Client and clinician experiences of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

This mixed methods systematic review aimed to provide insight into clinicians’ views and experiences of EMDR therapy. This study aimed to explore clients’ unique phenomenological experiences of EMDR therapy.

Article Abstract

“Systematic Review Abstract: This mixed methods systematic review aimed to provide insight into clinicians’ views and experiences of EMDR. Eight electronic databases [PsychINFO, PUBMED, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, Applied Social Sciences Index] and grey literature [ProQuest and Google Scholar] were searched systematically from inception to October 2021. Quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) and a convergent integrated approach was used to synthesise and integrate data. In total, 14 studies were included: seven qualitative, five mixed-methods and two quantitative, encompassing 1,065 participants. Thematic synthesis generated two overarching themes and seven subthemes. The first theme related to the facilitators and barriers clinicians experience in adopting and implementing EMDR, including the role of organisational support, clinician confidence, primary theoretical orientation, and client suitability and preparedness. The second theme related to perceived advantages of EMDR, including rapid results and positive outcomes, client empowerment, and getting to the root of the issue. This review provides a helpful insight into the factors which influence the dissemination and implementation of psychological therapeutic approaches.

Main Empirical Paper Abstract: This study aimed to explore clients’ unique phenomenological experiences of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) and their meaning-making regarding this therapeutic approach within the context of an adult mental health service. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was employed to collect and analyse data from six individual interviews with individuals who had completed an EMDR intervention. Three Group Experiential Themes were identified: “Trapped in trauma – self-disorganisation”, “Being ‘in’ the process of processing” and “Moving on – adaptive resolution of trauma”. The study provides an in-depth insight into client’s experiences of EMDR in terms of the many processes and outcomes. The results are discussed in relation to clinical implications.

Article Access

Hammond, M. (2022). Client and clinician experiences of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. [DClinPsych Thesis, University College Cork].  https://hdl.handle.net/10468/13722