Exploring Therapists’ Experiences of Applying EMDR Therapy With Clients Experiencing Psychosis

Abstract

Little is known of the usability of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as an intervention for those experiencing psychosis. This study aimed to explore therapists’ experience of using EMDR with this population. A qualitative design was employed using an inductive approach and a thematic analysis. Twenty therapists, who had used EMDR with this client group, took part in a semi-structured interview to explore their experiences of the intervention. Key themes were generated from the data: (a) Familiarity with psychosis and EMDR, (b) Acceptability of EMDR, (c) The importance of systemic factors, and (d) Keeping key therapy principles in mind. Findings highlighted the importance of supervision to build therapist confidence, the value of the multidisciplinary team and the need for a shift in beliefs surrounding the usefulness of EMDR to the wider system. Recommendations for individuals and services are provided.

Clinicians’ Views on Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy: A Mixed Method Systematic Review

“…Three articles were excluded as no full texts were available to review. Fourteen articles (as outlined in Table 1) were identified as eligible for inclusion in this systematic review: seven qualitative studies (Brendler, 2017;Cook et al, 2009;DiGiorgio et al, 2004;DiNardo & Marotta-Walters, 2019;Hasandedic-Dapo, 2021;Jones-Smith, 2018;Phillips et al, 2021), five mixed methods studies (Dunne & Farrell, 2011;Hasanović et al, 2021;Vuong, 2019), and two quantitative studies (Edmond et al, 2016;Grimmett & Galvin, 2015). The included articles represented studies from the United States (57%), the United Kingdom (29%), Turkey (7%), and Bosnia (7%).…”

“…ANOVA = analysis of variance; CBT = cognitive behavioral therapy; EMDR = eye movement densensitization and reprocessing; PTSD = posttraumatic stress disorder. (Hasanović et al, 2021;Phillips et al, 2021). This is illustrated by one clinician who stated:…”

“…Organizational Support. Clinicians across nine studies discussed the role of organizational support as both a facilitator and barrier to the adoption and implementation of EMDR in clinical practice (Brendler, 2017;Cook et al, 2009;Dunne & Farrell, 2011;Grimmett & Galvin, 2015;Hasandedic-Dapo, 2021;Hasanović et al, 2021;Phillips et al, 2021). Organizational factors that supported clinicians to adopt the approach included the provision of on-site annual funded trainings, a felt expectation within the service to practice EMDR, and suggestions to use the approach from colleagues and supervisors (Cook et al, 2009;Grimmett & Galvin, 2015).…”

“…I mean it comes (up) in interviews, colleagues ask you do you do this, patients will ask are you going to be trained in EMDR; whereas in other settings where I've worked that's never been a part of the culture or climate. (Cook et al, 2009, p. 6) Furthermore, the provision of supervision within the workplace was discussed as an important facilitator to the use of EMDR in clinical practice, providing clinicians with both emotional and practical support Grimmett & Galvin, 2015;Hasanović et al, 2021;Phillips et al, 2021). Supervision was described by clinicians as an important support in supporting them in "consolidating the teaching and learning of EMDR" .…”

“…This was illustrated by one clinician who reported: "It's pretty expensive to get certified, and it took a lot of time, usually entire weekends to go through the trainings, which not many people can afford to devote" (Hasandedic-Dapo, 2021, p. 21). Clinicians across five studies reflected on a lack of support from colleagues within the workplace as a barrier to the use of EMDR, which included colleagues lacking an understanding of EMDR (Dunne & Farrell, 2011;Hasandedic-Dapo, 2021), disagreements from colleagues that led to perceived bullying and cessation of referrals (Dunne & Farrell, 2011), a lack of recognition of the work (Phillips et al, 2021), and negative feedback and skepticism regarding the validity of the approach from colleagues (Brendler, 2017). Furthermore, a lack of ongoing supervision was also reported as a key barrier to implementation, particularly from an experienced supervisor (Dunne & Farrell, 2011;Hasanović et al, 2021;Phillips et al, 2021).…”