I think it quite unfair to compare EMDR to astrology and healing crystals. Here is a link to a NY Times article which has links to various studies conducted on the effectiveness of EMDR. The Evidence on E.M.D.R. - NYTimes.com EMDR is noted as an effective treatment by the American Psychiatric Association, Department of Veteran Affairs, and the Department of Defense. I can assure you that none of these organizations promote healing crystals. This treatment has scientific backing. Furthermore, my T does not touch me during EMDR, and that is not part of the standard practice.

All of that being said, I am a firm believer in being in control of your own care. If you do not want to do it, then you do not have to do it. My T has suggested that we do EMDR on a couple of events/topics, and I have instead just chosen to discuss them. In other cases, I have done EMDR. Yes, I have found it helpful, and I am a skeptical, educated, grounded individual and professional in graduate school. This is not soothsaying.