TRUTH IN LOVE POLICY STATEMENT ON EMDR

 For the last several years, interest has been growing in a counseling methodology known as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).  The elders of Truth in Love Fellowship and  the leaders of our auxiliary ministries (Truth in Love Biblical Training Center, Truth in Love Biblical Counseling) appreciate the faithful and grace-filled examination by the Biblical Counseling Coalition (BCC)of EMDR and the conclusions they have drawn. The Truth in Love family of ministries are in agreement with the BCC and have adopted a modified version of the "BCC Statement on EMDR."

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SUMMARY OBSERVATIONS ABOUT EMDR
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy was first developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987 as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Her primary book on the EMDR therapy model is now in its third edition.[1] There are currently (Feb. 2024) over 15,000 certified members of their international association EMDRIA, with thousands more non-certified members.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy was first developed in 1987 as a treatment for PTSD. 
Our key observations about EMDR are:
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1. EMDR is a comprehensive system with an underlying philosophy about human problems and change.
2. The Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model is the guiding theory behind EMDR. It explains pathologies as stemming from traumatic memories stored in unhelpful ways.
3. EMDR integrates techniques from various secular therapy approaches but does not incorporate faith or Scripture.
4. While EMDR's intentions to relieve suffering are compassionate, it sees people as essentially good and relies on inner resilience versus dependence on God.
5. EMDR recognizes trauma's physical effects but seeks change through psychological self-healing versus spiritual transformation.
6. EMDR uses regimented protocols but research supporting its effectiveness is limited.

In light of our biblical commitments, we conclude:

1. EMDR is not compatible with a biblical counseling model or worldview.
2. Scripture helps appreciate some aspects of EMDR, is neutral on others, and directly opposes core philosophical assumptions.
3. EMDR may sometimes relieve traumatic symptoms but does not offer true or lasting transformation.
4. Under certain circumstances, aspects of EMDR could serve as a limited aid for believers also receiving spiritual care.
5. We need to develop more robust, Christ-centered alternatives for trauma care in biblical counseling.
6. Elements of EMDR bear striking similarities to biblically forbidden spiritual practices, like enchantments, that open one's mind/emotions to influences contrary to God's Word.

The bilateral stimulation techniques combined with reprocessing memories can make one receptive to messages and influences that detract from dependence on Christ and rely and other spiritual forces. Since EMDR omits spiritual realities and operates independently of Scripture or the Holy Spirit, participants may become susceptible to false beliefs or deceptive emotional experiences.

This risks leading people away from God's truth rather than towards it. As with secular meditation/mindfulness practices, EMDR methodologies require spiritual discernment and warnings due to potential openings for the demonic or fleshly strongholds, especially for less mature believers.
 
At the heart of our concern with EMDR is how it departs from core tenets of biblical counseling and soul-care:

1. EMDR extracts therapeutic practices from secular psychology without input from divine revelation--both Christ and Scripture (the living and written Word)--which should be the wellspring for soul care (Colossians 2:8; Hebrews 4:12).
2. While observations about trauma's effects may offer some relief, EMDR falsely promises the cure for wounds only Christ's redemption can heal (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24). It promotes confidence in self, not surrender to the Savior (Jeremiah 17:5; John 15:5).
3. EMDR's inner looking to memories sidelines the Spirit's ministry (John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 2:14) and Scripture's power to renew minds and transform lives (Romans 12:2; Hebrews 4:12). Techniques can't produce heart change (2 Corinthians 5:17).
4. With no anchor in sanctification (1 Thessalonians 5:23; 1 Peter 1:15-16) or the hope found in Christ (Romans 5:2-5; 15:13), EMDR gives coping strategies but no eternal redemption from sin and suffering (Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 21:4).

 
SUMMARY CONCLUSIONS ABOUT EMDR
In light of our observations, we want to provide  practical recommendations for how biblical counselors can best respond to models like EMDR:

1. Develop critical yet gracious analysis of other methods - Carefully evaluate strengths/weaknesses of EMDR through a biblical lens while maintaining humility and wisdom in communication.
2. Pursue unity despite disagreements - If disagreeing with fellow biblical counselors on EMDR, seek clarifying conversations rather than divisiveness.
3. Expand trauma counseling resources - Examine our current biblical trauma care capabilities and explore areas needing growth in equipping and ministry.
4. Uphold Scripture as supreme authority - Scripture remains the ultimate source for beliefs and values no matter what insights or observations we may glean from studying secular models.

[1] Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and
procedures, 3rd ed.