Authors
Renée Beer^1
1Private Practice, Amsterdam, Netherlands


A transdiagnostic approach of eating disorders was introduced by Fairburn (2003) and resulted in CBT-E(nhanced), a treatment-program which has been validated empirically and proven to be successful for both adults and adolescents (Dalle Grave et al, 2020). Clinical practice has demonstrated that EMDR therapy -as add-on therapy- can be effective for the treatment of core symptoms, as described in this approach (like fear-driven and urge-driven symptoms), and of sustaining factors (like clinical perfectionism and negative body-perception).
A transdiagnostic perspective on treatment was introduced by Shapiro (2001) with the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, underlying EMDR therapy. Different types of targets are relevant for different forms of psychopathology. For identification and selection of relevant targets several strategies have been developed by Dutch EMDR trainers in the past years.
Based on these premises an EMDR-Eating Disorder (EMDR-ED) protocol is developed (Beer, 2019; 2024), applicable to both adults and adolescents. Several studies are taking place now, exploring its feasibility and efficacy.

The workshop will introduce the EMDR-ED protocol, clarify the rationale for it, explain how the 8 phases and the 3 prongs are integrated, giving an impression how this protocol can give guidance to the EMDR practitioner in integrating EMDR in the treatment of patients with an eating disorder.

Aim of this workshop:
By introduction of this protocol motivate clinicians to integrate EMDR in their treatment of this target-group, and motivate researchers to test the efficacy and efficiency of this protocol in their country, so data can be collected in different countries.

Methods:
The workshop will consist of information-transfer with power point presentation, illustrations with video-fragments, and exercises with vignettes.

Abstract topic:
EMDR for eating disorders

Learning objectives:
Participants will understand:
• why EMDR therapy can play an essential role in the treatment.
• which eating disorder symptoms and sustaining factors can be treated with EMDR therapy.
• how different strategies for target-selection can help to find relevant targets.

References:
Beer, R. (2019). Protocol for EMDR therapy in the treatment of eating disorders. In: M. Luber (ED.) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Scripted Protocols and Summary Sheets. Eating Disorders, Chronic Pain, and Maladaptive Self-Care Behaviors. New York: Springer.
Beer, R. (2024). EMDR-ED protocol: a transdiagnostic protocol for treating eating disorders in adolescents or adults with EMDR. In: A. Seubert, A., & Virdi, P. (eds.): Trauma Informed Approaches to Eating Disorders. New York: Springer.
Dalle Grave, R, Conti, M, Calugi, S. (2020). Effectiveness of intensive cognitive behavioral therapy in adolescents and adults with anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord. 53: 1428– 1438.
Fairburn, C.G., Cooper, Z. and Shafran, R. (2003). Cognitive behavior therapy for eating disorders: a transdiagnostic theory and treatment. Behavior Research and therapy, 41: 509-528.
Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Basic principles, protocols, and procedures. New York: The Guilford Press.