IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE
As is found in many articles on EMDR (“The Amazingly Simple, Inexplicable Therapy That Just Might Work,” by Nancy Wartik, Aug. 7), the author mistakenly implies that eye movement itself is the therapy. This is misleading and could result in disappointing results if tried without adequate training and knowledge.
Surely we don’t say that mixing ingredients is the process of baking! EMDR involves a complex mixture established by a trained therapist of internal representations, self-evaluations, emotions and bodily reactions. There is also a measure of intuition, empathetic understanding, deep knowledge of human functioning and an understanding, caring therapeutic context.
Certainly, if eye movement alone was therapeutic, then observers at tennis matches would come away with a renewed sense of psychic health.
RONALD M. DOCTOR
Los Angeles
I’ve been in the practice of psychotherapy since 1970. I just finished advanced training for EMDR and found it informative, useful and decidedly not charismatic. EMDR is not magic, although at times the results can be very impressive.
I have had very good responses from patients in using EMDR to treat trauma, but I would stress that this technique is to be used selectively. And, like Wartik, not much happened when I underwent the treatment in one of the workshops. I experienced better results in another, quieter environment.
RONALD FURST
Santa Monica
I grew up in a verbally and physically abusive home and had been experiencing a tremendous amount of pain over the last three years. This, along with my husband’s past infidelity, had me at an all-time low that I was unable to pull out of, even with the help of two different therapists in three years.
Earlier this year, I began seeing a therapist who told me about EMDR and asked me if I would be open to trying it.
The first session left me physically and emotionally drained but strangely peaceful. Although I needed to go back and repeat the process several times, I can honestly say that I finally feel that inner peace I was searching for.
NAME WITHHELD
Torrance