The best single reference to learn about EMDR is not a specific book. Instead, I suggest you go to the EMDR Institute's home page where you can browse through their helpful resources. If you go there now, please use your browser's Back button to return here. At the Institute's site you will find pages on the history and clinical use of EMDR as well as dozens of references to research papers which have tested the effectiveness of this technique and compared it to many other approaches - in particular the most frequently used therapies which fall under the heading of CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy. The "bottom line" is that EMDR is an effective way of treating a wide variety of client problems: in particular, those resulting from traumatic experiences. It is both effective and efficient - in many cases only a few sessions are required to resolve intense disturbances. It is not the only technique which I use but it is my method of choice for a wide variety of clients and problems.

The reference to "eye movements" in the name EMDR refers to the fact that in the original form of EMDR clients were asked to watch and to follow the path of the therapist's hand - or fingertip - as it was moved back and forth in front of the client's face. (Technically this is known as bilateral stimulation). As EMDR was practiced by literally thousands of clinicians (doctors, psychologists, counselors, etc.) it was found that any form of stimulation which alternated from one side of the body to another could be used in place of eye movements. Tones which were sounded repeatedly first in one ear and then in the other; sets of alternating taps on the left and right hands or knees, or sets of vibrating pulses on the client's finger tips, first the left, then the right hand, could all be used. The important fact was that the client engage in dual attention: that is, they thought about (attended to) some portion of the disturbing event or belief while at the same time attending to the alternating visual input (the moving finger) or other stimulus created by the therapist.

Just how the brain uses this information from the bilateral stimulation to change the impact of the memory or feeling which is causing distress is not altogether clear. Dozens of researchers are currently trying to sort this problem out. What is clear is that this is a very powerful technique and that it can be used with a wide range of clients from the very young to the elderly and with a surprisingly wide range of client issues, for example: phobias, flashbacks, issues of self-esteem, chronic pain and fears of abandonment or separation.