EMDR: The Science Behind the Therapy1 Sep

Episode 14 – New Directions in OCD Treatment with EMDR Therapy

EMDR: The Science Behind the Therapy explores the latest clinical research and practical applications of EMDR therapy hosted by Andrew M. Leeds, PhD, Director of Training for Sonoma Psychotherapy Training Institute. This podcast highlights the latest contributions to EMDR research, practice and training. Each episode breaks down current studies, emerging protocols, and implications for clinical practice. Whether you’re an EMDR-trained therapist, a mental health professional, or simply curious about trauma treatment, this podcast brings you science-based insights you can trust.

This episode examines the preliminary and promising evidence for using EMDR therapy to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Host Dr. Andrew Leeds considers current clinical problems: although exposure and response prevention (ERP) and SSRIs are established first-line treatments, many people have incomplete improvement, discontinue treatment, or remain highly symptomatic—particularly when trauma histories, shame, or poor insight complicate recovery.

The episode reviews case reports, case series, and controlled studies of standard and adapted EMDR approaches for OCD. Several small studies report meaningful reductions in OCD symptoms. One randomized feasibility trial found EMDR and ERP similarly tolerable, without establishing that EMDR is equivalent or superior.

Dr. Leeds interviews psychologist Gian-Paolo Mazzoni about integrating EMDR with CBT and ERP for treatment-resistant, trauma-exposed OCD. Later, he interviews Dr. Paula Krentzel and Jennifer Tattersall about the Distancing Approach, which combines EMDR-based procedures with adaptive coping statements that help clients recognize intrusive experiences as OCD symptoms rather than facts or intentions. The episode closes with emerging research directions and a call for larger, rigorous trials.

References for this episode at: https://www.sonomapti.com/blog/index_files/EMDR_Research_News_September_2026.html

C. Paula Krentzel and Jennifer Tattersall

OCD-Informed Therapist Competencies (FREE) and Training Information

https://www.krentzel-tattersall.com/

Read the latest EMDR Research blog: ⁠https://www.sonomapti.com/blog/⁠

Find our EMDR therapy training programs: ⁠https://www.sonomapti.com/basic-emdr-training/⁠

Subscribe to my newsletter: ⁠https://www.sonomapti.com/newsletter/⁠

Follow me on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewleeds/

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Episoder(14)

Episode 13 - From Qualitative Insights to Meta‑Analyses: EMDR therapy at the Frontiers of Trauma Research

1 Aug 1h

Episode 12: EMDR at the Frontiers of Medical Trauma and Grief

1 Jul 44min

Episode 11 - The Science of EMDR Therapy with Children and Teens

1 Jun 1h 7min

Episode 10 - From Hypertension to Domestic Violence: EMDR at the Heart of Trauma Care

1 Mai 44min

Episode 9 - EMDR: Scaling Healing From War Zones to Waiting Rooms

4 Apr 1h 3min

Episode 8 - How EMDR Therapy Works: The Science of Healing and Neuroplasticity

This episode explores the question “How does EMDR therapy work?” with its focus on EMDR’s use of bilateral eye movements. Other forms of bilateral stimulation are also discussed including kinesthetic ...

1 Mar 1h 2min