Purpose: This research approached psychosis as a dissociative response to early attachment trauma and sought to identify processes between attachment and EMDR that might promote recovery from psychosis.

Basic procedures: Seven participants who had received EMDR for psychosis were recruited and completed two attachment screening measures before taking part in a semi structured interview. The interviews were analysed using the Glaser and Strauss (1967) qualitative grounded theory approach to inductively discover theory from the data. This was approached from a critical realist perspective, and a clear model emerged from the data.

Findings: The model highlighted the role of relationships with therapists and wider supporting mental health team through the EMDR process that encouraged a reconnection with a sense of self and reconnection with others. EMDR processes and improvements in relationships contributed to a reduction in psychosis, greater sense of connection and felt support, personal growth and a sense of distance from trauma in recovery that allowed a return to normal day to day activities. Clinical implications, limitations and future research were considered.”