title: Using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing to enhance treatment of couples.
abstract: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a clinical technique may enhance treatment effectiveness when applied within a couple therapy approach that is emotionally and experientially oriented. Clinical experience indicates that EMDR-based interventions are useful for accessing, activating, tolerating, and reprocessing the intense emotions that often fuel dysfunctional couple interactions. Using EMDR within conjoint sessions to reprocess negative emotions can amplify intimacy, increase connection, and subsequently lead to a change in problematic relationship patterns.
authors: Marriage and Family Therapy Doctoral Program, Virginia Tech, 840 University City Blvd., Suite 1 (0515), Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. hprotins@vt.edu
authors: H
authors: H
authors: Protinsky
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Sparks
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Flemke
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D019546:Couples Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003887:Desensitization, Psychologic; D005133:Eye Movements / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology