Clinician Experiences With EMDR: Factors Influencing Continued Use

Some EMDR-trained clinicians do not use EMDR. Recommendations for future training/support of newly trained clinicians is provided.

Article Abstract

“This study investigated factors contributing to clinicians’ use or discontinued use of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) as well as obtaining information pertaining to training experiences. Patterns emerged from a survey completed by 239 respondents highlighting some issues associated with discontinued use, specifically loyalty to other treatment modalities and discomfort with using EMDR. Factors investigated were not statistically significant; however, frequency analysis of the survey identified patterns in use and experience. Clinicians who continued to use EMDR reported that they did so because of both its effectiveness and the ongoing consultation they received. Practice setting surfaced as a statistically significant factor, with operating in private practice associated with greater participation in EMDR support activities. A discussion of the adequacy of the training format is presented as well as how prepared the participants felt after completion of EMDR training. Some findings were consistent with earlier studies, and the converging results of loyalty to previous modalities and discomfort using EMDR give rise to recommendations for future training and support of newly trained clinicians.”

—Description from publisher

Article Access

Open Access

Grimmett, J., & Galvin, M. D. (2015). Clinician experiences with EMDR: Factors influencing continued use. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 9(1), 3-16. https://doi.org/10.1891/1933-3196.9.1.3

About the Journal

The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is a peer-reviewed publication devoted to integrative, state-of-the-art papers about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a broadly conceived interdisciplinary journal that stimulates and communicates research and theory about EMDR, and their application to clinical practice. The Journal of EMDR Practice and Research is the Official Publication of the EMDR International Association.