The Therapeutic Relationship in EMDR Therapy

Area of Science:

• Psychotherapy Research
• Clinical Psychology
• Trauma Treatment

Background:

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy originated in 1987 as EMD for PTSD.
• EMDR Therapy has evolved from a technique into a comprehensive psychotherapy approach.
• The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) Model underpins EMDR Therapy's understanding of pathogenesis and change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the lack of specific description regarding the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy.
• To explore the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy from an attachment theory perspective.
• To propose EMDR Therapy as a sensitive psychotherapy, highlighting parallels with attachment-based relationships.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical exploration and conceptual analysis of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy.
• Application of attachment theory principles to understand the EMDR therapeutic alliance.
• Examination of the structural elements of EMDR Therapy in relation to interpersonal relationship development.

Main Results:

• The therapeutic relationship is identified as a core element of EMDR Therapy, intrinsically linked to its structure.
• Parallels are drawn between the EMDR therapeutic relationship and the development and features of attachment-based relationships.
• EMDR Therapy is proposed to be characterized as a sensitive psychotherapy.

Conclusions:

• A detailed description of the therapeutic relationship in EMDR Therapy is crucial for its development as a psychotherapy.
• An attachment theory-based perspective enriches the understanding of the EMDR therapeutic alliance.
• Further implications for treatment, training, and research are discussed based on viewing EMDR as a sensitive psychotherapy.