Prof. Dr. Ad de Jongh is a world-renowned expert in psychotraumatology and anxiety disorders with a distinguished career spanning several decades. He serves as Emeritus Professor of Anxiety and Behavior Disorders at the University of Amsterdam, where he previously led research initiatives at the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam. A dual-qualified professional, he holds both a dental degree and a master's in clinical psychology from the University of Amsterdam, having completed his PhD on dental anxiety from a cognitive perspective. His unique interdisciplinary background enabled him to bridge the gap between dental practice and psychological treatment, establishing him as a leading authority on trauma-related anxiety disorders. Throughout his career, he has held honorary professorships at Salford University, University of Worcester, and Queen's University Belfast, reflecting his international standing in the field.
Professor de Jongh has made seminal contributions to the understanding and treatment of trauma-related disorders, particularly through his pivotal role in developing and implementing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy in the Netherlands since its introduction in 1993. His research has fundamentally advanced the scientific foundation of trauma interventions, resulting in over 500 peer-reviewed publications and six authoritative books that have collectively garnered more than 12,000 citations and an impressive h-index of 62. He pioneered specialized applications of EMDR for complex trauma conditions and developed EMDR 2.0, an enhanced version of the therapy that significantly improves treatment efficiency for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder. His work has been instrumental in establishing EMDR as an evidence-based treatment for psychotrauma, transforming clinical practice standards across multiple countries and influencing treatment protocols for diverse populations including those with dental phobia, complex PTSD, and comorbid psychiatric conditions.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Professor de Jongh has profoundly shaped the field through his leadership in professional organizations, having co-founded both the Dutch EMDR Association and the EMDR Europe Association to advance clinical standards and training. He actively mentors the next generation of trauma specialists, supervising numerous PhD candidates whose work continues to expand the scientific understanding of trauma treatment mechanisms and innovations. His expertise is sought internationally, as evidenced by his involvement with the Psychotrauma Expertise Centre, one of the world's largest treatment centers for PTSD, where he contributes to developing protocols for diverse patient populations including children and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Currently maintaining an active research agenda and clinical practice, he continues to refine trauma treatment approaches while expanding their application to increasingly complex cases, ensuring his enduring influence on both the theory and practice of psychotraumatology worldwide.
