When the extremist becomes the client: EMDR with former violent extremists

This article discusses the EMDR framework with extremist populations, suggesting EMDR clinicians have a willingness to hold complexity, including the simultaneous realities of perpetration and victimhood, moral injury, post-extremism identity, and emerging neurodivergent presentations, at a time when extremist ideas are increasingly normalised.

Article Abstract

“Violent extremism touches many lives, yet former violent extremists remain one of the most underrepresented and misunderstood populations in trauma therapy. This article draws on 4.5 years of clinical and research work combining EMDR therapy and narrative methods to examine the practical and theoretical challenges of this work, from initial engagement through to issues of identity, endings, and post-therapy life. It argues that while the EMDR framework is well suited to this work, effective practice demands flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to hold profound complexity, including the simultaneous realities of perpetration and victimhood, the rupturing of epistemic trust, and the particular challenges of moral injury, post-extremism identity, and emerging neurodivergent presentations. The article also considers the broader clinical relevance of this work at a time when extremist ideas are increasingly normalised. Many lessons learned apply to other difficult-to-reach populations, and the piece concludes that, with appropriate adaptation and robust support, EMDR offers a genuinely powerful framework for this work.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Ramaswamy, D. (2026, Spring). When the extremist becomes the client: EMDR with former violent extremists. EMDR Therapy Quarterly. https://etq.emdrassociation.org.uk/2026/05/16/when-the-extremist-becomes-the-client-emdr-with-former-violent-extremists/