rate of post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Because post-traumatic responses commonly include many things leading to criminal behavior - including anger, loss of empathy, substance abuse, impulsive acting out, etc. - EMDR can offer a lot by treating the traumatic memories.

There has actually been a fair bit of research either published or in press on using EMDR with this type of population, so far with a focus on adolescents (e.g., juvenile delinquents, etc.). For more information I would suggest going to http://www.childtrauma.com and clicking on "conduct disorder." Here you can find a literature review on the role of trauma in conduct disorder, as well as various EMDR-related studies (which include literature reviews of related studies).

I have developed a protocol specific to this population which begins with motivational interviewing, proceeds to cognitive-behavioral self-control training, and culminates in trauma resolution work. This uses a trauma-based model of conduct disorder, and integrates EMDR in various ways throughout. More information on this is available on the website cited above, and in my book, "EMDR in Child & Adolescent Psychotherapy." This is surely not the only possible approach but it is the one being most actively taught and publicized at this time.

I am just beginning a treatment outcome study with some of NY state's incarcerated juvenile delinquents, using the above protocol. Treatment should begin in December with preliminary results available by summer, final results another year after that. I would also be glad to discuss research with those interested in developing a study at your site. My email address is rickygr@childtrauma.com. Also, the EMDR International Association - emdria@aol.com - has a Research Committee which actively supports EMDR-related research by providing consultation and possible collaboration as needed.

This is an area where I believe EMDR can make a significant contribution. Hopefully we will accomplish enough research over the next few years to establish EMDR's role in helping criminals to both recover from their mental health problems and reduce or eliminate their criminal behaviors.

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