I know people (on and off the forum) who say that they have benefited from EMDR; if it works for them, that's great. Personally, however, I am not an advocate for EMDR. As a professor/researcher, I am swayed more by science and research than by anecdotal experience. In my opinion, the theoretical grounding behind EMDR is not scientifically sound. I've also read the research studies conducted to test the efficacy of EMDR, and they showed EMDR to be far less effective than other forms of therapy (EMDR produced results equal to or just slightly better than the placebo treatment). To date, no studies have found any credible evidence to suggest that EMDR works. Personally, if I am going to undergo any kind of treatment, it has to have scientific backing. I have friends who swear by astrology, healing crystals, and various other pseudo sciences-- but I tend to think their efficacy lies only in the power of belief. I do not believe they produce actual results.

One friend of mine who does EMDR has emphasized the fact that her therapist touches her hands and knees during EMDR, and that this helps her. Outside of EMDR, her therapist has a "no touch" policy. My friend craves touch (physical affection was withheld when she was a child) and she says that, since beginning EMDR, she has felt warmer, more affectionate, and more connected. She says that this is all due to EMDR "changing her brain." Personally, I believe she is benefitting from touch. I do not think the EMDR is working as EMDR; I think the touch aspect is helping, just as touch would help in other forms (hugs, massages, etc).