3. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) is a technique that therapists primarily use to treat people with PTSD.
EMDR involves a person recalling a traumatic event while performing specific eye movements.
EMDR aims to replace adverse reactions to painful memories with less charged or positive responses.
The benefits of EMDR remain controversial, and a 2016 review of studies was unable to identify what part of the treatment is beneficial. One conclusion was that the benefits derive from a person’s exposure to the trauma rather than the eye movement.
4. Exposure therapy
Exposure therapy is a form of CBT. An article in Behavior Research and Therapy notes that therapists have successfully used exposure therapy to treat people with fear and anxiety disorders.
Therapists may use exposure therapy to help treat:
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- PTSD
- phobias
A person undergoing exposure therapy will work with their therapist to figure out what triggers their anxiety. The person will learn methods to avoid ritualistic behaviors or anxiety after exposure to these triggers.
The therapist will then expose the person to their triggers in a controlled environment to put these methods into practice.