Research demonstrating effectiveness of VSDT®

Research

After demonstrating the efficacy of VSDT®, following its creation in 1998, through hundreds of successes on TV, Nik & Eva Speakman were approached by professors at the University in The Netherlands to carry out scientific and subsequent clinical studies into their therapy.

Research

Scientific Studies & Clinical Trials

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Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

"Effects of "Visual Schema Displacement Therapy" (VSDT), an abbreviated EMDR protocol and a control condition on emotionality and vividness of aversive memories: Two critical analogue studies" (S. Matthijssen et.al.; 2019)

"A randomized controlled dismantling study of Visual Schema Displacement Therapy (VSDT) vs an abbreviated EMDR protocol vs a non-active control condition in individuals with disturbing memories" (S. Matthijssen et.al.; 2021)

"Visual Schema Displacement Therapy versus Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy versus waitlist in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: results of a randomized clinical trial" (S. Matthijssen et.al.; 2024)

Research

In 2017, Professor Ad De Jongh & Dr Suzy Matthijssen of University of Amsterdam and Utrecht University (below) respectively, began studies to examine the effectiveness of VSDT®.

Research on VSDT® was first published in 2019 through two analogue studies. The initial study used a within-group design, comparing the effects of VSDT® and EMDR to a control condition. The second study applied a between-group design, incorporating follow-up assessments. Results indicated that both VSDT® and EMDR were more effective than the control at reducing emotional disturbance and memory vividness, with VSDT® showing advantages over EMDR.

Further research investigated potential mechanisms, such as counterconditioning and arousal due to unexpected elements. At a four-week follow-up, both VSDT® and EMDR demonstrated comparable results.