Description
Hailed as the most important method to emerge in psychotherapy in decades, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) has successfully treated more than one million sufferers worldwide for trauma-related conditions, as well as phobias and other experience-based disorders. EMDR is the essential guide to this remarkable therapy, written by its pathbreaking creator Francine Shapiro.
Drawing on the experiences of thousands of clinicians as well as a vast research literature on depression, addiction, PTSD, and other disorders, Shapiro explains how painful life experiences are physically stored in our brains, making us feel and act in counterproductive ways, and how EMDR therapy can bring relief, often in a remarkably short period of time. EMDR is essential reading for practicing psychotherapists and anyone who seeks to understand why we hurt, how we heal, and how we get better.
Inverse Square Law (verified owner) –
I read the criticisms from other readers and felt that they didn’t understand the intention of the book. They wanted an explanation of how to do EMDR, and this is a casebook of examples not a text. If you want to understand how to do EMDR, you have to read the textbook by Dr. Shapiro that explains the procedures and protocols. If you want to actually do EMDR, you have to take the class. I did last year, and because I haven’t practiced I am taking it again. It’s not something you want to try on your own.
So, if you want examples of cases, read this book. If you want to know the protocols, get the textbook. They are both good. Some of the cases are somewhat graphic in detail, but you get a better idea of “how” EMDR is used. It is a good companion to the text.
I’m not sure I’d want a client to read this book, unless I’d carefully thought about how it would impact them. These are not your run of the mill cases. The majority of cases have suffered extremely horrific traumas to better illustrate how well EMDR can work.
Dr. Willie Olivier (verified owner) –
Very useful and understandable, practical tool and method. It is welcomed as an assett to the counseling profession
Bookworm (verified owner) –
This book is good for having an overview of EMDR and its history. It is not, however, the most current book out there and is also more appropriate for clinicians than for the layman.
Constance L. Kosuda (verified owner) –
Medicare needs to pay for this therapy – for all of us, and for all of our veterans with PTSD – can be cured in 3 sessions, on average – rather than 25+ years of suffering – pick one!
Carol V. Holden (verified owner) –
Excellent introduction and clear and competent explanations of theories, practices, cases, and scripts of EMDR. Marvelous science and even miraculous recoveries of serious varied cases. Greatly appreciated gift of Shapiro and other practicing psychotherapists. EMDR will become a household word. Highly recommended!
Brad Parks (verified owner) –
I’m only a quarter of the way through this book, but if the therapy holds all the promise portrayed in the stories this author tells, it could be a major breakthrough. For the book, it’s an easy read, without a lot of technical detail, and does a great job of describing the therapy and the thought and research behind it in a light and readable style.
Tom (verified owner) –
The book was in excellent condition. (I bought a used copy.) It came promptly and in very good condition. I am enjoying reading about this relatively new approach to dealing with psychological deficits of long-standing. The vendor of this book renders excellent service.
Ladyhawke (verified owner) –
An excellent introduction to the history of the development of EMDR as well as an orientation to the basic process with multiple applications and examples. Brief chapters and the writer’s style make it a must read for anyone dealing with troublesome emotional issues.
S. Weisbrod (verified owner) –
I read this book in conjunction with others written by Sharpiro during the approved training and now use it for clients so they understand how the protocols are used. It’s a helpful tool for therapist and for clients. I’ve heard some people appreciate the stories while others felt discomfort by them. I suggest skipping anything that causes discomfort and discussing it with your therapist. If you are not considering therapy this book may not be helpful to you.
Valeska Haggenmüller (verified owner) –
If you want to find out more about what EMDR is, when and in what ways it’s being used, this is the book for you. Francine Shapiro offers a clear and open description of the history of EMDR and very importantly, she describes what a typical therapist practicing EMDR should be doing, which steps he/she should respect and how you can chose your therapist. It’s a very honest book illustrating the true life stories of so many victims, veterans, rape and abuse victims (and much more) that went through battles they thought they could never conquer, and that were successfully treated with EMDR. It is after this book and after reading David-Servan Schreiber’s recommendations of EMDR that I then decided to give it a try and I can safely say, they didn’t promise too much. My situations were successfully healed and I am so very grateful to have tried it. It is a wonderful revelation, becoming more and more known throughout the world. Very recommendable.
B. Ban (verified owner) –
Good Overview in a simple language for people who are not therapists and considering getting an EMDR session done. Lots of stories of people one can relate to. Best thing is that it doesn’t just stick to classic trauma and talks about small “t” trauma which also can be devastating to a person’s life.
Full cart (verified owner) –
Very informative book for anyone wanting the basics in a clear and easy to digest format. Concise accounts of individual cases. Not too clinical, so an easy quick read.
Michele Von Herbulis (verified owner) –
Purchased book was in great condition.
EMDR has been ver successful for me. The book gave me an idea what to expect and possible results. Good read and worth the purchase.
Tracy G (verified owner) –
I liked this book for its rich examples of how EMDR works and how EMDR was discovered. It is a great introduction to the process. BTW…EMDR has worked wonders for me with PTSD reprocessing in therapy.
Michael Eller (verified owner) –
As a trauma survivor, this book can stir up a lot of material. But, that may be a good thing in the long run. The author makes a case of how superior EMDR is as a form or therapy, so do not get sucked in to the belief that one is in-and-out in four sessions with a cure for life. FOr trauma survivors, EMDR can take years.
J. Jewels (verified owner) –
The book itself was in good condition. EMDR is very interesting as is this research into how memories trap us into patterns of behaviour and thoughts. The author is on a mission but still very informative. Well written and demonstrated.
S. Gilliland (verified owner) –
This book is written for the average reader and NOT for the therapist. It gives you an idea of the success rate of EMDR and what kinds of trauma it helps. I highly recommend it to anyone struggling with depression, anxiety, old traumas, and baggage in general.
William J. Schenker (verified owner) –
This is an excellent guide to EMDR, essential for the practitioner, and for the client to understand the role in therapy
Betsy Prince (verified owner) –
This is a great book and gives many case examples so a person unfamiliar with EMDR can really understand it and relate to it. It can be read by a layperson or a professional therapist. It is easy to understand and most people can relate to the case examples..
Dr Yvonne Waft (verified owner) –
This is a really great handbook for EMDR practitioners. It’s aimed at the self help market but I’m not sure that’s right really. There is some really useful information and guidance for people to use it as self help but there is also quite a lot of technical detail and also a lot of “if this happens you need to see a professional” which I would find disappointing if I thought the book was going to help me fix my problem without seeing a professional. It is a book that doesn’t quite know what it is aiming to do – guide the clinician, or provide self-help. I would say buy it as an easy to read manual for clinicians, but don’t buy it for self help unless you have some knowledge of the field already.
suki (verified owner) –
I can’t wait for this treatment to get into full swing. For anyone who’s been abused as a child and you can’t find a way out, I believe that this may be it. I’ve read both of her books but just have begun the treatment.
Julie Seddon Cabell (verified owner) –
through introduction to the intervention. helped my understand how it might be applied and what is necessary to become certified.
Jeffery S. Herman (verified owner) –
I think this book is actually superior to the second edition. I had to get the second book for the training, but the first provides a clearer and more concise explanation of EMDR. I think the second edition’s presentation is too cookie-cutter and the explanations of the methods are more complicated than necessary. This book is an excellent read. I can see it being fascinating for the non-professional with curiosity about trauma therapy.
Craig Johnson (verified owner) –
This proved to be a hard to resist description of what is proving to be a most powerful therapeutic technique. Intended to be read by non-professionals, it still contains enough meat to be satisfying. Shapiro’s “EMDR as an Integrative Psychotherapy Approach” is intended for clinicians and is difficult to put down – very substantive. Shapiro has gifted the world with great therapeutic tools.
Selliot11 (verified owner) –
Read the book and had a clear understanding of a therapy I was willing to try. I recommend it highly, search out a therapist that you can feel comfortable with. Amazing results and a peace that was reached that was un-attainable through regular talk therapy. Used it for adoption loss grief.
Janette Tams (verified owner) –
A clear description of this fast recovery from trauma.
For those who have spent lots of time and money on talking therapies and STILL have not got to the bottom of their trauma – this is the way. Try it BEFORE years of therapy and self development for the effects of trauma – which is a “natural reaction to an unnatural event, not a flaw in the character”. How liberating.
Joseph M. (verified owner) –
well written
Heather (verified owner) –
Excellent book for those unfamiliar with EMDR. I found the anecdotal stories a great way to gain insight in the efficacy of this treatment.
Kay Schultz (verified owner) –
Good book
T. C. Astill (verified owner) –
A very interesting book, but needs a follow-up citing recent controlled and studies of the therapy and their results.
Olga (verified owner) –
I cannot give this book less than 5; it covers all bases in EMDR treatment.
Sara S. Scovel (verified owner) –
As a psychotherapist, this intervention is of great worth. It has helped many who have suffered trauma. The technique is not as complicated as it seems, but it does require reading, some training, and practice.
Samaria Brugger (verified owner) –
This is an easy read, feel like I understand the process now.
Lou W (verified owner) –
a bit repetitive throughout. editing a subject such as this needs a good editor. good quality, no problems with transaction and purchase of item.
Toni (verified owner) –
Kind of drawn out but good reading
Donna Yates (verified owner) –
Pyrantel Pamoate
Mary White (verified owner) –
Recommended by my therapist. Don’t know yet.
DoroCaro (verified owner) –
I am an EMDR therapist and keep multiple copies of this book on hand to share with patients who want to better understand the process. If you are interested in EMDR therapy please be sure to consult with a therapist trained through the EMDR Institute. EMDRIA certifies therapists at a higher level. It is tremendously rewarding to help patients heal themselves through this process. Good luck to you in your journey.
P. K Sykes (verified owner) –
This is very good introduction to this fascinating form of therapy. It gives a brief over-view of the history of the treatment, and many interesting stories of how it has helped different individuals. Some reviewers have complained that it does not give enough information concerning how to do the therapy, but this is intentional and important. It does describe it in broad terms, but a therapist needs to be trained to do this, not just read about it in a book!
TJ (verified owner) –
emdr is a highly effective form of therapy for trauma when used by competent therapists. this book give is an overview of what is possible.
D. Edge (verified owner) –
Great book easy to read
blank (verified owner) –
Must read for all.
drlarryw (verified owner) –
Helpful
Martie (verified owner) –
Very interesting read for a mode of treatment that isn’t heard about very often. Very helpful!!
luisa (verified owner) –
Great book and easy to read
AMH (verified owner) –
My husband studied EMDR in his counseling courses using this book. With that introduction I gave the book to someone who was preparing to go through EMDR. Because he read the book and knew what to expect he was able to go through EMDR. His therapist thought it would take three sessions, but it only took one. The knowledge he received because of this book made his session effective.
S. Atwe7 (verified owner) –
Incredibly helpful in understanding this trauma treatment technique as a lay person. I think it would be even more useful for those in the field considering this.
EMDR in my own experience has helped my own PTSD. We need more books about it.
Empowerment you know?
emkay (verified owner) –
Interesting read and therapy process for trauma victims. Good reading.
Gypsy Travellers have settled (verified owner) –
Proceeding slowly – reading a couple of other things as well
IanS (verified owner) –
A complete and compelling account of one therapists journey of healing patients via EMDR.
Palm Fan (verified owner) –
This is fascinating and so encouraging to know PTSD can be so successfully treated.
Mel H (verified owner) –
Works good, it’s the same one my therapist uses in her office.
megan (verified owner) –
Useful information in that book.
Kathy Walls (verified owner) –
Very interesting information
J. Lane (verified owner) –
Great technical reading for trauma based therapy.
PK (verified owner) –
Getting a lot out of this book. Well written.
John Macgregor (verified owner) –
Good primer on an unexpectedly potent therapy for PTSD & a host of other ailments.
Unfortunately the writing is less than sparkling. But the book’s content is so useful that you can ignore this most of the time.
EMDR worked for me & friends very well indeed, & the book gave me a deeper understanding of it.
RB (verified owner) –
Helpful
Ryan & Gail (verified owner) –
Couldn’t ask fr more
Dave H (verified owner) –
It certainly gives hope for a drug free solution
Ivy T Frenkel (verified owner) –
Important work, but a bit tedious.
Sieran Lane (verified owner) –
Not bad. This book is filled with engaging case studies, many interesting insights, and informative dialogues between therapists and clients. This isn’t an instruction manual on how to do the eye movements, though, which was a bit of a disappointment. (E.g. How many times do you wave your hand in front of a client? At what distance and what speed? For how long? What if the client complains that you’re making them dizzy? Is there a list of alternatives to waving your hand in front of the client? A few alternatives were named, such as playing audio tones from ear to ear, but a list of these alternative options would be helpful.)
One thing I greatly appreciated about the book, was the inclusion of gay couples. All too often, I read psychology books where all the example couples were cishet. I know that most people are cis and straight, but when you are a gender and sexual minority (I’m a gay trans person), it feels a bit alienating. So kudos to the author for being more inclusive!
The book is very hopeful and encouraging, showing that seemingly incurable cases can be treated too. Yet, is it too optimistic? What about cases where EMDR does not work? Is EMDR sufficient for treating complex trauma? Maybe it works for some kinds of complex trauma, but not others.
One thing I’m particularly curious about, are the eye movements themselves. Currently, experts disagree on what makes them effective, e.g. the REM sleep theory or something else. Some practitioners and researchers disagree on whether the eye movements are even necessary—there are studies that show conflicting results, so the verdict is uncertain. My own supervisor (I’m a counselling student) does not believe in the eye movements, and thinks that the efficacy lies solely in the good talk therapy that happens in session. As for my own opinion, I prefer to keep an open mind, so I’m not siding with either stance just yet. The REM sleep theory of healing is quite intriguing, though.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. Just keep in mind that this is more like a taster of EMDR, rather than an instruction manual for how to practice it.
Sieran Lane (verified owner) –
Not bad. This book is filled with engaging case studies, many interesting insights, and informative dialogues between therapists and clients. This isn’t an instruction manual on how to do the eye movements, though, which was a bit of a disappointment. (E.g. How many times do you wave your hand in front of a client? At what distance and what speed? For how long? What if the client complains that you’re making them dizzy? Is there a list of alternatives to waving your hand in front of the client? A few alternatives were named, such as playing audio tones from ear to ear, but a list of these alternative options would be helpful.)
One thing I greatly appreciated about the book, was the inclusion of gay couples. All too often, I read psychology books where all the example couples were cishet. I know that most people are cis and straight, but when you are a gender and sexual minority (I’m a gay trans person), it feels a bit alienating. So kudos to the author for being more inclusive!
The book is very hopeful and encouraging, showing that seemingly incurable cases can be treated too. Yet, is it too optimistic? What about cases where EMDR does not work? Is EMDR sufficient for treating complex trauma? Maybe it works for some kinds of complex trauma, but not others.
One thing I’m particularly curious about, are the eye movements themselves. Currently, experts disagree on what makes them effective, e.g. the REM sleep theory or something else. Some practitioners and researchers disagree on whether the eye movements are even necessary—there are studies that show conflicting results, so the verdict is uncertain. My own supervisor (I’m a counselling student) does not believe in the eye movements, and thinks that the efficacy lies solely in the good talk therapy that happens in session. As for my own opinion, I prefer to keep an open mind, so I’m not siding with either stance just yet. The REM sleep theory of healing is quite intriguing, though.
Overall, I enjoyed this book very much. Just keep in mind that this is more like a taster of EMDR, rather than an instruction manual for how to practice it.
Emily (verified owner) –
Bought this for an Emergency Psychology class. It was very interesting!
Dotty C (verified owner) –
Information
Dianne (verified owner) –
This book was very helpful in introducing me to the subject of EMDR.
Mary (verified owner) –
A long hard read. Very technical
HK (verified owner) –
That my childhood was tough I knew, but that I experienced so much trauma I didn’t know. Thanks to EMDR it all came up – one trauma at a time – and then it was over (or integrated). It saved my live. I am so thankful that I found my therapist who was very able to help me go through this process(ing). And I am really thankful that Ms. Shapiro brought this method to the light in the eighties.
Melissa House (verified owner) –
Good book lots information. Very helpful.
JaRyHnt (verified owner) –
Enjoyed reading the case studies and techniques used to help clients heal. Great resource!