Open AccessEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in Complex Trauma and Dissociation: Reflections on Safety, Efficacy and the Need for Adapting Procedures
Author(s) -
Anabel González
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
frontiers in the psychotherapy of trauma and dissociation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2523-5125
pISSN - 2523-5117
DOI - 10.46716/ftpd.2018.0012
Subject(s) - eye movement desensitization and reprocessing , confusion , dilemma , psychotherapist , desensitization (medicine) , psychology , compromise , dissociative disorders , dissociative , hypnosis , dissociation (chemistry) , medicine , epistemology , clinical psychology , political science , psychoanalysis , alternative medicine , posttraumatic stress , philosophy , chemistry , receptor , pathology , law
Currently there is a heated debate in the scientific community between supporters and detractors of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy as an alternative for the treatment of dissociative disorders. In my opinion, this debate is being raised in terms that lead to some conceptual confusion. In this article, I will discuss the reasons for the existence of such contradictory perspectives and define proposals to solve what I see as a false dilemma. In order to guide the application of EMDR in complex trauma and dissociation, I discuss the following main topics: keeping in mind some kinds of emotion dysregulation, helping the patient to be part of a collaborative decision-making, and introducing bilateral stimulation in a progressive way.