The empirical evidence of EMDR’s effectiveness as a treatment for post traumatic stress disorder has been acknowledged by several organizations including the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (Foa, Keane, & Friedman, 2001), American Psychological Association (Chambless et al.,1998), United Kingdom’s Dept. of Health.
In several direct comparisons with cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR appears to be equivalent in effect and to work more quickly, often with less distress for clients. (Vaughan et al., 1994; Rogers et al., 1999; Lee et al., in press: Ironson et al., inpress; Power et al., 2000).
EMDR has an impact on intrusive, numbing and hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD as well as on the grief and depression, which often follow traumatic events. Many studies show a 70-90% decrease in the number of individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for PTSD after 3-6 sessions. (Shapiro, 2001)
With little modification, EMDR has been used successfully in response to a variety of mass casualty events. It can be integrated with other modalities such as supportive counseling or debriefing. (Solomon, 1998)
The efficacy of EMDR in the treatment of those impacted by natural disasters has been demonstrated in controlled studies. (Chemtob et al., in press; Grainger et al., 1997).
EMDR has been used successfully in the treatment of war and terrorism trauma. (Silver & Rogers, 1996; Puk & Silver, 1997; Carlson et al., 1998; Silver & Rogers, in press)
EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Programs (EMDR-HAP) is a non-profit organization, which coordinates direct intervention for trauma survivors and training in EMDR for therapists treating them. This network of professionals has worked internationally in cooperation with relief organizations such as the Red Cross, UNICEF and Catholic Relief Services. EMDR-HAP has set up the Disaster Mental Health Recovery Network to respond to the New York City/Washington D.C. terrorist attacks.
The Disaster Mental Health Recovery Network can be accessed through:
EMDR-HAP
Phone: (800) 531 3640 or (215) 862-4310
Fax: (215) 862-4312
Website
Email
In NYC Please call (917) 626-9117
