EMDR and hypnosis in the treatment of phobias. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Clinical hypnosis and EMDR have both been employed in the treatment of phobias. EMDR has been a controversial treatment method with the research showing mixed results concerning its efficacy. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of hypnosis in the treatment of phobias, but no studies have directly compared hypnosis to EMDR. This paper discusses each approach to treatment, with special emphasis on EMDR. Relevant research and current theories are reviewed along with questions raised and recommendations for future research.