EMDR and perinatal mental health
This chapter explores the application of EMDR therapy as a trauma-focused transdiagnostic treatment that can be used to treat trauma and associated symptoms in the perinatal period.
Chapter Abstract
“The perinatal period, defined as the period of pregnancy until one year post birth, is a time of profound development for parents, infants, and families. Trauma during this time disrupts normative developmental tasks, impacting parents, children, and relationships between family members and with others. This chapter explores the application of EMDR therapy as a trauma-focused transdiagnostic treatment that can be used to treat trauma and associated symptoms in the perinatal period. It addresses the efficacy and safety of EMDR therapy with parents in the perinatal period, and describes a conceptualization model and best practices for implementing all phases of EMDR therapy. In addition, recent data from the application of novel online EMDR interventions designed to reduce pregnancy associated birth trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic will be discussed.”
—Description from publisher
Chapter Access
Purchase/Subscription Required
Tesler Stein, M., Sinclair, M., & McMullen, S. (2026). EMDR and perinatal mental health. In D. P. Farrell, S. J. Schubert, & M. D. Kiernan (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of EMDR therapy. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192898357.013.11
Book Information
About the Book
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—Description from publisher
—Description from publisher
Date
January 27, 2026
Creator(s)
Mara Tesler Stein, Marlene Sinclair, Stacey McMullen
Topics
Pregnancy/Perinatal
Client Population
Children, Families/Parents
Practice & Methods
Case Conceptualization
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Rights
Copyright © Oxford University Press 2026
APA Citation
Tesler Stein, M., Sinclair, M., & McMullen, S. (2026). EMDR and perinatal mental health. In D. P. Farrell, S. J. Schubert, & M. D. Kiernan (Eds.), The Oxford Handbook of EMDR therapy. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780192898357.013.11
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Language
English
Content Type
Chapter
Access Type
External Resource