Targeting Migraines Using EMDR

• EMDR in practice by Greg Patrick, LCSW, 7/28/97
  • EMDR causes headache by Ray Pridham, 8/13/97
    • Headaches in Therapy by Francine Shapiro, 8/13/97
      
      

As a side-note to this discussion, my wife has had recurring migraine headaches for several years with some severity. Shortly after returning from my level two training in August, my wife was two days into a serious migraine when I suggested we try EMDR and see if this could provide any relief. At this time, she was questioning whether she should take a double dose of her headache medication. I targeted the locus of the sensation and after 3 sets, there was no more pain. The headache did not come back and I was truly amazed as my wife was. This would seem to jive with some of the reports of EMDR's use with chronic pain. I am aware of the necessary precautions especially concerning dissociative disorders, but this area definitely needs more research.

• Anecdote on migraines by Loretta Siliva PhD, 6/22/98