If you have not searched the popular video website youtube.com for videos on EMDR, you might be surprised to hear that there is a video posted that instructs viewers to use it as a remote EMDR treatment. This self-proclaimed remote EMDR treatement video has been viewed 27,944 times by internet users around the world.
How do you feel about this video? Do you think it gives viewers the right idea of what EMDR is?
January 29, 2009 at 9:57 pm
In my opinion there are a number of problems with the use of this video as a ‘remote EMDR treatment’
The video avoids the use of a number of safeguards that protect the viewer including the 8-stage protocol and a few examples are given below
1. EMDR involves an assessment phase by a trained therapist. By avoiding the use of a trained therapist, potentially unsuitable candidates will not be identified.
2. There is no prior explanation of the principles of EMDR and related relevant material.
3. There is no installation of resources meaning that should the technique produce excessive anxiety in the viewer they are not provided with techniques for managing this.
4. There is no process for identifying relevant targets for an individual and the suggested phrases may be entirely inappropriate for the viewer.
5. There is no assessment of the suitability of using eye movements in the viewer
6. There is no calibration of the eye movements for the viewer
7. The video proceeds without responding to the viewer’s reactions
8. Rather than the classical horizontal movements the video indicates the use of an irregular series of eye movements.
9. The viewer is encouraged to focus on a few loosely related statements which are presented in an unusual sequence.
The video in my opinion misinforms the viewer about EMDR and by encouraging the use of this as a self-help technique, viewers are placed in a potentially vulnerable position. The video has required some degree of effort with an actor, as well as the addition of sound and visual effects. The intentions behind this video are unclear given the concerns it provokes. In my opinion, this video does not represent EMDR and in addition to potential for harm may have implications for trademark infringement.
April 4, 2009 at 9:34 pm
While the video is barely entertaining, it is certainly misleading to associate it with EMDR therapy simply because you can follow the bouncing ball with your eyes. EMDR is not a self-help technique. It is a soundly developed psychotherapy with a standard protocol to be used by trained, qualified, licensed therapists. While use of bilateral eye movements (or bilateral sound or tactice stimulation) is a part of the EMDR process, it is just that — a part. And it is nothing like what is displayed in the video. What a disservice this is to the public and to the mental health profession.
April 6, 2009 at 1:23 pm
EMDRIA agrees that this video is misleading, and we feel that it is unfortunate that so many individuals have viewed this video and as a result, have a misconception of what EMDR is. We a pleased that you are speaking out against something that we agree is a disservice to the EMDR community.
I would be interested to see if any therapists disagree, and feel that this is a positive, or helpful, video and why they feel that way.
June 25, 2009 at 7:25 pm
My friends, you have been pranked. DrGravely has a series of YouTube videos making fun of various treatments. He isn’t very funny, so I don’t recommend them. But this video is not remote EMDR treatment at all. One of the give aways is the goofy sounds that punctuate the video and the way the man in the picture follows the ball.
June 25, 2009 at 7:29 pm
I know that those of us here at EMDRIA are glad to find out that this is not meant to be taken seriously, however, it is still misleading to viewers who may not realize this, which is unfortunate. Thank you for the update Robert!