Informed Consent
for
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing

EMDR was developed in the late 1980's. It currently has more scientific research as a treatment for trauma than any other method (except medications). The experience with EMDR by clinicians using it suggests that it may be a very effective tool and that rapid progress mav be made with improved processing of traumatic information. It seems in many instances to assist in a different kind of processing of traumatic information with better integration and perspective. It also appears that it may avoid some of the long and difficult abreactive work often involved in the treatment of anxiety, panic attack, post- traumatic stress symptoms (such as intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks), dissociative disorders, depression, phobias, identity crisis and other traumatic experiences.

Repressed memories surface more by use of EMDR than with other modalities. It is not unusual for a target memory to be linked to other, unexpected material. It is important to note that traumatic material retrieved in any psychotherapy may or may not be historically accurate and is subject to a variety of contamination as are all memories. EMDR does not, in itself, guarantee the accuracy of the retrieved material but may process information whether it is accurate or not. The only way to actually validate retrieved material as historically accurate would be through independent verification. Individuals have been demonstrated to experience information so vividly that they have complete confidence in it as accurate memory. Psychotherapy and EMDR cannot absolutely differentiate between memories that are accurate, distorted, or false based on reports alone in the absence of corroborating data.

Those with limiting or special medical conditions (pregnancy, heart condition, ocular difficulties, etc.) should consult their medical professionals before participating in this therapeutic method. For some people, this method may result in sharper memory, for others fuzzier memory following the treatment. If you are involved in a legal case and need to testify, please discuss this with your therapist.

I have also been specifically advised of the following:
   (a) Distressing, unresolved memories might surface through the use of the EMDR procedure.
   (b) Some clients have experienced reactions during the treatment sessions that neither they nor
         the administering clinician may have anticipated, including a high level of emotion or phys-
         ical sensations.
   (c) Subsequent to the treatment session, the processing of incidents/material may continue and
         other dreams, memories, flashbacks, feelings, etc., may surface. If this happens, write them
         down in your log and bring them to the next session. Also, you may call me anytime.


Before commencing EMDR treatment, I have thoroughly considered all of the above. I have obtained whatever additional input and/or professional advice I deemed necessary or appropriate to having this treatment. By my signature below I hereby give my Informed Consent to receiving EMDR treatment free from pressure or influence from any person or entity.

Client Signature:                                                                                      Date:                                            

Therapist Signature:                                                                                 Date: