Artificial Intelligence EMDR--How powerful is it? (Ep. 204: Sander Kamphuis, part 1 of 4‪)‬ The Dissociative Table

This episode is the first in a four-part series, featuring a conversation with Sander Kamphuis, CEO and founder of Moovd. He and his colleagues have created an AI-driven EMDR software called WeMind. WeMind is already being used by thousands of therapists with thousands of clients, has involved some of the biggest names in EMDR (Ad de Jongh, for instance), and is the subject of intense academic research.



This episode contains an introduction to WeMind, how WeMind might develop further in the near future, and a discussion of variant European and American approaches to trauma therapy.



Three subsequent episodes will delve deep into complexities, including possible ethical concerns related to using AI with any therapy for complex trauma, not only EMDR. WeMind has produced robust results for clients with PTSD, and as a result, EMDR is only the beginning for AI and complex trauma. Regardless of what therapy you use, these four episodes will be of great interest.



WeMind is based on the Working Memory Taxation theory of how EMDR operates, and its AI reacts to clients' input on WMT tasks to optimize reprocessing. Initial research indicates a 49% decrease in the time needed to desensitize traumatic memories in PTSD clients (EMDR Phase 4), and research is ongoing to investigate the use with other phases of EMDR, and with more complex clients.



This and subsequent episodes are a considered and impartial exploration, not an advertisement. In later episodes, as mentioned, some very hard questions are asked, and admirably answered by Mr. Kamphuis. It is important to note (as usual) that neither TDT, nor its hosts and associates, have received financial compensation for these episodes. TDT has also directly tested WeMind to avoid absolute naiveté, both in real clinical settings, and in a controlled, experimental manner to test its limits.



Highlights include:



-An introduction to WeMind, including the Working Memory Taxation theory of EMDR that forms the foundations of AI optimization, and how the AI models the client's mind



-The technological implications for an age-related "changing of the guard" in the therapy world



-A brief WeMind demo, with video of the interface



-Differences in European and US clinicians' attitude toward the integration of exposure with EMDR versus extensive "resourcing" prior to reprocessing, with possible reasons and motivations for this



-Recent research and upcoming studies-Sander's argument for the importance of incorporating AI into EMDR, as drawn from the established use of AI in radiology.



Sander's company Moovd, with extensive information on WeMind and access to research, can be found at www.moovd.nl/e. Moovd offers a free trial of WeMind, such that clinicians can decide for themselves.



In future (as in past) episodes, guests will offer counterpoints to Mr. Kamphuis's views, and this video is a dialogue, rather than an endorsement of his perspectives. Likewise, The Dissociative Table does not endorse the views of its hosts, nor do any professional organizations to which the hosts or guests might belong.



Join the discussion of this episode and others at the anonymous, free, clinicians-only discussion board by emailing dissociativetable@gmail.com.



The music in this episode is taken from the song "Burning Mountain," from Cracked Machine's 2024 album Wormwood. The band has generously donated rights to their music to TDT in support of increased global access to effective trauma treatment. Stream or download at: https://crackedmachine.bandcamp.com/