Clinician and patient experience of internet-mediated eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy
This article, by Matthew Bursnall, Benjamin D. Thomas, Hannah Berntsson, Emily Strong, Mark Brayne, MA, UKCP, and Daniel Hind, discusses how many eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapists moved their practice online during COVID-19. At the initial point of ‘social distancing’, 54% of therapists indicated strong or partial reluctance to deliver online EMDR therapy compared to 11% just over one year later.
Article Abstract
“Many eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapists moved their practice online during COVID-19. We conducted surveys and interviews to understand the implementation and acceptability of online EMDR therapy. From 17 June to 2nd August 2021 an online survey was open to EMDR therapists from the EMDR Association UK & Ireland and EMDR International Association email lists, and, through them, their clients. Questions related to determinants of implementation (for therapists) and acceptability (for clients) of online EMDR. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of therapist respondents to provide a deeper understanding of survey responses. Survey responses were received from therapists (n = 562) from five continents, and their clients (n = 148). 88% of clients responded as being extremely or very comfortable receiving EMDR therapy online. At the initial point of ‘social distancing’, 54% of therapists indicated strong or partial reluctance to deliver online EMDR therapy compared to 11% just over one year later. Four fifths of therapists intended to continue offering online therapy after restrictions were lifted. Free-text responses and interview data showed that deprivation and clinical severity could lead to exclusion from online EMDR. Internet connectivity could disrupt sessions, lead to cancellations, or affect the therapy process. Therapists benefited from training in online working. Online EMDR is generally acceptable to therapists and clients, with reservations about digital exclusion, case severity, poor internet connectivity and the need for training. Further research is needed to confirm that online EMDR is clinically non-inferior to in-person working.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Bursnall, M., Thomas, B. D., Berntsson, H., Strong, E., Brayne, M. & Hind, D. (2022). Clinician and patient experience of internet-mediated eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health, 28, 1-12. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-022-00260-0
About the Journal
“Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health is a multidisciplinary journal that emphasizes recovery-oriented care and rehabilitation in mental health.”
—Description from publisher
Date
February 3, 2022
Creator(s)
Matthew Bursnall, Benjamin D. Thomas, Hannah Berntsson
Contributor(s)
Emily Strong, Mark Brayne, Daniel Hind
Practice & Methods
Telehealth
Extent
12 pages
Publisher
Springer Nature
Rights
Copyright © 2022, The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons CC BY license, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
APA Citation
Bursnall, M., Thomas, B. D., Berntsson, H., Strong, E., Brayne, M. & Hind, D. (2022). Clinician and patient experience of internet-mediated eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy. Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Mental Health, 28, 1-12. Open access: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40737-022-00260-0
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access
