Re:EMDR and R.E.M

In several early publications, Shapiro also thought there might be a connection between EMDR and REM, based on the commonality of eye movements. However, I would suggest caution so as to not over-interpret this surface similarity and keep in mind the following:

1. State of consciousness: In REM, people are asleep. In EMDR, people are awake.

2. Source of the eye movements: In REM, the eye movements are internally generated. In EMDR they are externally induced.

3. There are no convincing data that eye movements actually contribute to treatment outcome in EMDR.

4. Dreaming is a solitary activity. The specific aspects of EMDR are built into a larger therapeutic relationship and therefore it is reasonable that numerous "non-specific" or "common factors" contribute to the overall efficacy of EMDR.

Replies:

Re:EMDR and R.E.M, by Sandra Paulsen Inobe PhD, 07/01/03

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