Like AT&T

• Confused by PsyDoc in Atlanta, 12/18/98
  
  

I named the method "Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing" after my origninal observation regarding the effects of the eye movement on cognition. In fact, it turns out that this was not the first time such a role for oculomotor behavior had been observed. Many years earlier, Antrobus and his colleagues (e.g., Antrobus, 1973; Antrobus, Antrobus, & Singer, 1964) had demonstrated in systematic experiments that spontaneous eye movements were associated with unpleasant emotions and cognitive changes. In their studies they noted that characteristics of eye movements appeared to correspond significantly with certain cognitive responses (Antrobus, 1973; Antrobus et al., 1964). They reported, for instance, that “The attempt to break up a thought sequence when it is unpleasant or anxiety provoking may very well lead to a series of almost desperate rapid shifts in cognitive activity with consequent ocular motility” (Antrobus et al., 1964, p. 251).

The fact that other forms of stimulation can obtain comparable efficacy fortunately expands the application of the method. However, the name "EMDR" has such worldwide recognition that the name is used much as "Coca Cola" or "AT&T" is used. That is, coca leaves and telegraphs are respectively no longer applicable, yet the name remains. In the case of EMDR, think of it as an ancronym used for historical purposes and little more. EMDR is much more than the form of stimulation incorporated within its extensive, complex, integrative procedures and protocols.

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