What treatment is involved?

Dr Valerie has trained specifically in EMDR as a treatment process for veterans that has proven useful. EMDR refers to Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy.

What is EMDR?

The mind can often heal itself naturally, in the same way as the body does. Much of this natural coping mechanism occurs during sleep, particularly during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of therapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences by making use of this natural coping mechanism. EMDR has been used successfully in treating Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental health problems.

Please see this PDF for more detailed information.

Is EMDR science or nonsense?

Here are links to studies done on EMDR in the military context - this is science! Dr Valerie is aware that traumatised people and those struggling find it difficult to get good information at times. Below is the list of current (as of 2020) research papers on EMDR and the military.

Written Resources on EMDR and the Military

Peer Reviewed Articles

• Albright, D. L., & Thyer, B. (2009). Does EMDR reduce post-traumatic stress disorder symptomatology in combat veterans? Behavioral Interventions, 25(1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1002/bin.295
• Ahmadi, K., Hazrati, M., Ahmadizadeh, M., & Noohi, S. (2015). REM desensitization as a new therapeutic method for post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Acta Medica Indonesiana, 47(2), 111-119. Retrieved from: http://www.actamedindones.org/index.php/ijim/article/view/46
• Bandelow, B., Koch, M., Zimmermann, P., Biesold, K., Wedekind, D., & Falkai, P. (2012). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the German armed forces: A retrospective study in inpatients of a Germany army hospital. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 262(1), 459-467. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-012-0289-8
• Boudewyns, P. A., Stwertka, S. A., Hyer, L. A., Albrecht, J. W. & Sperr, E. V. (1993). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: A pilot study. Behavior Therapist, 16, 30-33.
• Brickell, M., Russell, M. C., & Smith, R. B. (2015). The effectiveness of evidence-based treatments in treatment of active military personnel and their families. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 9(4), 198-208. Open access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.9.4.198
• Butler, O., Willmund, G., Gleich, T., Gallinat, J., Kuhn, S., & Zimmerman, P. (2018). Hippocampal gray matter increases following multimodal psychological treatmentfor combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Brain and Behavior, 8(5), e00956. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.956
• Carlson, J. G., Chemtob, C. M., Rusnak, K., & Hedlund, N. L. (1996). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) treatment for combat related posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 33(1), 104-113.
• Carlson, J. G., Chemtob, C. M., Rusnak, K., Hedlund, N. L., & Muraoka, M. Y. (1998). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Treatment for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 11(1), 3-24. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1024448814268
• Cook, J. M., Biyanova, T., & Coyne, J. C. (2009). Comparative case study of diffusion of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in two clinical settings: Empirically supported treatment status is not enough. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 40, 518-524. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015144
• Cukor, J., Olden, M., Lee, F., & Difede, J. (2010). Evidence-based treatments for PTSD, new directions, and special challenges. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1208(1), 82-89. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05793.x
• Devilly, G. J., Spence, S. H., & Rapee, R. M. (1998). Statistical and reliable change with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Treating trauma within a veteran population. Behavior Therapy, 29(3), 435-355.
• Frappell-Cooke, W., & McCauley, M. (2019). Military psychological trauma and therapy: A review of EMDR treatment and supervision in the UK Ministry of Defense. BMJ Military Health, 165(2), 90-93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jramc-2018-001060
• Friedman, M. J. (2006). Posttraumatic stress disorder among military returnees from Afghanistan and Iraq. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(4), 586-593. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.2006.163.4.586
• Graca, J. J., Palmer, G. A., & Occhietti, K. E. (2014). Psychotherapeutic interventions for symptom reduction in veterans with PTSD: An observational study in a residential clinical setting. Journal of Loss and Trauma 19(6), 558-567. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2013.810441
• Haagen, J. F. G., Smid, G. E., Knipscheer, J. W., & Kleber, R. J. (2015). The efficacy of recommended treatments for veterans with PTSD: A metaregression analysis. Clinical Psychology Review, 40(1), 184-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.06.008
• Hernandez, D. F., Waits, W., Calvio, L., & Byrne, M. (2016). Practice comparisons between accelerated resolution therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive processing therapy with case examples. Nurse Education Today, 47(1), 74-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2016.05.010
• Himmerich, H., Willmund, G. D., Zimmermann, P., Wolf, J.-E., Buhler, A. H., Kirkby, K. C., . . . & Wesemann, U. (2016). Serum concentrations of TNF-a and its soluble receptors during psychotherapy in German soldiers suffering from combat-related PTSD. Psychiatria Danubina, 28(3), 293-298. Retrieved from: http://www.psychiatria-danubina.com/articles-issues/9/2016-vol-28-no-3/916?detalji=916
• Howard, M. D., & Cox, R. P. (2006). Use of EMDR in the treatment of water phobia at Navy boot camp: A case study. Traumatology, 12(4), 302-313. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534765606297821
• Hurley, E. C. (2018). Effective treatment of veterans with PTSD: Comparison between intensive daily and weekly EMDR approaches. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 1458. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01458
• Jensen., J. A. (1994). An investigation of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMD/R) as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms of Vietnam combat veterans. Behavior Therapy, 25(2), 311-325. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0005-7894(05)80290-4
• Kennedy, J. E., Jaffee, M. S., Leskin, G. A., Stokes, J. W., Leal, F. O., & Fitzpatrick, P. J. (2007). Posttraumatic stress disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder-like symptoms and mild traumatic brain injury. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 44(7), 895-920. doi: 10.1682/jrrd.2006.12.0166 Open access PDF: https://www.rehab.research.va.gov/jour/07/44/7/pdf/kennedy.pdf
• Kitchiner, N. J., Lewis, C., Roberts, N. P., & Bisson, J. I. (2019). Active duty and ex-serving military personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder treated with psychological therapies: Systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 10(1):1684226. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2019.1684226
• Kohler, K., Eggert, P., Lorenz, S., Herr, K., Willmund, G., Zimmermann, P. & Alliger-Horn, C. (2017). Effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in German armed forces soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder under routine inpatient care conditions. Military Medicine, 182(5-6), e1672-e1680. Open access: https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED-D-16-00307
• Krupnik, V. (2018). Differential effects of an evolutionary-based EMDR therapy on depression and anxiety symptoms: A case series study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 12(2), 46-57. https://dx.doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.12.2.46
• Lipke, H. J., & Botkin, A. L. (1992). Case studies of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 29(4), 591-595. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-3204.29.4.591
• McLay, R. N., Webb-Murphy, J. A., Fesperman, S. F., Delaney, E. M., Gerard, S. K., Roesch, S. C., . . . & Johnston, S. L. (2016). Outcomes from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in active-duty service members with posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 8(6), 702-708. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000120, https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2016-12355-001?doi=1
• Miller, J. R. (1994). Eye movement desensitization reprocessing: Application on the battlefield. U. S. Army Medical Department Journal, Sept/Oct, 33-36. Retrieved from: http://cdm15290.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/p15290coll3/id/17/rec/16
• Moss, D. (2017). The frustrated and helpless healer: Pathways approaches to posttraumatic stress disorders. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 65(3), 336-352. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207144.2017.1314744
• Narimani, M., Sadeghieh Ahari, S., & Rajabi, S. (2008). Comparison of efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and cognitive behavioral therapy therapeutic methods for reducing anxiety and depression of Iranian combatant afflicted by post traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Applied Sciences, 8(10), 1932-1937. https://doi.org/10.3923/jas.2008.1932.1937
• Niroomandi, R. (2012). Efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the Iranian veterans with chronic posstraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after Iran/Iraq War. International Proceedings of Economic Development and Research, 40, 52-56. Open access retrieval from: http://www.ipedr.com/list-66-1.html
• Pitman, R. K., Orr, S. P., Altman, B., Longpre, R. E., Poire, R. E., & Macklin, M. L. (1996). Emotional processing during eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy of Vietnam veterans with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 37(6), 419-429. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0010-440X(96)90025-5
• Rapcencu, A. E., Gorter, R., Kennis, M., van Rooij, S. J. H., & Geuze, E. (2017). Pre-treatment cortisol awakening response predicts symptom reduction in posttraumatic stress disorder after treatment. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 82, 1-8 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.04.010
• Rogers, S., Silver, S., Goss, J., Obenchain, J., Willis, A., & Whitney, R. (1999). A single session, group study of exposure and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing in treating posttraumatic stress disorder among Vietnam War veterans. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 13(1-2), 119-130. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0887-6185(98)00043-7
• Rousseau, P. F., Malbos, E., Verger, A., Nicolas, F., Lancon, C., Khalfa, S., & Guedj, E. (2019). Increase of precuneus metabolism correlates with reduction of PTSD symptoms after EMDR therapy in military veterans: an 18F-FDG PET study during virtual reality exposure to war. European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, 46(9), 1817-1821. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00259-019-04360-1
• Russell, M. C. (2006). Treating combat-related stress disorders: A multiple case study utilizing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) with battlefield casualties from the Iraqi war. Military Psychology, 18(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327876mp1801_1
• Russell, M. C. (2008). Scientific resistance to research, training and utilization of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in treating post-war disorders. Social Science & Medicine, 67, 1737-1746. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.09.025
• Russell, M. (2008). Treating traumatic amputation-related phantom limb pain: A case study utilizing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) within the armed services. Clinical Case Studies, 7(2), 136-153. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534650107306292
• Russell, M. C. (2008). War-related medically unexplained symptoms, prevalence, and treatment: Utilizing EMDR within the armed services. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 2(3), 212-226. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.2.3.212
• Russell, M. C., & Friedberg, F. (2009). Training, treatment access, and research on trauma intervention in the armed services. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(1), 24-31. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-1396.3.1.24
• Russell, M. C., & Silver, S. M. (2007). Training needs for the treatment of combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Traumatology, 13(3), 4-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534765607305440
• Russell, M. C., Silver, S. M., Rogers, S., & Darnell, J. (2007). Responding to an identified need: A joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs training program in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) for clinicians providing trauma services. International Journal of Stress Management, 14, 61-71. https://doi.org/10.1037/1072-5245.14.1.61
• Salvatore, R. P. (2009). Posttraumatic stress disorder: A treatable public health problem. Health and Social Work, 34(2), 153-155. https://doi.org/10.1093/hsw/34.2.153
• Schmuldt, L. M., Gentile, T. I., Bluemlein, J. S., Fitch III, J. C., & Sterner, W. R. (2013). The war within: One soldier’s experience, several clinician’s perspectives. Journal of Military and Government Counseling, 1(1), 2-18. Retrieved from: http://mgcaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/JMGC-Vol-1-Is-1.pdf
• Scurfield, R. M., & Wilson, J. P. (2003). Ask not for whom the bell tolls: Controversy in post-traumatic stress disorder treatment outcome findings for war veterans. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 4(2), https://doi.org/10.1177/1524838002250763
• Sharpless, B. A., & Barber, J. P. (2011). A clinician’s guide to PTSD treatments for returning veterans. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 42(1), 8-15. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0022351
• Silver, S. M., Brooks, A., & Obenchain, J. (1995). Treatment of Vietnam war veterans with PTSD: A comparison of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, biofeedback, and relaxation training. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 8(2), 337-342. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02109568
• Silver, S. M., Rogers, S., & Russell, M. C. (2008). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) in the treatment of war veterans. Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session, 64, 947-957. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20510
• Sinici, E. (2016). Evaluation of EMDR therapy efficacy in treatment of phantom limb pain. Dusunen Adam: Journal of Psychiatry and Neurological Sciences, 29(4), 349-358. https://doi.org/10.5350/DAJPN2016290406
• Steele, E., Wood, D. S., J., Usadi, E., & Applegarth, D. M. (2018). TRR’s warrior camp: An intensive treatment program for combat trauma in active military and veterans of all eras. Military Medicine, 183(Issue suppl_1), 403-407. https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usx153
• Thomas, R. & Gafner, G. (1993). PTSD in an elderly male: Treatment with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Clinical Gerontologist, 14(2), 57-59.
• Vermetten, E., Meijer, L., van der Wurff, P., & Mert, A. (2013). The effect of military motion-assisted memory desensitization and reprocessing treatment on the symptoms of combat-related post traumatic stress disorder: First preliminary results. Studies in Health Technology and Informatics, 191:125-127. doi:10.3233/978-1-61499-282-0-125. Retrieved from: http://ebooks.iospress.nl/publication/33615
• Verstrael, S., van der Wurff, P., & Vermetten, E. (2013). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as treatment for combat-related PTSD: A meta-analysis. Military Behavioral Health, 1(2), 68-73. https://doi.org/10.1080/21635781.2013.827088
• Wesson, M. & Gould, M. (2009). Intervening early with EMDR on military operations: A case study. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 3(2), 91-97. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.3.2.91
• White, G. D. (1998). Trauma treatment training for Bosnian and Croatian mental health workers. American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 68(1), 58-62. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0080270
• Wright, S. A., & Russell, M. C. (2013). Treating violent impulses: A case study utilizing eye movement desensitization and reprocessing with a military client. Clinical Case Studies, 12(2), 128-144. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534650112469461
• Young, W. (1995). Eye movement desensitization/reprocessing: Its use in resolving the trauma caused by the loss of a war buddy. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 49(2), 282-291. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.1995.49.2.282
• Zhutovsky, P., Thomas, R. M., Olff, M., van Rooij, S. J. H., Kennis, M., van Wingen, G. A., & Geuze, E. (2019). Individual prediction of psychotherapy outcome in posttraumatic stress disorder using neuroimaging data. Translational Psychiatry, 9(1), 326. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-019-0663-7
• Zimmerman, P., Biesold, K. H., Barre, K., & Lanczik, M. (2007). Long-term course of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in German soldiers: Effects of inpatient eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy and specific trauma characteristics in patients with non-combat-related PTSD. Military Medicine, 172(5), 456-460. Open access: https://doi.org/10.7205/MILMED.172.5.456

Books/Book Chapters

• Errebo, N., & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2007). EMDR and emotionally focused couple therapy for war veteran couples. In F. Shapiro, F. Kaslow, & L. Maxfield (Eds.), Handbook of EMDR and family therapy processes. New York: Wiley
• Hurley, E.C. (2020) A Clinician’s Guide for Treating Active Military and Veteran Populations with EMDR Therapy. Danver, MA: Springer Publications.
• Lansing, K. (2012). The rite of return: Coming back from duty-induced PTSD. Monterey Bay, CA: High Ground Press.
• Lipke, H. (2000). EMDR and psychotherapy integration: Theoretical and clinical suggestions with focus on traumatic stress. Innovations in Psychology (C. Figley, Ed.) Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press.
• Nickerson, M. I. & Goldstein, J. S. (2015). The wounds within: A veteran, a PTSD therapist, and a nation unprepared. New York, NY: Skyhorse Publishing.
• Royle, L. (2017). "People like me don’t get mentally ill": Social identity theory, EMDR, and the uniformed services. In M. Nickerson (Ed.), Cultural competence and healing culturally based trauma with EMDR therapy (pp. 261-278). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
• Russell, M. C. & Figley, C. R. (2013). Treating traumatic stress injuries in military personnel: An EMDR practitioner’s guide. New York: Routledge.
• Silver, S. M. & Rogers, S. (2002). Light in the heart of darkness: EMDR and the treatment of war and terrorism survivors. New York: Norton.