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Date of Graduation
Summer 2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Educational Specialist (EdS)
Department
Department of Graduate Psychology
Advisor(s)
Debbie C. Sturm
A. Renee Staton
Lennis G. Echterling
Abstract
An abundance of research in trauma-focused therapy has been conducted and continues in the ongoing effort to increase evidence-based approaches to counseling practice. While the therapeutic intervention of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) has existed for decades and is now widely accepted as an effective treatment method for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it continues to be surrounded by controversy and criticism as the utility of the eye-movements and its theoretical basis are still not well understood. In this paper, I have discussed theories of trauma and the impact on mind and body, the evolution of EMDR along with its process, procedure, and proposed theoretical basis, evaluations of its therapeutic effectiveness, criticisms from the psychological community, and recommendations for clinical use and integration.
Recommended Citation
Engelhard, Karen M., "More than meets the eye: Taking a look at EMDR in trauma-focused therapy" (2016). Educational Specialist, 2009-2019. 103.
https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/edspec201019/103
