According to the World Health Organization (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions that are specifically related to stress. Geneva, WHO Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). No pharmaceuticals are recommended. "Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy is based on the idea that negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours are the result of unprocessed memories. The treatment involves standardized procedures that include focusing simultaneously on (a) spontaneous associations of traumatic images, thoughts, emotions and bodily sensations and (b) bilateral stimulation that is most commonly in the form of repeated eye movements.
Like CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR aims to reduce subjective distress and strengthen adaptive beliefs related to the traumatic event. Unlike CBT with a trauma focus, EMDR does not involve (a) detailed descriptions of the event, (b) direct challenging of beliefs, (c) extended exposure, or (d) homework."
For additional information visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eye_movement_desensitization_and_reprocessing or http://www.emdr.com/general-information/what-is-emdr/what-is-emdr.html.