A Digital Solution to Trauma Recovery: EMDR Therapy in the Modern Age

EasyChair Preprint 14919

Abstract

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective mental health treatment, particularly effective for the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which was developed in 1987 by Dr. Francine Shapiro.  Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987, EMDR is based on the idea that unprocessed traumatic memories contribute to psychological distress. The therapy follows an eight-stage process that helps reprocess these memories, reducing emotional and physical symptoms. While traditionally used for PTSD, this therapy has been applied to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and phobias.

This paper explores the theoretical framework, methodology and efficacy of EMDR, highlighting the recent development of computerized systems designed to enhance therapy delivery. Additionally, we introduce a web application that automates this therapy through a self-guided process, utilizing an integrated chatbot to provide users with step-by-step instructions during the therapy session. This innovation offers the potential to expand access to the therapy, making it more accessible for individual sessions without the need for direct therapist involvement. By making the therapy more accessible and structured, this application has the potential to expand access to EMDR and improve outcomes in individual sessions.

Keyphrases: EMDR, PTSD, computerized systems, therapy

@booklet{EasyChair:14919,
  author    = {Robert-Eusebiu Palade and Nicolae Goga},
  title     = {A Digital Solution to Trauma Recovery: EMDR Therapy in the Modern Age},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 14919},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2024}}