175. Is EMDR a Revolutionary Psychotherapy or Pseudoscientific Sham?

Is EMDR therapy legitimate science or pseudoscientific sham? In this provocative debate, Dr. Roger McFillin challenges Taraleigh Stemler, a certified EMDR practitioner and licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), on whether the popular trauma treatment's signature eye movements and bilateral stimulation offer any real benefit, or if exposure therapy—simply facing painful memories—is doing all the heavy lifting. As both clinicians clash over research validity, the "medicalization" of normal emotions, and whether we've created a therapy-dependent culture, this raw conversation exposes the tribal warfare happening within mental health treatment that directly impacts which therapies patients receive. Chapters 00:00 The Wild West of Psychotherapy 06:01 The EMDR Process Explained 12:03 Challenging the Efficacy of EMDR 18:10 Post-Traumatic Growth: A Different Perspective 23:58 Critique of EMDR's Application 30:01 Comparing EMDR to Other Treatments 38:56 Therapeutic Approaches: EMDR vs. Traditional Methods 46:58 Bilateral Stimulation: A Controversial Tool 55:06 Client Experiences and Observations 01:01:54 The Scope of EMDR: A One-Size-Fits-All Solution? 01:07:04 The Need for Research and Evidence in Therapy 01:15:21 Research and Effectiveness of EMDR 01:23:03 The Importance of Therapeutic Relationships 01:29:55 The Power of Courage in Therapy RADICALLY GENUINE PODCAST Dr. Roger McFillin / Radically Genuine Website YouTube @RadicallyGenuine Dr. Roger McFillin (@DrMcFillin) / X Substack | Radically Genuine | Dr. Roger McFillin Instagram @radicallygenuine Contact Radically Genuine Conscious Clinician Collective PLEASE SUPPORT OUR PARTNERS 15% Off Pure Spectrum CBD (Code: RadicallyGenuine) 10% off Lovetuner click here —----------- FREE DOWNLOAD! DISTRESS TOLERANCE SKILLS