Posted by Elizabeth on July 11, 1999, at 19:18:50
In reply to Re: eye movement desensitization-? for Toby, posted by Toby on July 9, 1999, at 12:51:19
Toby,
Could you describe in a little more detail what you consider to be the best research on EMDR?
As far as Francine Shapiro goes, I think one reason people doubted her was because her credentials appeared rather dubious; however, I can't recall the details.
It has also bothered people that there is no theoretical basis for why the "EM" component of this treatment *should* work. (That doesn't mean that it doesn't work, however.)
Another issue that has come up is the fact that EMDR is being used for a wide variety of disorders - some of them are things one would expect it to help with, such as simple phobias and PTSD-related fears, but it's also been claimed to cure panic disorder, eating disorders, addictions, and a variety of other things.
It has also been claimed that it works extremely fast, and many clinicians and researchers are skeptical of this. I'm heartened by your more moderate approach.
I think that if the empirical data say it works, that's good, although in the absence of a theoretical reason why it might work, we need to be extra-careful that the studies showing it works are well designed and in particular are well-controlled.
I'm not doubting your professional experience; rather, I'm asking you to answer the questions that have been asked by skeptics, because I really haven't had much of a chance to speak to anyone about it who does believe it works. I would like to hear both sides of the issue. (I literally cannot find anyone locally who is in favor of the use of EMDR. If you know of someone in the Boston area who'd be willing to talk to me about it, I'd be delighted. This is out of curiosity only, not because I require treatment of this sort.)
poster:Elizabeth
thread:8171
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990829/msgs/8599.html