EMDR and art psychotherapy group supervision

“Simmons has found a way to combine the more structured approach of EMDR supervision with the non-verbal approach used in art psychotherapy and the group analytic approach.”

Chapter Access

Purchase/Subscription Required

Simmons, L. (2025). EMDR and art psychotherapy group supervision (Chapter 7). In M. Smith (Ed.) Group supervision and the influence of culture. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032719085

eBook ISBN9781032719085

Chapter Abstract

“Each therapeutic approach to healing the mind will generate its own culture. In Chapter 7, Lee Simmons provides supervision for art psychotherapists who are also trained to use eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR). She recognises the importance of using the group in order to provide sufficient containment for this work and has incorporated a group analytic approach into her supervision. These three approaches are very different. EMDR follows an eight-step structured approach, art therapists engage the unconscious through drawing, and group analytic supervision uses free-floating discussion. To think about the whole person, Simmons has found a way to combine the more structured approach of EMDR supervision with the non-verbal approach used in art psychotherapy and the group analytic approach. She shows how she is able to use this combined method to provide a containing space for therapists to think about the people they work with.”

About the Book

“Group Supervision and the Influence of Culture explores key themes in group analytic supervision, highlighting the value of thinking that encompasses different perspectives.

In this book, experienced group supervisors draw on their professional experiences from working with trauma, cross-cultural supervision, racism and shame. Part 1 explores unconscious processes, Part 2 looks at working with difference and Part 3 covers the training of supervisors of groups. Part 4 focuses on managing endings and learning from research how to maximise the benefits of group supervision. Finally, Part 5 explores ethics from a relational perspective, recognising that supervisory ethical practice is influenced by the culture of the day.

Group Supervision and the Influence of Culture will be essential reading for anyone providing group supervision, particularly therapists, counsellors, therapists, social workers, probation officers and healthcare staff who provide or receive group supervision. It will be an essential reference for trainees in group analytic supervision.”

—Description from publisher