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Background: Eye‐movement protocols are considered empirical, evidence‐based treatments for mental disorders, and there is ample research around their efficacy. However, little research as to why these approaches are effective exists. In this study, an emerging approach, titled Tholáge neuropsychotherapy (called RELEASE at the time of the study), is explained and tested through an exploratory mixed method experiment. Aims: A new theory on the efficacy of eye‐movement treatments is also presented, exploring existing research and contending that specific emotions are associated with specific eye movements. If proven, it may be possible to use eye movements to access specific emotions, for therapeutic outcomes. Methods: In this experiment, there were 14 participants (n = 14) who experienced Tholáge as a treatment for depression. Two one‐way ANOVAs were conducted and found to be statistically significant and have a large effect size. Qualitative responses were shared from participants, and themes were highlighted. Results: The ANOVAs and qualitative responses demonstrated that Tholáge was effective with emotional regulation, and participants showed improvement on measures of affect and depression (the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule and Beck Depression Inventory). Discussion: These results show that there is potential for this new eye‐movement treatment in reducing symptoms of depression. Conclusion: These findings can help practitioners in treatment of depression and potentially other diagnoses as well. There needs to be more research studies conducted on the efficacy of this treatment protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotion suppression is considered a maladaptive form of emotion regulation and is transdiagnostic of numerous mental disorders, including depressive, anxious, and trauma disorders. Existing eye-movement-based inten'entions, stich as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, lise eye movements to access subconscious content and reduce the intensity of associated affect. This article presents information on the neuroanatomy of the eyes, including that the retinas are entirely made of brain tissue. The article then examines the literature on the eyes and their relationship to the men'ous· system, emotion regulation, emotion suppression, psychopathology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment planning, and it explores interventions that use eye movements and contraindications of their use. It also provides resulting helphil tips about all these subjects for counselors to incorporate into their daily practice, and it indicates where further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]